History

“We believe in the power of character and relationship building – it is the foundation for being a great teammate and contributor to society.” - Rams Head Coach Sean McVay

"ISOI has become an integral part of our vocabulary. We start every conversation with, ‘What are we teaching and what are our students learning from this experience?’ The InSideOut Initiative is changing the conversation about the value and purpose of high school sports in Colorado." - Paul Angelico, former CHSAA commissioner

“The Atlanta Falcons are proud to support the InSideOut Initiative throughout the state of Georgia. We are committed to providing resources that will effectively shape the culture of sports and focus on character development of Georgia student-athletes.” - Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons President & CEO

“Thanks to the InSideOut Initiative and the support of the Colts, we have administrators, coaches and ADs refocused on being transformational and not transactional – they are refocusing on why we do what do on a daily basis. The InSideOut Initiative is truly changing high school athletics in all 92 counties here in Indiana.” - Matt Wolfert, President IHSAA Foundation

"It is important to educate and guide coaches to truly understand why they coach and the impact they have on young men and women." - Training Participant

“This investment will help equip our students and coaches with the skills and confidence they need to develop as leaders in our city, for our city." - Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools

“We know that winning is important to our programs, but intentionally focusing on the social and emotional development of our students through their participation is the true purpose of athletics in an education-based setting.” - Erich Martens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School League

"Returning the focus on the purpose of high school sports and activities to preparing students for life after high school through the avenue of sports and activities will have a tremendous effect on the social-emotional and character development of students." - Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA Executive Director

"This initiative is needed in today’s society and will help us reemphasize what the real purpose is of our interscholastic athletic programs, which is to provide educational opportunities. We're certainly pleased that the InSideOut Initiative is in Ohio and will provide guidance for our schools." - Dan Ross, OHSAA Commissioner

“We have been very encouraged and impressed at the level of support and buy in from school superintendents, school boards, administrators, athletic directors and coaches across Tennessee. The stage is set for us to bring meaningful, impactful and sustainable change that will aid in the growth and development of student-athletes throughout our state.” - Josh Corey, Football Outreach and Community Relations Manager, Tennessee Titans

“Everybody likes to win, but with education-based athletics, there’s a higher purpose. We’re here to raise good stewards and good citizens.” - Debbie Decker, Executive Director of Athletics of Katy ISD Athletics

“The InSideOut Initiative is having a tremendous impact on the lives of student-athletes in Virginia. Our collaboration has been critical in helping foster purpose-based athletics programs that support the social-emotional and character development of our more than 190,000 participants." - Dr. Billy Haun, Executive Director of the Virginia High School League