Game Changers Dope #75

Santia Deck: Paving Her Own Path from Pro Athlete to Powerhouse CEO.

Santia Deck is known for her speed on the football field and her fierce dedication to empowering female athletes. As a CEO and co-founder of multiple ventures, Santia’s journey has transcended sports, making waves in the business world with her unique blend of athletic grit and entrepreneurial vision. From her brand, Queen of Abs, to her revolutionary footwear company, TRONUS, and her content platform Winning Her Way, Santia has carved out a space where female athletes can thrive both physically and professionally.

Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to lifting others up as she climbs.

The Start of a Groundbreaking Career

Santia’s journey began on the athletic field, where her lightning-fast speed and passion for sports captured attention. She transitioned from track and field to become a professional American football player, earning the nickname “Queen of Abs” for her iconic strength and physique. Yet, for Santia, athletic success was only the beginning.

"My journey into business started when I realized there weren’t many platforms dedicated to supporting female athletes," Santia explained. "I knew I could use my brand to inspire and create opportunities that weren’t available to me."

With that vision in mind, she launched Coach Queen of Abs, a training and wellness brand that provides fitness guidance tailored for women and athletes alike. Through social media and coaching, Santia built a loyal following, not just as an athlete but as a voice of empowerment for women who want to pursue peak performance.

TRONUS: A Footwear Revolution

Santia’s venture into the world of sports footwear came as a natural next step, but her approach was far from conventional. TRONUS, the sneaker company she co-founded in 2020, is one of the first Black-woman-owned athletic footwear brands. It has gained a reputation for combining style with high performance, catering to athletes and everyday wearers alike.

"TRONUS isn’t just a shoe; it’s a statement," Santia shares. "I wanted to create something that felt different, that looked different—something that could keep up with the athletic demands and still turn heads."

TRONUS sneakers are designed with Santia’s own athletic experience in mind. Her team developed a “sock-fit” design that is light, supportive, and durable, ideal for athletes looking for comfort without compromising style. The sneakers have gained popularity for their futuristic look and cutting-edge design, attracting fans from pro athletes to fashion enthusiasts.

Santia’s presence in the sneaker industry is significant not only because of the brand’s innovation but also due to the lack of representation for women, particularly women of color, in the sportswear business. TRONUS stands as a trailblazer, showing the world that women can lead and innovate in an industry that has long been dominated by men.

Winning Her Way: A Content Platform for Female Athletes

Understanding firsthand the challenges women face in the sports world, Santia launched Winning Her Way, a content platform dedicated to female athletes and women in sports business. The platform provides educational content, motivational stories, and practical advice tailored specifically for women trying to make their mark in sports.

"Winning Her Way is something I wish I’d had when I was starting out," Santia reflects. "There were so many lessons I learned the hard way, and this platform is about making sure the next generation doesn’t have to face the same obstacles."

Winning Her Way offers resources covering everything from branding and personal finance to health and wellness, positioning itself as a go-to resource for female athletes at every stage of their careers. The platform regularly features interviews with other women in sports, bringing in experts and trailblazers who share their journeys, challenges, and strategies for success.

For Santia, creating Winning Her Way is about more than business. It’s part of her mission to ensure that female athletes have access to the tools and guidance necessary to build sustainable careers, both on and off the field. By fostering a community and sharing resources, Santia is helping to shape the future of women’s sports, making it more inclusive, supportive, and empowering.

Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy

Santia’s journey from athlete to CEO is both inspiring and groundbreaking. By leveraging her experiences and insights as a professional athlete, she’s been able to create businesses that directly address the needs of her peers. In a relatively short time, she’s not only created successful brands but also redefined what it means to be a woman in sports and business.

As a Black woman at the helm of multiple ventures, Santia recognizes the importance of visibility. She actively uses her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the athletic industry, whether through the innovative design of TRONUS sneakers or through creating spaces like Winning Her Way. Santia’s approach to business is inclusive and holistic, emphasizing not only physical health but also mental well-being, financial literacy, and career longevity.

Lessons in Resilience and Vision

Santia’s story resonates with many because she exemplifies what it means to push through challenges and overcome odds. Her ventures have required perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to take risks. As she navigates the business landscape, Santia continues to draw on the same determination that drove her athletic career.

For those inspired by her journey, Santia offers a simple piece of advice:

"Don’t be afraid to break the mold. Just because something hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done."

She acknowledges that her journey has not always been easy, but emphasizes the importance of resilience.

"There were times when I doubted myself, but I always reminded myself why I started. My mission goes beyond me—it’s about creating change."

The Future of Female Leadership in Sports

Santia Deck’s success highlights the changing landscape of sports and business. Her achievements underscore the increasing influence of women in spaces that have historically lacked representation. As she continues to grow her brands and platform, Santia envisions a future where female athletes have the support, visibility, and opportunities they deserve.

In a world where sports and business often overlook the contributions of women, Santia is leading by example, proving that women can not only compete but excel as founders, CEOs, and innovators. Through her ventures, Santia Deck is not only building businesses—she’s building a legacy that promises to inspire the next generation of women to take up space, lead boldly, and redefine success on their own terms.

💰 MONEY MOVES

Tim Tebow, Juju Smith-Schuster, Terrence Murphy and more join Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler and Kendra Scott as new Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball owners. Full story
Grandmaster chess player, Magnus Carlsen, launched his new app, Take Take Take. The app focuses on gameplay mechanics, live-action scenarios, and provides chess lovers with a sense of community. Full story
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin and business partner Eric Taylor teamed up to open a Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard franchise. Full story
Cristiano Ronaldo invests in Bioniq, a company offering AI-driven personalized supplements, bringing its total valuation to $82 million. Full story
YouTube star and professional boxer Jake Paul partners with Dog Haus for 25-store franchise deal and board seat ahead of Mike Tyson fight. Full story
LEAD, the global venture corporation shaping the future of sports and health, announced that Harry Kane, Brooks Koepka, Brayden Schenn and other elite athletes are amongst the first to have joined its Locker Room fund. Full story
Players Health becomes founding partner of Greg Olsen’s Youth Inc. to champion safety in youth sports. Full story
Rapper A$AP Rocky is reportedly set to buy EFL football club Tranmere Rovers in a multi-million pound deal. Full story

🤝 BOARDROOM DEALS

Barça Innovation Hub invest in Rimbarlat, a start-up developing therapies to accelerate muscular regeneration. Full story
Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik announced has sold a majority stake of the NHL team but will retain control of the franchise for the next three years. Full story
TKO Group will acquire Professional Bull Riders, IMG and On Location from majority owner Endeavor in $3.25 billion deal. Full story

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♻️ IMPACT STANDOUT

Former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Julius Thomas has transitioned from American football to founding Optimal Performance, a company focused on mental health support for athletes and executives. Driven by his own experiences with the pressures of professional sports, Thomas pursued a degree in psychology to address the critical need for mental wellness in athletics. He aims to break the stigma around mental health in sports, creating safe spaces for athletes to discuss their struggles. Thomas’s mission extends to future generations, championing a culture where mental resilience is as valued as physical performance.

🎙️ CONTENT HIGHLIGHT

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