top of page
Message From The Founder
​
"Prep was born from working directly with college athletes and seeing firsthand how they were being left behind in the NIL landscape. When NIL first opened up, I watched talented athletes—especially in non-revenue sports—get overlooked or taken advantage of simply because they didn't have access to the right resources or education. As a former D1 multi-sport athlete myself, I connected with what they were going through, but it was really in working alongside them that I saw the gap. So many had zero clue about personal branding, social media strategy, or how to actually build something sustainable with their NIL rights. These are incredibly driven, talented people with real marketability, but nobody was teaching them the business side. They were just expected to figure it out, and a lot of predatory groups were taking advantage of that. That's why I built Prep—to give these athletes the education, tools, and authentic partnerships they deserve."
About Our Sports Development Agency
Our mission is to empower athletes to take control of their personal brands by providing them with the skills, resources, and insights they need to succeed in business. We strive to promote business literacy within the athletic community and help athletes express their unique identities while building lasting, impactful partnerships.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every athlete is recognized as more than just a player but as a dynamic brand with limitless potential. By fostering business acumen and personal growth, Prep aims to redefine the relationship between athletes and brands, creating opportunities for sustainable success and authentic collaboration.
About The Team
Aidan Joseph Byrne
Owner/Founder
With a background as a Division 1 athlete in lacrosse and basketball at UMass Amherst, the founder brings a unique perspective shaped by firsthand experience in sports and business. His biggest value is empathy—for both employees and customers—which drives the company’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of athletes. Combining a degree in Economics with a passion for fostering personal growth, he established Prep by AJE as a platform to help athletes succeed while staying true to their identities.
A former UCLA National Champion and Team USA softball player, Paige Halstead brings firsthand experience in elite competition and athlete branding. Her transition from professional sports to mentorship and entrepreneurship—including launching her own catching gear line—has fueled her passion for empowering female athletes. As the leader of Women’s Sports at Prep, she provides athletes with the tools, strategy, and confidence to navigate NIL, build their brands, and create lasting success.
Paige Halstead
Head of Women's Sports
bottom of page