Indy Standard

From the stands, football fans only see high school players juke and tackle, but for student-athletes in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), there’s more to the story. Sixteen players from three IPS schools are now published authors, sharing their personal journeys through self-penned books, thanks to Tevin Studdard, a former football player at Crispus Attucks High School.

Studdard, 32, is the founder of the Lead Entrepreneurship and Dreams (LEAD) program designed to help young athletes gain life skills while telling their stories.

Over the past few months, he has guided the students through the process of writing, constructing and publishing their own books via Amazon. The publications provide readers a glimpse into the lives of young people facing today’s challenges.

“They are more than football,” Studdard said. “Yes, they do football. Yes, they are good at it as great athletes, but we want to set these kids up for life after sports.”

Studdard’s ties to IPS run deep. His parents met at Arsenal Technical High School in 1980, and he played football at Crispus Attucks in 2005. Now, he’s returning to his roots using his experiences to inspire the next generation.

“I’ve traveled around the nation doing theme songs and music videos for college sports teams, and all I could think of was my football journey starting at Attucks,” said Studdard, who went on to graduate from Indiana State University after high school.

Studdard is working with Brookside Elementary aiming to create 50 young authors by fall break. His goal is to increase literacy rates and spark excitement around reading and writing.

“I believe kids should be paid for their work, and I’m seeking to create entrepreneurs who develop their own book series,” Studdard said.

Through the LEAD program, he’s empowering students to share their stories and take control of their futures.

Find out more about the student-athletes and their books here.