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ALPHA SPORTS MICRO-SCHOOLS: A VISION FOR PARTNERSHIPS

By: Michael Gendell
April 22, 2025

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY​

Joe, thank you for considering me for a role within the Alpha ecosystem. After our conversations and my time with Gary, as well as a valuable discussion with Arpen yesterday, I've developed a focused vision for how I can contribute to the growth of Alpha Sports Micro-Schools as a transformative force in education.

The traditional education system did not suit me. And it failed countless others who stared out windows, feeling stifled in their development, watching potential slip away while confined to rigid structures that don't serve individual greatness. This is why I'm passionately committed to the Alpha vision.

I understand that Alpha already has a strong team of four dedicated to the ambitious goal of launching 1,200 micro-schools in Texas next year and 5,000 schools the following year. Rather than suggesting I can solve this challenge alone, I propose to complement these efforts by serving as Director of Sports Partnerships, focusing specifically on accelerating growth through strategic relationships with key sports figures, universities, and organizations.

MY ROLE: DIRECTOR OF SPORTS PARTNERSHIPS​

I envision my role as:

  1. Partnership Development: Leveraging my extensive network across professional sports, universities, and influential figures to create landmark partnerships with organizations like Duke, the Chicago Bulls, Northwestern University, and individual legends.

  2. Relationship Building: Serving as the bridge between Alpha and the sports world, establishing credibility with coaches, athletes, and institutions who can amplify our mission.

  3. Strategic Implementation: Working collaboratively with the existing Alpha team to ensure partnerships align with Alpha's core educational philosophy, especially the integration of Two-Hour Learning with elite athletic development.

  4. Trust Building: Starting with focused initiatives that I can execute successfully, building credibility within the organization with the aspiration to potentially grow into a broader Athletic Director role across all Alpha schools as the initiative scales.

KEY INITIATIVES​

1. Legendary Partnerships Program​

Within 90 days, I will establish the framework for partnerships with:

  • Universities: Duke, Northwestern, University of Texas as flagship partners
  • Individual Legends: Targeting top-tier names like Derrick Rose, potentially Michael Jordan (23 micro-schools nationwide concept)
  • Professional Teams: Including but not limited to the Orlando Magic, the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago White Sox. Before targeting Professional Teams, we will build credibility by proving the model with universities and individual legends.

Each partnership will involve:

  • Branded micro-schools (e.g., "Duke Basketball Micro-School")
  • Curriculum co-development with coaching legends
  • Direct feeder pathways to colleges/academies
  • Summer camp integration and showcase opportunities

2. Alpha Coaches Network​

I will build a premier network of coaching excellence:

  • Recruitment of elite coaches at all levels
  • "Alpha Coaches Podcast" featuring weekly spotlights on methodologies
  • Coaching certification program aligned with Alpha's educational philosophy
  • Community of practice that shares innovations across the network

3. American Sports Legends Summit​

Bi-annual gathering of sports legends, billionaire education patrons, and Alpha leadership:

  • Invitation-only Texas ranch event
  • Focus on movement building and scholarship funding
  • Goal: Generate 100,000+ scholarships annually through high-net-worth individual sponsorships
  • Secondary goal: Recruit 50+ sports legends to lend names/expertise to micro-schools

4. "Activation TV" / Documentary Series​

In partnership with Gary and John E. Walker:

  • Chronicle the launch of the first 100 Alpha Sports Micro-Schools
  • Feature student success stories and transformation narratives
  • Catalyze "activationism"—student-led movements to bring Alpha Schools to their districts
  • Create social proof that makes the model undeniable to decision-makers

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO SCALING​

I recognize that Alpha already has an ambitious scaling strategy in place, and I see my role as complementary rather than supplanting those efforts. My contributions will focus specifically on:

  • Accelerating partnership development to create flagship examples that can be replicated
  • Providing specialized sports expertise to the existing team
  • Leveraging my network to remove barriers to entry in key markets
  • Creating social proof through high-profile partnerships that makes scaling easier
  • Working collaboratively with the existing team to ensure alignment of vision and execution

As trust builds and results materialize, I'm open to evolving my role to take on broader responsibilities in line with organizational needs and my demonstrated capabilities.

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH​

My philosophical approach to Alpha Sports Partnerships is built on five core principles:

1. Dual Excellence​

We reject the false dichotomy between academics and athletics. Through Two-Hour Learning and elite sports development, students will excel in both domains without compromise. The AI will even contextualize academic content through sports examples, making learning more relevant and engaging.

2. Environment as Destiny​

A student's environment determines their potential. By creating schools where greatness is the expectation—not the exception—we reshape what students believe is possible. When surrounded by legends, elite coaches, and motivated peers, mediocrity becomes impossible.

3. Principled Leadership Development​

Sports offer the ultimate leadership laboratory. Our schools will intentionally develop character, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—all transferable skills for life success regardless of athletic outcomes. We recognize that 99% won't play professionally, but 100% can develop leadership through sports.

4. Access Through Patronage​

The Medici model of patronage will democratize access. Through strategic partnerships with high-net-worth individuals who value educational excellence, we'll create scholarship programs that ensure socioeconomic barriers don't prevent talented students from accessing Alpha Schools.

5. Movement vs. Institution​

We aren't building an institution; we're igniting a movement. By documenting our journey, creating activation playbooks, and empowering students to advocate for Alpha Schools in their communities, we'll create a groundswell that transforms education nationwide.

WHY ME?​

While there may be individuals with more impressive resumes on paper, I offer something more valuable: unwavering commitment to this mission and the relationships to make it happen. My ability to connect deeply with people—from billionaires to legendary coaches to everyday parents—is a divine superpower I'll leverage to accelerate Alpha's vision.

As a new father, I understand personally what's at stake. I want to build a world where my daughter Lenny and son (to be named) have educational opportunities that weren't available to me—where they can achieve greatness without being stifled by outdated systems.

I left behind a comfortable life in Chicago because I believe this mission is the most important work I can possibly do. I'm prepared to dedicate my life to ensuring that every child in America has access to an education that nurtures their full potential—academically, athletically, and as human beings.

REQUESTED COMPENSATION​

To execute this vision, I request:

  • Base salary: $300,000 annually
  • Performance-based commission structure tied to partnership development and implementation metrics
  • Relocation bonus: $30,000 to facilitate immediate move to Austin with my wife, daughter Lenny, and our second child on the way
  • Standard Alpha benefits package

I'm not motivated primarily by compensation, but by impact. However, I believe this structure aligns our incentives and reflects the value I'll bring to the organization while supporting my family through this transition.

CONCLUSION​

The moment to transform education through sports is now. With your direction, Alpha's revolutionary Two-Hour Learning model, and my network and partnership development capabilities, we can create an educational paradigm that will produce the next generation of leaders, innovators, and champions.

I'm ready to begin immediately. The first 100 days will focus on establishing the foundation—key partnerships, relationship building, and collaborative frameworks—that will enable us to accelerate the rollout of Alpha Sports Micro-Schools across Texas and beyond.

This isn't just a job for me—it's a calling. I look forward to earning trust through results, adding value to your existing team, and growing with Alpha as we revolutionize education together.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Gendell