Dr. Santia Deck, celebrated for her trailblazing achievements as a female football player and her influential social media presence with nearly 3 million followers, has forged an extraordinary path from collegiate track and field athlete to being offered the largest contract in women’s football history. Born in Greenville, SC, raised in Houston, TX, and now residing in Atlanta, GA, her journey embodies a relentless pursuit of breaking barriers and achieving greatness.

Santia’s entrepreneurial spirit shines as brightly as her athletic accomplishments. She is the founder of TRONUS, a groundbreaking footwear brand that made her the first female athlete to own a shoe company. Since its launch in 2020, TRONUS has achieved record-breaking sales and garnered celebrity endorsements, even amid a global pandemic. Beyond business, Santia is a two-time bestselling author and a sought-after public speaker, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Santia is deeply committed to empowering athletes beyond the field. She advocates for athlete mental health and provides tools for building personal brands, securing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and navigating life after sports. Her focus on helping female athletes succeed led to the creation of Winning Her Way, a media platform dedicated to helping female athletes with empowerment, visibility, and economic opportunities.

A centerpiece of Winning Her Way is its NIL-focused newsletter, designed to equip female athletes with the tools and resources needed to maximize their potential:

• Every Friday, subscribers receive direct access to NIL opportunities delivered straight to their inboxes, offering athletes a seamless way to connect with sponsorships and grow their brands.
• The newsletter provides expert advice on NIL education, including tips on brand building, updates on legislation, regulations, and compliance changes, and guidance on financial literacy.
• It features interviews, workshops, webinars, and insights from industry leaders to help athletes navigate the complexities of NIL and achieve sustainable success.

Santia Deck’s multifaceted career and dedication to uplifting female athletes continue to inspire young athletes, women, and entrepreneurs everywhere. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and her unwavering commitment to empowering others. Through Winning Her Way, she is paving the path for a brighter future in women’s sports.

I always love helping out my friends Sarah and Samara Porter from Hustle Academy as they do a fantastic job with kids, their students, teaching them the fundamentals of basketball. It was also great seeing Santia Deck once again after a long time and glad to be part of this helping out in a big way.

Hustle Academy basketball” refers to several different programs, including basketball academies focused on player development, an AAU team called the Hustle Queens, and even a line of Nike basketball shoes. The common thread is the emphasis on hard work, skill improvement, and overall growth for players.

Player development academies

Focus: Programs like Hardwood Hustle and other local academies offer training to improve skills like ball handling, shooting, and decision-making.

Format: They often use a combination of drills, skill training, and scrimmages to help players apply what they learn in a game-like setting.

Goal: To help players, from beginners to those with experience, build confidence and improve their fundamental skills for higher levels of play.

Hustle Academy AAU: An organization in New Jersey that includes competitive AAU teams like the Hustle Queens, which are known for their “heart, hustle, and grit”.

Other leagues: Organizations like Hustle Basketball run leagues and programs for various age groups, focusing on development and personal growth.