A devastating knee injury ended her tennis dream, but this athlete’s story didn’t end there. Sammi Ekmark, a former tennis prodigy, is now making waves as a successful entrepreneur, proving that athletes can excel off the court, too. But is the transition from sports to business as seamless as it seems?
Ekmark, now 29, was a tennis sensation. She started young, and by the time she was in college, she was a top-50 ranked player in the United States. Her dedication was absolute; she maintained an impressive 92-0 record in high school, practicing daily for hours on end. Her single-minded focus on tennis, however, came at a cost. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it worth it?
Ekmark’s hard work paid off when she received a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU), where she played for their Division I team. But tragedy struck during a late-night college tournament when she suffered a major ACL tear, a career-threatening injury. This setback forced her to take a year off, and though she returned to the sport, it was never quite the same.
During her recovery, Ekmark discovered a new passion: business. She co-founded Ink’d Greetings, a personalized greeting and gift card company, with her husband Andrew in 2023. This pivot from tennis to entrepreneurship has proven successful, with the company generating over $25,000 in monthly revenue, according to CNBC Make It.
Ekmark’s journey highlights the sacrifices athletes make for their sports. In the U.S., parents invest significantly in their children’s athletic pursuits, with annual costs averaging $3,000 per child, according to New York Life. However, the odds of making it to the professional level are slim. NCAA data reveals that less than 2% of athletes in their schools turn pro. A harsh reality check, isn’t it?
Ekmark acknowledges the challenges, admitting she prioritized tennis over academics. This is a common theme among aspiring professional athletes, who often sacrifice a well-rounded education and social life for their sport. But what happens when the sports dream doesn’t materialize?
Many student-athletes struggle post-university, facing mental health issues and identity crises, according to Kate Fitzgerald, a former student-athlete and co-founder of SPORTx at ASU. Fitzgerald notes that while athletes may have exceptional skills, they often lack the corporate experience needed to secure jobs, putting them at a disadvantage.
Despite these challenges, Ekmark believes that athletes possess the qualities to become great entrepreneurs. A bold statement, but is it true? She argues that the discipline, focus, and determination required in sports are transferable to the business world.
The recent House v. NCAA settlement in 2024 has ushered in a new era for college sports, particularly regarding athlete compensation. Division I athletes from 2016 to 2025 are set to receive $2.75 billion in back pay, and colleges can now directly pay athletes. This shift from amateurism opens up new opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and explore entrepreneurship.
Ekmark and Fitzgerald both agree that the new NIL landscape is a game-changer. It allows athletes to capitalize on their names, images, and likenesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurial ventures. Programs like ASU’s SPORTx are now in place to mentor athletes and help them navigate this new terrain.
So, is the transition from sports to entrepreneurship as smooth as Ekmark’s story suggests? The odds are challenging, but with the right support and mindset, athletes can indeed find success beyond the playing field. What do you think? Are athletes naturally equipped to become entrepreneurs, or is this a romanticized notion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!