Introducing Antonio: A Personal Story

Growing up as an athlete in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Antonio Ross faced many challenges and setbacks. Despite struggling with weight, speaking, physical, and learning disabilities, Antonio was able to graduate with both a bachelor's and master's degree, completing a thesis and an out-of-state internship along the way. However, his path to higher education was not an easy one.

During his junior year, Antonio faced a major setback when he failed an NCAA drug test after consuming a commonly available pre-workout supplement. This failure cost him his final year of college basketball, but it also motivated him to focus on life after sports.

Antonio used his experiences to help other student-athletes navigate their own challenges, including the loss of his father, brother, and stepfather within 18 months. He wants to inspire others to keep trying, no matter how many setbacks they face. Antonio's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming adversity, and he hopes to share his journey with others to show that even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.

Fast forward to today, he has now dedicated his life to being a positive role model for student-athletes. “

“Students need a voice that they can relate to. They need someone that has been there. Someone that speaks from experience. My ability to influence and inspire students solely rests on the fact that I’ve been where they are. I had positive role models that completely changed my life for the better and I am grateful I get to be that for students today.”

"The Purpose Behind My Pursuits: Uncovering My Why"

The goal? To help student-athletes be more engaged, overcome challenges and achieve their goals through leadership, motivation & resilience.

As a student-athlete speaker, Antonio is dedicated to helping other student-athletes find confidence, direction, and purpose in their lives. He understands the challenges and struggles that many student-athletes face, and he wants to be a source of support and inspiration for those who may feel lost or uncertain about their future.

Antonio also works with coaches and staff to help them prepare their athletes for life after sports, and he helps parents support their children in finding stability and success beyond athletics. He knows firsthand the transformative power of a positive message and the importance of believing in oneself, and he wants to share these lessons with as many people as possible.

With over eight years of experience as a student-athlete speaker, Antonio is committed to being a beacon of hope and encouragement for others. He wants to inspire student-athletes to embrace challenges, move past fear, and achieve their goals.

Focused and Planned: The Body of My Work

Antonio Ross is a highly respected student-athlete speaker, author, and former coach who has worked with high schools and universities to develop leadership programs and life skills curricula. With over 25,000 views on his TEDxUCO talk and a successful track record hosting and engineering sports camps with the NBA, Antonio has a wealth of experience in helping student-athletes build confidence, make friends, and develop better habits for productivity and success.

In addition to his work as a speaker and coach, Antonio is the founder of Basketball Drills and Life Skills, a program that combines basketball training and a life skills curriculum to help athletes build confidence and engage with their communities. He has also authored the Athletes Guide to Success, a guidebook that helps students optimize their lives and build better habits.

With a background in basketball and fitness, Antonio brings a unique perspective to his work as a speaker, using storytelling, humor, and sport knowledge to engage and inspire his audiences. He is known for his ability to create a positive and influential environment that resonates with students and staff alike, leaving a lasting impact on those he works with. In his spare time, Antonio enjoys chai tea and dancing.

Living Boldly: My Life Beyond the Speaking Circuit

As a speaker, Antonio believes in the importance of balancing his career with his personal life and passions. He sets limits on the number of speaking engagements he takes on in order to make time for activities like surfing, dancing, traveling, and trying new fitness challenges. These experiences not only bring joy and fulfillment to his life, but also provide valuable lessons and insights that he can share with his audiences.

For Antonio, living boldly and leaning into challenges is not just a message he delivers on stage, but a philosophy he embodies in his own life. By actively seeking out new and exciting experiences, he is able to inspire and motivate others to do the same. Whether he is surfing in San Diego, dancing in Mexico, or enjoying sporting events with his family, Antonio is always striving to get the most out of life and share his adventures with others.