Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, with over 30 years of global sports industry experience, this podcast isn’t about quick fixes or empty talk. It’s a platform for authentic, purpose-driven conversations that go beyond the game to explore how sports can drive positive, actionable change.
Born from a passion for impact, Pre-Zero Sports Talk dives into today’s most pressing themes: performance and well-being, leadership, innovation, coaching, community impact, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, governance, geopolitics, and more. Each episode cuts through the noise and greenwashing, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues — stories that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark transformation. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business leader, or someone who believes in the power of sport to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, inspires, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in shaping a cleaner, safer, and more connected world — one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Beyond Scholarships: Coaching Student-Athletes for Life, Not Just College
Navigating college admissions has never been more complicated, especially for student-athletes. In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah meets with Shellee Howard, a global college strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of College Ready, to explore the truth behind scholarships, NIL, and the mental stress faced by young athletes today.
Shellee shares her personal journey from guiding her son to Harvard debt-free to helping thousands of families make smarter, more intentional college decisions. They explore the myth of the “full ride,” the emotional impact of the NIL era, and why sports should be a tool for growth rather than a financial gamble.
Whether you're a parent, coach, or student, this episode features real stories, valuable insights, and practical takeaways to help you prepare not just for college but for life after the game.
00:00 Beyond Scholarships: Coaching Student-Athletes for Life
01:17 Meet Shellee Howard: A Journey to College Ready
04:33 The Challenges of Scholar Athletes
06:30 The Financial Realities of Athletic Scholarships
09:11 Case Study: Water Polo Athlete's Journey
13:42 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Wins
24:57 Navigating College Affordability
25:47 Trump’s Executive Order on NIL
26:47 Parental Guidance in College Selection
29:22 The NIL Debate and Its Implications
37:34 Challenges for Female Athletes in Admissions
43:03 Growing College Ready into a Movement
48:06 Lightning Round: Personal Insights
50:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents
- Learn more about Shellee here
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