TPH is proud to announce the addition of Steve Sanders as Chief Growth Officer, adding a proven leader in youth sports, education, marketing, and business development to the organization’s executive team.

With a storied career spent catalyzing growth for some of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment powerhouses, Sanders joins TPH to lead the next era of strategic expansion, ensuring the organization’s holistic impact on student-athletes and their families reaches unprecedented heights.

Most recently, Sanders served as CEO of SPIRE Academy, where he led transformational multi-sport growth and elevated the academy’s national presence. His experience also includes leadership roles in technology, marketing, and revenue operations with globally recognized brands and organizations, including IMG Academy, Evert Tennis Academy, Disney on Ice, Monster Energy Supercross, Monster Jam, Marvel Universe Live, Jurassic World Live Tour, Six Flags, and FC Barcelona US Academy.

“Steve is one of the most respected relationship-builders and strategic thinkers in youth sports,” shared Alan Keeso, CEO of TPH Academy. “What makes him such a strong fit for TPH is not only his experience, but his understanding of the impact this model can have on families and student-athletes. He’s a visionary leader who genuinely cares about helping young people grow.”

Sanders’ career has been shaped by leadership, service, and a passion for youth sports and education.

A veteran of the United States Army, Sanders served for 10 years as an officer and helicopter pilot before becoming the 3rd Army Deputy Director of Aviation for the Middle East. Following his military service, he transitioned into sports and education through leadership roles with ATLARGE and Atlas Networks, helping lead strategy, marketing, and technology initiatives for some of the world’s premier sports and entertainment organizations.

“Sports academies are one of the few places where you can have multigenerational impact and influence,” Sanders shared. “The more I learned about the business, the more I realized how meaningful this work can be. Helping shape young people during some of the most important years of their lives is something I care deeply about.”

That philosophy aligns closely with TPH Academy’s mission of helping student-athletes develop both academically and athletically.

TPH Academy combines a flexible, NCAA-accredited academic model with integrated athletic and personal development, allowing student-athletes to pursue elite training opportunities while receiving a customized education built around their goals. The model supports families navigating demanding travel, training, and competition schedules while prioritizing long-term growth both in and beyond sport.

For Sanders, success has always been about more than athletic achievement alone. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on helping student-athletes develop the leadership, confidence, discipline, and character needed to succeed long after their playing days are over. While college placements and competitive success are important outcomes, his philosophy centers on preparing young people to thrive in every stage of life.

For Sanders, this perspective is also deeply personal. When he isn’t leading strategic initiatives, he is often found on the ice coaching his children’s hockey team, where he experiences firsthand the invaluable life lessons sports instill in young athletes and their families.

“Sports teach so much more than athletic skills,” Sanders said. “It teaches teamwork, confidence, resilience, and the motivation to work hard toward something meaningful. Watching young athletes discover that for themselves is something I love being part of.”

As TPH Academy scales its reach across academics, athletics, and community partnerships, the addition of Steve Sanders signals an exciting step forward. His leadership will be a catalyst that accelerates TPH’s mission to advance, in and beyond the game, the next generation of impact players.

About TPH Academy:
TPH Academy is an international, academy-style environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing — in and beyond the game — the next generation of impact players. Through a flexible, accredited academic model, onsite academic support, individualized planning, world-class coaching, and sport-specific training, TPH Academy equips student-athletes with the structure and support to pursue excellence without compromise. Learn more at TPH Academy and explore the 2024-2025 Impact Report.