Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Williams.
Hi Anthony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Connected Athletics started in 2020 during the pandemic, out of real conversations between former NCAA and NFL players who had lived the full athletic journey.
With sports shut down, it became clear how many athletes and families were trying to navigate recruiting, academics, and life after sports without a real plan. Too often, they were reacting instead of being proactive, and we had all seen how that story usually ends.
We created Connected Athletics to change that. The goal was simple: help athletes and parents understand the entire process before, during, and after their playing days. Not just how to get recruited, but how to prepare, make informed decisions, and successfully transition when the game ends.
From the start, we leaned into technology and AI as tools to guide athletes through each phase of their journey. Today, our mission remains the same. Provide honest guidance, clear planning, and long-term support so athletes are set up for success on the field and in life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The early days of Connected Athletics were hard. There is no way around that. We were trying to build something meaningful in a crowded market, with limited resources, a lot of uncertainty, and plenty of moments where progress felt painfully slow. Even today, the grind has not gone away.
What carried us then and still carries us now is our faith in God and a deep belief in the vision. We knew why we started this. We had lived the journey ourselves, seen the gaps, and felt a responsibility to do something about it. When things got tough, we leaned on prayer, trusted God’s timing, and kept moving forward.
We pitched Connected Athletics at startup and pitch competitions and did gain interest from potential investors. The message was encouraging but clear. They liked the idea, but they wanted to see more traction and more revenue. Instead of forcing growth or chasing funding before we were ready, we made a conscious decision to bet on ourselves and on the mission.
That decision led us to pivot toward a grassroots growth model. We focused on relationships, word of mouth, and showing up consistently for athletes, parents, and coaches. No shortcuts. No hype. Just real work and real impact.
Texas became our proving ground. Slowly, trust turned into momentum. Momentum turned into growth. And that growth was earned, not bought.
We are still building. Still pushing. Still believing. And through it all, we remain grounded in faith, driven by purpose, and committed to serving the next generation, no matter how saturated the market may be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an Account Technical Executive Director for Cadence Design Systems. Cadence is a market leader in AI and digital twins, pioneering the application of computational software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. I specialize in high tech digital solutions during the day and coaching, mentoring empowering youth, high school and college athletes in my spare time and on weekends. I’m known for leveraging my background as a competitive former college football player and that skill set into every thing I do in both of my worlds. I’m most proud of the players and engineers that I mentor and develop with a sports mentality to meet and exceed their goals and dreams. My faith sets me apart and allows me to stay above the fray and not get caught up in rumors, good and bad days, adversity etc. because I faced all of those things my life as an athletes since I was 8 years old.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I could give one message to athletes coming up behind me, it would be this:
**You are more than your sport.**
Your talent can open doors, but it is not the foundation of your life. What lasts is your character, your discipline, and who you are when no one is watching.
Have a plan early. Not just for the game, but for school, relationships, and the person you are becoming. Do not drift and hope it works out. Be intentional.
Believe in God and build a real, personal relationship with Jesus. That relationship will guide you through the highs and lows of life and sport. Wins, losses, setbacks, and success all look different when your identity is rooted in Him.
Stay humble. Stay coachable. Listen to people who tell you the truth.
The game will end one day. Make sure you are building a life that lasts beyond it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.connectedathletics.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectedathletics
- Twitter: @connectedathusa
