Newman alumnus Jason Prideaux is the founder of a new nonprofit in Wichita, Kansas — K12 Sports USA. He received a Bachelor of Science in accounting and management from Newman University in 2005. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance and leadership, which he received in 2016 from Oral Roberts University. Currently, he is working toward a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) with a concentration in P-12 private Christian school leadership from Oral Roberts.
During Prideaux’s time at Newman, he was heavily involved in many areas of campus life. He was an ambassador for three years, vice president and president of Pi Gamma Mu, a junior student government association representative, a student teacher, and traveled to Guaymas, Mexico for a service trip.
Prideaux said he “built mind, body and spirit at Newman.”
After graduating, Prideaux wanted to stay involved with the university, so he currently serves on the National Alumni Board.
One of the most influential courses Prideaux took at Newman dealt with the topic of entrepreneurship, taught by Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Ron Ryan, Ph.D. During the course, Prideaux said he learned about angel investors, or private investors, who provide the startup cost for new companies, and that sparked his interest in nonprofit organizations.
Also during his time at Newman, he studied nonprofit accounting and finance, which gave him greater insight into the pros and cons of nonprofit status.
Youth sports has always been of interest to Prideaux. On the K12 Sports USA official website, Prideaux recounts, “My passion for youth sports stems from myself and two siblings being raised by a single mom who was unable to afford to pay for the three of us to play sports. After finishing my MBA and investing
over seven years into youth sports with my own kids, I decided to start K12 Sports USA.
“The goal of the organization is to “give all kids the opportunity to try a new sport or press further into one they already love by giving them a safe, caring, and nurturing environment with safety, structure, and the promotion of building confidence in kids and their families.”
The organization is designed for kids ages 5 to 16 and a starter league is offered for ages 3 to 4. Cost is $100 per player, per sport. Registration forms can be found on the official website.
Fives sports are offered: baseball, basketball, flag football in partnership with USA NFL flag football, lacrosse and soccer.
Franchise opportunities are currently available in all states except for Alaska and Hawaii and sponsorship opportunities are available as well for those who would like to become more involved.
Prideaux hopes to franchise into all 50 states. Currently, K12 Sports USA operates throughout Oklahoma.
