GTZ Athletics GTZ Athletics was founded in 2023 through a grant from Nevada’s First-Generation Network at the University of Nevada, Reno. What began as a small effort to support a handful of student-athletes quickly grew into a vital support system for hundreds of youth in Reno and Sparks. We saw a need for students with potential but without access to consistent academic support, mentorship, or guidance about life after high school.

So we became the missing piece.
 Learn More Futures Worth Investing In Every tutoring session.
Every family meeting.
Every conversation about goals.

It all adds up to brighter futures, stronger communities, and opportunities that change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

HELP US REACH MORE STUDENTS GTZ Athletics GTZ Athletics was founded in 2023 through a grant from Nevada’s First-Generation Network at the University of Nevada, Reno. What began as a small effort to support a handful of student-athletes quickly grew into a vital support system for hundreds of youth in Reno and Sparks. We saw a need for students with potential but without access to consistent academic support, mentorship, or guidance about life after high school.

So we became the missing piece.
 Learn More Futures Worth Investing In Every tutoring session.
Every family meeting.
Every conversation about goals.

It all adds up to brighter futures, stronger communities, and opportunities that change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

HELP US REACH MORE STUDENTS GTZ Athletics GTZ Athletics was founded in 2023 through a grant from Nevada’s First-Generation Network at the University of Nevada, Reno. What began as a small effort to support a handful of student-athletes quickly grew into a vital support system for hundreds of youth in Reno and Sparks. We saw a need for students with potential but without access to consistent academic support, mentorship, or guidance about life after high school.

So we became the missing piece.
 Learn More

Where Student-Athletes Build Their Future — On and Off the Field

GTZ Athletics provides free tutoring, mentorship, and athletic guidance to student-athletes from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.  We are helping them grow in confidence, character, and opportunity.

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Our Impact

In just 18 Months

238 student-athletes supported
100% graduation rate among participating seniors
68 students joined academic and cultural clubs
57 students successfully transitioned into high school with confidence

GTZ Athletics is more than a program.  We are the bridge between families, schools, and sports.

Talent is everywhere. Access is not.

Why GTZ Athletics Matters

Many student-athletes have the drive to succeed but lack the guidance, academic support, or family resources to navigate the journey. GTZ Athletics fills that gap  at no cost to students, families, or coaches.

WE HELP STUDENTS
Improve grades and stay eligible
Build confidence and leadership skills
Understand pathways to college and careers
Stay engaged in positive school activities
Overcome obstacles with a strong support team

Read more about it in our 2023-2024 Impact Report

GTZ Athletics Impact Report

*This data was collected during the time the grant was funded from 2023-2024.

18
Months
238
student-athletes supported
100%
graduation rate
68
students joined academic and cultural clubs
57
students successfully moved on to high school with confidence

7 different paths to playing sports in college

  • NCAA Division 1 (D1) & Division 2 (D2) athletic scholarship This is the highest and most competitive level of collegiate athletics governed by the NCAA. Achieving success at this level requires immense hard work, dedication, and access to critical resources such as camps, showcase tournaments, and scouting opportunities. Many people don’t realize the level of commitment and effort it takes just to earn a scholarship offer for Division 1 or Division 2 opportunities.
  • NCAA Division 3 (D3) or the NAIA The D3 level of college athletics does not offer athletic scholarships, but does offer other means of paying for school. Another governing association that does offer partial scholarships is the NAIA, which is considered to be around the same level as D2 or D3 of the NCAA.
  • Graduate schoolStudent athletes are allowed to play college sports as a graduate student. The way to go about it is the same as D1/D2/D3/NAIA – the only thing that matters is the amount of eligibility years left to play. Technically, someone who did not play at all as an undergraduate student, could still play their eligibility years during a master’s program.
  • Community College transfer Also known as “JuCo” is a very common pathway that most athletes know of and may choose to participate in for different reasons. The college sports entity that governs JuCo athletics is called the NJCAA. They also have Divisions 1, 2 and 3. a. The NJCAA, NCAA and NAIA all govern colleges that officially offer sporting teams to compete against each other, and the schools fund the expenses for travel, coaching staff, etc. Each association provides the guidelines as to which schools can offer teams and how they will function.
  • Club sportsAny student at a community college or 4-year institution can start a student led club of their sport of choice. This pathway is completely student led. To start a charter, students need to find an on-campus faculty advisor, find their own coach, and must have their own governing board of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Club teams then must make their own schedule playing against other club teams from other schools and fundraise for their own travel. Some colleges have a specialized unique sports club team system, while other schools do not. Either way, any student can start any sports club and compete against other schools.
  • MilitaryThere are unique examples of people enlisting in a military branch and then after they complete their contract, they enroll in either community college or four-year university to study and play sports as well. Most military branches offer sports to service members to engage in during their time serving in the military, and then the military pays for college. 7) Overseas – Finally, opportunities exist for student athletes to play sports in colleges in other countries outside of the United States.

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    Our Mission

    To support student-athletes from low-income and first-generation backgrounds through academic tutoring, mentorship, and athletic guidance, while actively involving families to create strong support systems at home, in school, and in sports.

    Our Vision

    A future where every student-athlete, regardless of income or background, has the knowledge, support, and confidence to pursue their goals in education, athletics, and life.

    A Student's Potential

    At GTZ Athletics, we believe potential should never be limited by circumstance.
    When students are supported, families are engaged, and communities work together,  futures change.

    You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

    FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

    Balancing school, sports, and life can feel overwhelming. GTZ Athletics is here to help you stay on track, improve your performance, and plan your future.

    We help with:

    • Tutoring and grade improvement
    • Athletic development and training guidance
    • Goal setting and motivation
    • Understanding college and career pathways
    • Building confidence and leadership skills

    Whether you want to play sports in college, join a trade, or explore new opportunities.
    We help you create a plan that works for you.

    Start Your Journey