For years, high school athletes have been told to chase the dream — make the team, earn the scholarship, go pro. But what happens when the roster spots shrink? When the transfer portal changes recruiting overnight? When the game ends?

Game Changers is stepping into that gap.

Beginning Tuesday, the Sports Leadership Tour returns as a four-city experience designed to help student-athletes build identity, opportunity, and direction beyond competition. The 2026 tour will begin in

Youngstown (4/28), move to Cleveland (4/29), stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (4/30), and conclude at The Ohio State University (5/11).

This is not a camp. It is not a combine. It is not motivational fluff.

It is a blueprint.

Throughout the day, students will engage directly with executives, entrepreneurs, and performance leaders who have built careers around sports — not just on the field, but in the front office, corporate spaces, and professional development arenas.

Among the featured speakers:

— Celeste Bell, Human Resources executive with experience across MLB, the New York Giants, the LPGA, and academia — offering insight into how athletes transition into professional leadership roles.

— Mike Adams, former Buckeye and Pittsburgh Steeler turned entrepreneur — sharing lessons on reinvention and ownership.

— Dr. Maurice Thornton, clinical mental health therapist specializing in sport and performance psychology — addressing mental toughness and identity.

— Jarvis Hall, finance professional with Citizens — breaking down NIL, money management, and financial literacy.

— Chris Curd, Flag Football Foundation leader with ties to the NFL Draft — highlighting evolving sports pathways.

The message is clear: separate yourself. Build your name. Own your future.

Parents and coaches know the statistics. Very few athletes advance to compete at the highest level. But every athlete possesses discipline, teamwork, and leadership — traits that translate into careers in business, finance, marketing, operations, analytics, and beyond.

The Sports Leadership Tour helps them see it before it’s too late.

Attendance is limited. No walk-ins will be accepted. Registration closes Sunday at 7 p.m.

For families and coaches who believe athletics should open doors — not close them — this is the moment to act.

Registration information is available at WeAreGC.org.