How Student-Athletes Are Rethinking Their Career Paths: Turning Passion into Business

As a student-athlete, you’re no stranger to juggling tight schedules, balancing practices, games, and academic commitments. But in today’s world, many Gen Z student-athletes are starting to look beyond the traditional career path, aiming to carve out their own entrepreneurial ventures while still excelling in their sports.

While the idea of becoming a franchisee has traditionally been seen as a career move for older, more experienced professionals, a new wave of young, entrepreneurial student-athletes are embracing franchising as a way to take control of their financial futures. In a world where the traditional 9-to-5 job no longer holds the same appeal, student-athletes are seeing franchising as an opportunity to build a business while maintaining the flexibility needed for their sports schedules.

Why Student-Athletes Are Turning to Entrepreneurship

Traditionally, young athletes who focused on their sport often had to put their career aspirations on hold. But now, as more student-athletes explore business ventures, they’re finding ways to create their own success off the field. With many Gen Z students skeptical of the long-term benefits of traditional corporate careers—especially with student loan debt and a tough job market—franchising provides a unique opportunity.

For example, student-athletes are finding that owning a franchise allows them to maintain financial independence and gain valuable business experience, all while still having time to train and compete. This entrepreneurial route offers them the freedom to balance their passion for sports with the chance to run a business.

“I always knew I didn’t want to be tied down to a corporate job where I’m stuck behind a desk all day,” says sophomore basketball player, Alex Harris. “Franchising gives me a way to build something of my own while still being involved in sports, and it’s a great way to secure my future beyond athletics.”

The Changing Landscape of Franchising

Franchises are no longer just for retirees looking to make a career change. Many young, ambitious individuals—including student-athletes—are diving into this industry and making their mark. With franchises that offer lower fees and easier operational models, it’s becoming more accessible for those who may not have large amounts of startup capital or business experience.

Franchisors like Frios Gourmet Pops and Stretch Zone have noticed a rise in young applicants, many of whom are athletes. For example, Stretch Zone CEO Tony Zaccario emphasizes that many of their franchisees are under 40, and some are even in their 20s. Zaccario points out that the franchise model’s simplicity and the opportunity to earn a good income without large upfront costs attract a generation that values independence and flexibility, characteristics that resonate with student-athletes.

Balancing Sports and Entrepreneurship

While student-athletes are busy training for their sport and competing at a high level, many find that running a business can provide them with a sense of control over their schedule and future. “As a college athlete, the timing of practices and games is often unpredictable. Owning a franchise lets me work at my own pace and be my own boss, which gives me the freedom to focus on my sport without stressing over a traditional 9-to-5 job,” says Emma Collins, a swimmer at a Division I university who recently became a franchisee with a fitness brand.

The flexibility of owning a franchise allows student-athletes to stay committed to their sports while also exploring business opportunities. Moreover, the skills learned through managing a franchise—leadership, time management, customer service, and marketing—are highly transferable and can help student-athletes build a career after graduation, whether they continue in sports or transition into business.

Building a Business Using Social Media Savvy

For Gen Z, who are digital natives, using social media to market their franchises comes naturally. Many young franchisees are leveraging their social media platforms to build a brand and connect with their community, a strategy that appeals to those who are already skilled at engaging with online audiences.

At Frios Gourmet Pops, for example, Gen Z franchisees are using Instagram and TikTok to attract customers to their food trucks and retail locations. By posting engaging, fun content that showcases their products, they’re able to build an online presence that resonates with their peers. This form of marketing is something that comes easily to student-athletes, who are accustomed to sharing their personal journey with their followers.

The Road Ahead for Gen Z Student-Athletes

With the rise of opportunities in franchising, student-athletes are finding new ways to shape their futures. The traditional path of seeking a job after college may no longer be the only option, and many are taking control by pursuing businesses of their own while still competing at the highest level.

For many athletes, the idea of owning a business is no longer a far-off dream. It’s a viable, practical option that’s gaining traction every day, and it’s one that allows them to shape their own career while doing what they love. “We have the drive, the discipline, and the work ethic that it takes to run a business,” says Harris. “Now, we’re just showing the world how we can make it happen.”

In the end, student-athletes are proving that success isn’t limited to the field. It’s about creating opportunities, building resilience, and taking charge of your future, on and off the field.