As we prepare for the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, Michigan on May 29 and May 30, this episode shares insights, conversations, and real experiences that help explain what the Summit is truly about.

In this episode you will hear three perspectives that bring the Player Development Summit to life.

First, an insight about the Summit and the story behind why Detroit became the host city for 2026. What started as a conversation with Jessica Gray quickly turned into a vision for bringing the Summit to a city with a strong sports culture, passionate professionals, and a growing ecosystem of leaders who care about athlete development.

Detroit's pride, history, and community of sports professionals make it a powerful setting for the next chapter of the Summit.

Next, you will hear a speaker spotlight from the 2025 Player Development Summit featuring a conversation with Tobruk Blaine, founder of The Athlete Career Lab and Director of Player Development at the University of Arizona. In this discussion, she shares insights on leadership, mentorship, creativity, and helping athletes build identity and purpose beyond sports.

Finally, you will hear a reflection from Taja Dotson, who attended the 2025 Summit in Kansas City and shares what the experience meant to her. Her perspective highlights the energy, connections, and powerful conversations that happen when professionals who care about athlete development gather in one space.

This episode also includes an invitation for organizations interested in becoming strategic partners for the 2026 Player Development Summit. The Summit brings together decision-makers, athlete development professionals, athletic leaders, and organizations that serve athletes across youth, college, professional, and international sports.

If you want to attend, speak, or explore sponsorship opportunities, all of the information is linked in the show notes.

The 2026 Player Development Summit will take place in Detroit, Michigan on May 29 and May 30.

If you are not in the loop yet, it may be time to get in the loop.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

As we prepare for the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, Michigan on May 29 and May 30, this episode gives you a deeper look into what the Summit is really about.

In this episode, you will hear three important perspectives that help bring the Player Development Summit experience to life.

First, a Summit insight that explains the purpose behind the event and why this space exists for professionals who support athletes.

Next, a speaker spotlight from the 2025 Player Development Summit featuring Savannah Bailey, Senior Director of Player Relations at the University of Florida and founder of Gator Made. In this conversation, Savannah shares powerful thoughts on curiosity, leadership, creativity, and what it means to develop athletes beyond the game.

Finally, you will hear a reflection from Sensei Kenny Francis, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Formation and Success at Boston College, who shares his experience attending the Summit and why the event continues to grow as a meaningful space for athlete development professionals across sport.

This episode also includes an invitation for organizations and companies interested in becoming strategic sponsors for the 2026 Player Development Summit. Sponsorship plays a major role in creating the experience, supporting attendees, and expanding the impact of player development across sport.

If you are a leader, company, or organization that serves athletes, athletic departments, or the professionals who support them, this may be a space you want to be part of.

Learn more about the Summit, sponsorship opportunities, speaking interest, and event updates through the links in the show notes.

The 2026 Player Development Summit will take place in Detroit, Michigan on May 29 and May 30.

If you are not in the loop yet, it may be time to get in the loop.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

As we prepare for the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, Michigan (May 29–30), this episode takes you inside the movement.

This isn’t just a conference recap.

This is the story of how a virtual gathering of 28 people turned into a national in-person summit with leaders from the NFL, NBA, MLS, collegiate athletics, and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The origin story of the Player Development Summit and how it started in 2023

• What made the 2025 Kansas City in-person summit different from any other sports conference

• Why collaboration, not competition, defines this community

• A powerful speaker spotlight featuring a leader from Monumental Sports & Entertainment

• A real attendee reflection from someone who experienced the summit firsthand

• A direct invitation for strategic partners looking for real ROI in 2026

If you work in:

Player development

Athlete engagement

Player care

Student-athlete development

Athletic administration

Or leadership development in sports

This episode will show you why this summit exists — and why it matters.

The Player Development Summit isn’t about titles.

It’s about impact.

It’s about enhancing the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programs.

It’s about the people who serve athletes being served themselves.

Whether you want to attend, speak, or sponsor the 2026 Summit in Detroit, everything you need is linked in the show notes.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

As we prepare for the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, Michigan (May 29–30), this episode gives you a clear and honest look at what this experience is really about.

This is not just another conference.

This is a room built for the people doing the unseen work in athletics.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A 2026 Summit insight explaining exactly who this event is designed for

• A powerful speaker spotlight from the 2025 Summit

• A real attendee reflection from Kansas City that captures the heart of this community

🎯 Who Is The Player Development Summit For?

This episode answers that question directly.

The Summit is built for:

✔ Professionals currently in player development or athlete development roles

✔ Individuals transitioning into the field

✔ Athletic directors, head coaches, GMs, presidents, and decision-makers

✔ Organizations looking to enhance the athlete experience

✔ Companies and partners who serve athletic departments and athlete-facing leaders

When I started in this role, there was no roadmap.

No central place to grow.

No annual gathering of minds.

No unified community.

That’s why this summit exists.

That’s why I wrote The Player Development Guide.

That’s why this podcast exists.

This is professional development for the professionals who develop people.

🎤 2025 Speaker Spotlight: Jeremiah Brown

You’ll hear from 2025 opening keynote speaker Jeremiah Brown, who delivered one of the most transformational sessions of the Summit.

His message?

“Achievement without alignment is success that drains you.”

We unpack:

• Why chasing titles can lead to burnout

• The difference between achievement and fulfillment

• How trauma often points directly to purpose

• Why alignment is the bridge between who you are and what you do

This wasn’t hype.

It was transformational leadership development for the leaders who shape athletes’ lives.

🤝 2025 Attendee Reflection

You’ll also hear from returning attendees who describe the Summit as:

• A place of growth

• A relationship-builder

• An origin story for real professional friendships

• A community that extends beyond the event

Because this Summit is not transactional.

It’s relational.

🤝 Strategic Partners + Sponsors

We are actively seeking aligned strategic partners for 2026.

This is not just logo placement.

Our audience includes:

• Athletic directors

• Front office executives

• Player engagement professionals

• Athlete-facing leaders across youth, college, professional, and international sports

If your organization serves athletes or supports those who serve athletes, this is a room you need to be in.

We are building long-term, integrated partnerships focused on real return on investment.

The sponsorship interest form is in the show notes.

📍 2026 Player Development Summit

🗓 May 29–30, 2026

📍 Detroit, Michigan

Whether you want to attend, speak, or sponsor, all details are linked in the show notes.

If you care about developing people and elevating programs, this Summit is for you.

I hope to see you in Detroit.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

The 2026 Player Development Summit dates are officially set.

The 2026 Player Development Summit will be held May 29 to May 30 in Detroit at TechTown Detroit, and in this episode I share everything you need to know about what the summit is, why it exists, and why Detroit is the right city for this next chapter.

I break down:

• How the Player Development Summit started and what gap it was created to fill

• What made the first in-person summit in Kansas City feel like community, not a conference

• Why we are taking the summit to Detroit and what makes the city special

• What is new in 2026, including breakout rooms and an upgraded closing experience

• Who this summit is for: professionals in the role, those transitioning into the role, leaders, and partners

• The three pillars of the summit: Grow, Network, Partner

• The topics attendees asked for and what you can expect this year

• Why sponsorship matters and how partners help create the full summit experience

If you are focused on enhancing the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programs and initiatives, I want to see you in Detroit.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Alumni relations isn’t broken but it is changing.

In this episode, I close out the 12 Days of Player Development by tackling alumni relations in a portal-happy world. With athletes transferring more than ever, programs are being forced to rethink alumni identity, engagement, and connection.

You’ll hear:

• Why alumni relations still matter deeply

• How to define alumni in today’s landscape

• The importance of short-term but intentional engagement

• What current players must commit to

• How to support graduates immediately after they leave

This episode is for player development professionals, athlete engagement staff, coaches, and administrators navigating the new reality of college sports.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Player development can transform your program. Period.

In Day 11 of the 12 Days of Player Development, I break down 8 specific ways player development improves culture, leadership, communication, alignment, and sustainability in sports organizations.

This episode is for:

• Coaches feeling stretched thin

• Athletic directors seeking long-term stability

• Programs tired of constant distractions and turnover

We cover:

• Culture and accountability

• Player-led leadership

• Reducing noise and drama

• Continuity through change

• Coach burnout prevention

• Better information flow

• Whole-building alignment

If you want a program that develops people and elevates performance, this episode is for you.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Most sports management students graduate without ever hearing about player development. That is a problem.

In this episode, I explain:

• Why player development is missing from most curricula

• What the role truly looks like day to day

• Who should pursue it and who should not

• The challenges behind the scenes

• Why this role is growing faster than ever

I also share why I wrote The Player Development Guide and how it serves as a blueprint for students, professionals, and departments preparing for the future of sports.

If you care about people more than titles and impact more than credit, this episode is for you.

📩 Speaking and department partnerships
edward@btfprogram.com

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program