Why I Built Grit Sports (And What This Award Means)

It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention. For me, necessity looked like a confused parent, a determined athlete, and a recruiting process that left us both exhausted.

I’m honored to share that I’ve been named one of the Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs by Top 100 Magazine. This recognition is a reminder that when we build for real people with real challenges, it matters.

Before I was a founder, I was a mom trying to help my son chase a dream. He had the talent to play college baseball, but navigating recruiting was like putting together a puzzle with missing pieces. No central timeline. No clear guidance. Just a lot of stress and a deep fear of doing it wrong.

Even with 20+ years of experience in tech and product strategy, the recruiting system felt overwhelming. That’s when I knew: If I couldn’t figure this out, what were other families doing?

Putting on my product hat, I did some research and found a gap and an opportunity. So I left corporate life to build the thing I wish we had: a platform that gives families a clear roadmap, trusted guidance, and a place to feel seen.

 

“We don’t just provide information; we cultivate perseverance, confidence, and long-term growth.”

— Top 100 Magazine

 

Grit Sports isn’t about flashy highlight reels or expensive recruiters. It’s about simplifying the journey and showing athletes how to show up with strategy, discipline, and grit.

To be recognized among the Top 100 Innovators is a moment of reflection, and it’s also a moment of momentum. Because more families than ever are saying:

  • “I wish this existed when we were going through it.”

  • “Now I know what to do and when to do it.”

  • “Finally, someone gets it.”

So what’s next? More learning. More voices. More athletes reaching their goals and feeling confident doing it.

If you're new to Grit Sports, this is a great time to get started. We’re building something that truly meets families where they are.

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🔹 Read the Full Top 100 Feature 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. The best is yet to come.

— Michele Konetski
Founder & CEO, Grit Sports

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