Podcast

I Am Student-Athlete The Podcast takes an inside look at some of the nation's top student-athletes and professional athletes to reveal the playbook behind their success. Episodes feature the strategies, the mindset, the preparation, the sacrifice, the commitment, and the recruiting process behind successful student-athletes. So, whether you are trying to excel in college or high school athletics, your hosts; LESTER SANDERS and JAY KEYS, will help you walk away with practical steps to take your game to the next level!

1. To motivate student-athletes to maximize their window of academic and athletic opportunity.
2. To prepare student-athletes who will go to the next level, for the next level.
3. To educate student-athletes on "How To Go Pro In Something Other Than Sports".

Lester has been encouraging students and student-athletes as a motivational speaker since incorporating his consulting business, Lester Sanders Limitless, in 2004. He has over 20 years of experience providing success strategies for teens and young adults.

Lester has been committed to empowering student-athletes throughout his career. His undertaking is to ensure that all student-athletes get the information and knowledge they need and deserve to make educated decisions and plans for their future! 

  Athletic Experience

• Canton McKinley Sr. High School (Class of 1996) – Canton, OH
• Football 2 Year Starter, Strong Safety (1994 & 1995 Seasons)
• Head Coach - Thom McDaniels
• Defensive Backs Coach - John "Spider" Miller 
• 5’-7", 178 lbs.
• Special Mention All-Ohio, 1st Team N.E. Inland District, 1st Team All-Stark County, Canton Repository East-West All-Star Game Starter 
• Senior Year - 91 Tackles, 2 Picks, 2 Cause Fumbles
• Preferred Walk-On at Kent State University
• 2014 Canton McKinley Football Hall of Fame Inductee

Athletic Coaching Experience

Present

• Canton McKinley H.S. Athletics Dept. Player Development Coach - 1 Season
• Alliance H.S. Athletics Dept. Player Development Coach - 1 Season

Past

• GlenOak Boys Varsity Basketball Student-Athlete Development Coach – 1 Season
• Canton McKinley Boys Varsity Basketball Student-Athlete Development Coach – 3 Seasons
• Canton Timken Boys Varsity Basketball Student-Athlete Development Coach – 4 Seasons
• Canton McKinley Freshmen Football Defensive Backs – 4 Seasons

James C. Keys, affectionately known as Jay, was a three-sport athlete in basketball, baseball, and football until high school. He was a 2-year starter on the Canton McKinley Boys Varsity Basketball Team. Jay earned a scholarship to Bowling Green State University. He attended Bowling Green State University, Canisius College, and arrived back home in Canton, where he earned a degree from Malone University. 

Jay focused his attention on making lives better for youth and young athletes. He formed The Prepared Athlete, which focused on student-athlete development and character building. He has over 20 years of experience in providing success strategies for teens and young adults. Currently, Jay is an Elder with Spirit and Truth Kingdom Ministries, WIN Clothing and Apparel owner, The WIN Project, and author of The Keys Creed / 88 Keys. 

Jay is dedicated to his family with his wife Atoiya, their five children, Imani, Vincent, Djibril, Urijah, Marlayah, and their granddaughter, Ha'Niya.

Athletic Coaching Experience

Past

• Athletic Director – 1 Year
• Varsity Head Basketball Coach – 1 Season
• Assistant Coach - 5 Seasons
• Freshman Head Basketball Coach – 3 Seasons