Elite Learning & Sports Agency · United States

Where Talent Meets Ambition

ELSA helps student-athletes navigate the college recruitment process through mentorship, accountability, academic guidance, athletic recruitment support, and personal development. Success requires more than talent. It requires discipline, preparation, and the right pathway.

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NCAA DINCAA DIINCAA DIIINAIAJUCO
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Our Story

Built Through
Friendship.
Driven By Opportunity.

ELSA was built on the friendship between Vladimir Radojković and Brandon Sterling Hawkins — Vladimir originally from Serbia, Brandon originally from Texas — who met during their college years at Lindenwood University Belleville.

What started as a college connection grew into a strong friendship built through athletics, campus life, leadership, and shared experiences as student-athletes. Their friendship continued long after graduation.

Through their experiences as athletes, students, leaders, and mentors, they saw how many talented student-athletes struggle to find the right opportunities due to a lack of guidance, accountability, structure, and exposure. Together, they created ELSA to help student-athletes identify the right pathway, maximize opportunities, and prepare for success — academically and athletically.

Vladimir Radojković
Student Government President · Track & Field thrower & basketball at Lindenwood Belleville · Webster University
Brandon S. Hawkins
Campus Activities & Events Coordinator · Volleyball & basketball at Lindenwood Belleville
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Vladimir Radojković
Brandon Sterling Hawkins
Vladimir & Brandon
Why Families Choose ELSA

Guidance Through
An Overwhelming Process

The recruitment process can be confusing and competitive. Many talented athletes don't know where to start, which schools to contact, or which pathway fits their future. ELSA combines athletic experience, college knowledge, mentorship, and accountability to help families make informed decisions.

01

Former Student-Athlete Leadership

Built from real experience by people who lived the recruitment journey themselves.

02

Personalized Mentorship

One-on-one guidance tailored to each athlete's goals, strengths, and aspirations.

03

College Pathway Guidance

Clarity on DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO — and which truly fits the athlete.

04

Athletic Recruitment Strategy

A deliberate plan for exposure, outreach, and presenting the athlete well.

05

Academic Planning Support

Eligibility, standards, and academic readiness handled alongside athletics.

06

Parent Communication

Families stay informed, involved, and confident throughout every stage.

07

Accountability & Character

Discipline, work ethic, and personal responsibility developed alongside skill.

08

NIL & Personal Branding

Guidance on how athletes present themselves beyond the field, court, or track.

09

Long-Term Development

Preparation that extends past placement — toward lasting academic and career growth.

“ Student-Athlete Success Stories

The First Chapter
Is Being Written.

As ELSA continues helping student-athletes navigate the college process, this space will feature real stories from athletes, families, coaches, and college partners.

Success Stories Coming Soon
Student-Athletes
  • Recruitment experiences
  • College placement
  • Athletic development
  • Academic success
Parents
  • Communication
  • Trust
  • Support through the process
Coaches
  • Athlete preparation
  • Professionalism
  • Accountability
College Outcomes
  • Scholarships earned
  • College commitments
  • Athletic achievements
Find Your Pathway

Five Routes.
One Destination That Fits You.

The objective is not simply to attend college — it's to find the environment where an athlete can thrive academically, athletically, socially, and personally. There is no single pathway that fits everyone. Explore each route below.

Community College / JUCO

A Strategic Stepping Stone

For many athletes, JUCO is not a backup plan. It is a strategic move that can open doors to greater opportunities.

Junior colleges let athletes keep competing while developing academically and athletically — gaining experience, improving academic standing, and increasing exposure to college coaches before transferring to a four-year institution. Some of the most successful college and professional athletes began here.

  • Lower tuition costs
  • Increased playing opportunities
  • Additional athletic development
  • Academic improvement
  • Transfer to four-year universities
  • Exposure to NCAA & NAIA coaches
A chance to prove yourself before moving to a larger program.
NCAA Division I

The Highest Level

Division I represents the highest level of collegiate athletics in the United States.

Athletes compete against elite competition while benefiting from high-level coaching, facilities, sports medicine, academic support, and national exposure. For many sports, DI produces the highest number of professional athletes — offering exposure to scouts, national media, and NIL opportunities, with a college degree always the primary objective.

  • Elite-level competition
  • Strong athletic scholarships
  • Advanced training environments
  • National media visibility
  • Pro scouting exposure
  • NIL & professional development
Ideal for athletes seeking serious development and future professional possibility.
NCAA Division II

Compete & Stay Balanced

Division II offers a strong combination of competitive athletics, academic opportunity, and campus life.

Athletes compete at a high level while maintaining a balanced college experience. Athletic scholarships are available, and many athletes improve significantly during college. Professional athletes have emerged from Division II programs that offer strong coaching, quality facilities, and meaningful scholarship opportunities.

  • High-level competition
  • Meaningful scholarships
  • Strong coaching
  • Quality facilities
  • Balanced college experience
  • Significant in-college growth
High-level competition without sacrificing a balanced experience.
NCAA Division III

Academics At The Center

Division III places a strong emphasis on academics while maintaining a competitive athletic environment.

Athletes keep competing while focusing on education, career development, leadership, and campus involvement. Though DIII doesn't offer athletic scholarships, many institutions provide academic scholarships and merit-based aid — and are recognized for strong academic reputations and extensive leadership opportunities.

  • Strong academic reputations
  • Academic & merit-based aid
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Competitive athletics
  • Career-focused environment
  • Campus involvement
Compete at a high level while preparing for a profession.
NAIA

Student-Centered & Competitive

NAIA institutions offer competitive athletics, scholarship opportunities, and a student-centered college experience.

Many NAIA schools provide smaller class sizes, strong relationships with coaches and faculty, and flexible opportunities to develop academically and athletically. NAIA programs have become increasingly competitive, attracting talented athletes from across the U.S. and around the world — with real pathways to professional competition.

  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Strong coach & faculty ties
  • Significant playing time
  • Increasingly competitive
  • Pathways to pro competition
Outstanding opportunities that may not exist elsewhere.
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Success Requires More Than Talent

Talent Opens
The Door. Character
Decides What's Next.

College coaches look for more than athletic ability. They want athletes who are responsible, disciplined, coachable, and committed to continuous improvement. Recruitment isn't simply about getting noticed — it's about becoming the kind of person coaches, teammates, and universities want to invest in.

At ELSA, we believe accountability, work ethic, respect, and personal responsibility are just as important as athletic performance.

ELSA Expectations
  • Maintain strong grades
  • Meet eligibility requirements
  • Train consistently
  • Manage time effectively
  • Respect coaches & teammates
  • Take academics seriously
  • Prioritize health & recovery
  • Demonstrate leadership
  • Communicate professionally
  • Continuously improve
  • Represent family & team with maturity

Alcohol & Personal Conduct

Student-athletes are expected to make responsible decisions and understand that poor choices can negatively impact both academic and athletic opportunities. Success in college athletics requires maturity, discipline, and commitment to long-term goals.

Respect, Character & Inclusion

Athletes represent themselves, their families, teammates, schools, and communities. ELSA expects all athletes to treat others with respect regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or background. Racism, discrimination, and harassment are not tolerated.

Talent Gets Attention.
Discipline Creates Opportunities.

How ELSA Works

Eight Steps,
One Complete Athlete

A structured process designed to understand each athlete as a complete person — not just as a player — and guide them from first conversation to college opportunity.

01

Initial Consultation

Every athlete begins with a personal conversation about academics, athletic experience, goals, preferred locations, and long-term aspirations. Family expectations and financial considerations may also be discussed.

02

Academic & Athletic Evaluation

A detailed review of the athlete's full profile to determine the most realistic and beneficial pathways available.

  • Academic records
  • Statistics
  • Highlight videos
  • Eligibility status
03

Strategy Development

No two athletes are identical. We build a personalized strategy around the athlete's strengths, goals, and opportunities — spanning academics, recruitment direction, school targeting, and NIL guidance.

04

College Identification & Targeting

We identify colleges that match the athlete academically, athletically, financially, and personally — maximizing opportunities while finding an environment to succeed and grow.

05

Recruitment Preparation

Guidance on presenting professionally to coaches.

  • Athletic profile
  • Highlight video
  • Coach outreach
  • Social media
06

Admissions Guidance

Support with application requirements, deadlines, documentation, and enrollment procedures — helping families navigate an overwhelming process with confidence and clarity.

07

NIL, Branding & Opportunity

Modern athletes must represent themselves beyond the field. We guide NIL opportunities, personal branding, social positioning, and sponsorship — so performance, character, academics, and brand work together.

08

Mentorship & Accountability

Throughout the journey, ELSA serves as a mentor and resource — providing support, encouragement, and accountability as athletes prepare for college and future success.

Services Included

  • College pathway guidance
  • Athletic recruitment strategy
  • Academic planning
  • Eligibility guidance
  • Highlight video review
  • Athlete profile development
  • School targeting
  • Admissions guidance
  • NIL education & guidance
  • Personal brand development
  • Social media positioning
  • Sponsorship & partnership guidance
  • Professional development mentorship
  • Parent support
  • Ongoing mentorship & accountability
Choose Your Level Of Support

Four Tiers.
Built To Match Your Goals.

Every athlete's journey is different. Each tier builds on the one before it — from foundational direction to the most comprehensive ELSA experience.

Tier 01
Bronze

For athletes and families seeking direction and basic guidance.

Includes
  • Initial consultation
  • General pathway guidance
  • Basic recruitment guidance
  • Academic review
Enquire
Tier 02
Silver

For athletes seeking a more structured recruitment plan.

Everything in Bronze, plus
  • Everything in Bronze
  • School targeting support
  • Athlete profile guidance
  • Scholarship guidance
  • Additional consultations
Enquire
Tier 03
Gold

For serious athletes pursuing significant recruitment opportunities.

Everything in Silver, plus
  • Everything in Silver
  • Recruitment strategy
  • Highlight video guidance
  • Coach communication prep
  • NIL & personal branding
  • Ongoing mentorship
Enquire
Tier 04
Platinum

The most comprehensive ELSA experience.

Everything in Gold, plus
  • Everything in Gold
  • Priority support
  • Comprehensive planning
  • Extended mentorship
  • Parent support
  • Long-term accountability
  • Advanced NIL & opportunity guidance
Enquire

Not sure which package is right for you? We'll help identify the pathway that best fits your athletic goals, academic aspirations, and long-term future.

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Start The
Conversation

Every journey begins with a single conversation. Tell us about the athlete, and we'll help map the pathway.