Blake Steed | Next Play Athlete of the Month
"Accountability is crucial because it teaches you how to become more responsible with your actions" - Blake Steed
Athlete of the Month
We're thrilled to introduce our Athlete of the Month.
Every month, we recognize and celebrate the dedication, passion, and hard work of an outstanding athlete in our VIP community.
We call them 'Next Play Athletes' because they are disciplined, determined, and don't let anything stop them from achieving what they want.
They always move forward because they stay focused on their Next Play.
Size and talent alone don't make up who they are; heart and character do.
They actively seek coaching and accountability, working tirelessly to improve crucial skills such as marketing and selling themselves.
Meanwhile, their peers often wait for coaches to approach them and then resort to making excuses.
It is always one of the hardest decisions to make.
That said, this month we would like to honor, congratulate, and recognize, Blake Steed.
A few quick facts about Blake Steed:
Position: Outside Linebacker and Long Snapper
School: Rockwall-Heath High School
Goal: Secure a College Football Scholarship
Offer: Culver-Stockton
Signed: Culver-Stockton
A few quotes and insights from our athlete of the month:
1. What inspires you to work so hard towards earning a scholarship?
"Knowing that it will pay for my schooling and knowing that hard work has put me in the elite group of the few who earn a scholarship."
2. Why did you think it was important to start this process as early as freshman year?
"I learned that even starting the process late was better than never trying at all because it helped me find a new path for my future. It even helped me to gain more motivation knowing that I am getting more exposure."
3. How important is accountability in achieving your scholarship?
"I believe it is important because it teaches you how to become more responsible with your actions as well."
4. What do you believe stops athletes from getting a scholarship?
"I believe that it is the athletes own motivation and accountability, it could also be due to an athletes attitude and maturity."
5. What do you believe is the biggest reason that gets in their way?
"Just not enough exposure because of a lack of marketing and outreach to college coaches."
Are you inspired by his story and journey?
Blake Steed's journey to collegiate athletics is a powerful story of persistence and the relentless pursuit of a dream, grounded in a solid system, mentorship, and accountability.
Growing up in Rockwall Heath High School, Blake was determined to seize every opportunity that came his way, never letting any challenge deter him from his goals.
Even with a late start and multiple setbacks, Blake faced each obstacle head-on.
Injuries and car accidents couldn't keep him down...
Instead, he used each experience to fuel his determination, embodying the "Next Play" mindset.
Blake knew that achieving his dream required proactive effort...
So he spent countless hours reaching out to coaches, sending emails, and managing communications, always selling his vision of playing college football and striving to be the best version of himself.
His hard work and persistence finally paid off when he received his scholarship offer.
Blake believes that the skills he's gained will not only enhance his athletic career but also prepare him for success in any professional field he pursues in the future.
As Blake prepares to take the field, he does so as a resilient fighter, equipped with the ability to market and sell himself, overcome rejection, and push beyond his limits.
He understands that growth comes from embracing discomfort, a lesson that has been crucial to his development.
Blake Steed is more than just a player; he's preparing for life beyond the game.
He stands as an inspiration to any young athlete who feels they started too late or faces numerous rejections.
Blake's message is clear: Begin now, persevere through the challenges by focusing on your NEXT PLAY, and recognize the transformative power of persistence when combined with a structured system, dedicated mentorship, and strong accountability.
Blake Steed's rise is just beginning, but with his unwavering determination and resilience, his potential is limitless.
--
Richie Contartesi, Founder of Next Play
Watch Blake & His Parents Share The Story:
Apply To Work 1-on-1 With Richie
Richie's mentorship program provides access to the entire Next Play® protocol for earning a football scholarship, complete with mentorship, coaching, and accountability for your son, thereby ensuring he develops into an elite communicator, leader, and businessman, and ultimately earns a full-ride scholarship.
