March 31, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring a three point basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest stars in sports at the moment is Golden State Warriors’ guard, Stephen Curry. Today he is known as the “Baby Faced Assassin” for his excellent shooting ability and his young looks. His popularity has soared higher than anyone could have imagined, surpassing LeBron James in all-star votes this season, and his jersey is among the most sold in the league, passing stars like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.
Despite his unquestioned ability to play basketball at the most elite level today, Curry has worked hard to grow his game. He was often told he was too small to play. Yet Curry continued to practice and under the supervision of private coaches began to develop into the MVP caliber player he is today. Curry states, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of private coaches. I’ve been working with private coaches since I was a kid.” For this reason, Curry has joined a growing technology startup that will help connect high school and college athletes with private coaches. Curry who has been aided by private coaching since he was 13 and continues to practice with them in the off season, understands the value that a one-on-one session with a coach can produce.
Curry now owns “substantial” equity in and is part owner of CoachUp, a Boston based tech firm that was founded in 2012. The direct amount is undisclosed still, as the story was broken Monday, yet he is among the company’s largest shareholder. As a major partner, the President of CoachUp, and former NBA player Jordan Fliegel said of Curry, “He’ll have a real voice in the direction of the company.” The company is working with 100,000 athletes and 13,000 coaches, with the intent of facilitating the partnering of coach with athlete. In addition to bringing coaches and athletes together, part of the deal struck with Curry was to release a guide detailing his all-star training philosophy.
CoachUp believes that Curry, who has firsthand experience with private coaches, will be able to help make the company a success while at the same time help athletes develop skills needed at the professional and college level.
Additionally, Curry is also endorsed by Under Armour and Muscle Milk, yet as of now there is no known direct involvement from these two companies with CoachUp.
Time will tell how successful CoachUp will be, but for now there is hope for athletes looking to expand their skills in their respective sports through private coaching.
