If you’re searching for a private sports coach, you’ve probably come across CoachUp and Athletes Untapped. On the surface, both platforms connect athletes with local coaches – but the experience, pricing, and mission are very different.
At Athletes Untapped, we’re still proudly owner-operated by Gene and Elaine Williams – a married couple who played college/pro sports and spent years in the private coaching world. This isn’t just a business to us… it’s our passion!
Here’s how we stack against CoachUp:
| Feature | Athletes Untapped | CoachUp |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Proudly owner-operated by Gene & Elaine Williams | Backed by angel investors & venture capital firms |
| Client Fees | $0 to sign up – purpose over profits | Placement fee when booking a session with a new coach (one-time $24.99) |
| Technology | Modern booking & scheduling platform that’s easy to use | Platform was built in 2011 |
| White-Glove Recruiting | If you don’t find the exact coach you’re looking for, we’ll recruit someone in under two weeks | No personalized recruiting |
| Support | 7-day-a-week dedicated support team | Standard support availability |
| Coach Sign-Up | Free (only $10 background check) | One-time activation fee (~$30) + $9.99 annual membership |
| Coach Pay | Coaches keep 80% of every booking | Graduated earnings, including 57% on first session |
| Coach Network | 3,000+ coaches nationwide and growing | Old network – slower, costlier growth for coaches |
Why Athletes & Parents Love Athletes Untapped
We respect that CoachUp was the first major player in this space, launching more than 15 years ago and helping introduce the idea of finding private coaches online. But a lot has changed since then – and Athletes Untapped was built to be the next step forward.
We’re built by athletes, for athletes. As former college and professional players ourselves, we understand the training, discipline, and mindset it takes to compete at the highest levels. That experience shapes every part of our platform.
We also care about the details. From our white-glove recruiting service to responsive, seven-day-a-week support, we make finding the right coach simple, even if we need to recruit someone new just for you.
And most importantly, we’re in it for the long game. By giving our coaches better pay and the tools they need to succeed, we attract and keep the best trainers in the business – bringing more consistency and quality to athletes over time.
Why Coaches Choose Athletes Untapped
While CoachUp helped pave the way for connecting coaches with clients online, Athletes Untapped offers a model that truly puts coaches first. Our coaches enjoy higher earnings from day one, keeping 80% of every booking.
We charge no hidden or signups fees – just a simple one-time $10 background check to get started. Once approved, coaches gain national exposure through our marketing efforts, with none of the upfront or recurring costs common on other platforms.
The result is a healthier, more sustainable coaching ecosystem – one where both athletes and coaches can grow for the long term.
How to Get Started with Athletes Untapped
Ready to find your coach? Visit our website to learn more, or browse coaches across any of our 16 sports:
Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mental Performance, Pickleball, Soccer, Softball, Strength & Speed, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
