Law of Athlete Brings Financial Literacy Training to North Texas Student-Athletes
Denton, TX — Earlier this year, more than 70 student-athletes at the University of North Texas (UNT) took part in a hands-on financial literacy workshop led by Deonte Holden, founder of the athlete development agency, Law of Athlete. The session, titled Financial Fitness: Foundations of Financial Literacy, introduced practical strategies for money management and financial decision-making tailored to the unique experiences of college athletes.
Meeting a Growing Need
For many student-athletes, college is the first time they are faced with managing their own money. Scholarships, stipends, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) income, and everyday expenses combine to create financial pressures that can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. Unlike athletic performance, which is supported through structured training and coaching, financial literacy often receives little formal attention.
Holden explained the motivation behind the program: “Athletes develop discipline every day through their sport. Our goal is to help them apply that same discipline to their financial lives so they can build a strong foundation for the future.”
Inside the Workshop
The UNT workshop was designed as an interactive learning experience, emphasizing real-world application over lecture-based instruction. Key elements included:
Decision-Making Frameworks: Holden introduced two core tools—the POET Framework (Priority, Options, Essentials, Timing) and the POPI Framework (Purpose, Options, Price, Impulse). Together, these frameworks gave athletes clear methods for weighing choices, balancing priorities, and avoiding impulsive spending.
Needs vs. Wants Exercises: Athletes practiced distinguishing between essential and non-essential expenses, building practical habits for budgeting and planning.
Simulation-Based Learning: In small groups, athletes worked with fictional budgets that reflected different financial realities. They were tasked with making tradeoffs, defending their decisions, and thinking critically about the short- and long-term impact of their choices.
The format resonated strongly with participants. The workshop earned a 9.8 out of 10 satisfaction rating, reinforcing the demand for financial education that is not only informative but also engaging and directly applicable.
Partnership in Action
The success of the program was made possible through the strong support of UNT’s athletic leadership. Leaders including Brandon Fisher, Tori Clark, and Jessie Gardner ensured athletes had the opportunity to fully engage in the session.
Jessie Gardner, Executive Senior Associate AD for Leadership & Culture Development and Senior Woman Administrator, praised the workshop:
“You brought the heat, Deonte! Appreciate the way you broke down the complexity of the topic in ways that were digestible and applicable, equipping our student-athletes with information to improve their financial fitness!”
Her words reflect the enthusiasm and commitment shared by both staff and students in making the program a success.
Beyond the Workshop
Financial fitness is not achieved overnight. Instead, it develops through consistent learning, reflection, and practice. By introducing these concepts to athletes at the beginning of their college careers, UNT has taken a proactive step that will pay dividends long after graduation.
For Law of Athlete, the UNT workshop represents a growing movement across college athletics to prioritize life skills alongside athletic performance. Holden and his team continue to partner with schools and organizations nationwide to ensure athletes are equipped with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in every aspect of life.
