Revamped InsideOut Initiative Aims to Transform Indiana’s Student-Athlete Culture
A renewed partnership between the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Foundation, and national partners is bringing a revamped InsideOut Initiative back to Indiana. This program, backed by the NFL Foundation, is designed to shift the culture of school sports away from a “win-at-all-costs” mentality and toward a focus on developing student-athletes into well-rounded individuals and future community leaders.
The initiative’s return is driven by a deep-seated belief that sports should be a vehicle for personal growth, not just a measure of athletic performance. According to Trip Lukemeyer, director of the IHSAA Foundation, the goal is to see student-athletes as “truly an individual and the next leader in our community,” rather than simply “a jersey number.” This philosophy underpins the entire program, which aims to equip school leaders and coaches with the tools to foster a more purposeful and character-driven approach to athletics.
The Program: Beyond the Sidelines
This new version of the InsideOut Initiative is more comprehensive than its predecessor, introducing a second phase of training and featuring a greater emphasis on “transformational leadership.” Andy Matis, senior manager of football development for the Indianapolis Colts, explains that the goal is to “educate athletic departments and coaches on the importance of being a transformational coach over a transactional coach.” In this model, coaches are not just focused on winning; they are mentors who prioritize the development of their athletes’ character and purpose.
The program’s initial focus is on athletic directors, who will participate in national virtual workshops and leadership conversations. The intent is that these leaders will then share the lessons learned with their coaching staff and, in turn, with the broader school community. The program’s content is rooted in helping leaders find their “why” and a deeper understanding of their purpose.
This approach acknowledges a critical reality of student-athlete life: the vast majority will not go on to play at the professional level. As Matis points out, “We know how slim the chances get making it to the next level. So we want to continue to increase educational opportunities for coaches to know how to continue to instill those characteristics in their athletes.” The initiative prepares young people for life after sports by building essential skills that will serve them in their future careers and personal lives.
A Broader Commitment to Indiana Youth
The re-launch of the InsideOut Initiative is part of a larger commitment by its partners to the youth of Indiana. While the IHSAA Foundation will lead the effort on the ground, the Indianapolis Colts are committed to leveraging their brand to amplify the program’s reach across the state. This collaborative approach ensures that the message of transformational leadership can reach a wide audience, from large urban high schools to smaller, rural communities.
For schools across Indiana, the opportunity to enroll in the program remains open, with the next training cohort scheduled to begin on September 17. The program will continue with monthly sessions through the end of the year and into the next. To support participation, leadership development grants are also available through the IHSAA Foundation, removing potential financial barriers for schools that want to join the movement.
In a world where the pressure to win can often overshadow the true purpose of sports, the revamped InsideOut Initiative stands as a powerful statement. It is a commitment to the well-being and long-term success of student-athletes, recognizing that the most valuable lessons are often learned not just on the playing field, but in the journey of becoming a leader. This program is more than a coaching clinic; it is a movement to transform the culture of sports from a win-loss ledger into a tool for building character, purpose, and future leaders for Indiana’s communities.