Our Work in Action: ACCESS U x Gritness on the Ground at 2026 Showcases
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Last year we officially partnered with Gritness, an athlete mentorship and college recruitment program founded by former U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) player Lindsey “Linz” Huie.
As part of this partnership, ACCESS U and Gritness will be on the ground, identifying high-character, high-potential student-athletes who are serious about maximizing opportunities to play soccer at the collegiate level while earning an undergraduate degree.
Selected scholar-athletes will gain a comprehensive support system designed to develop the “Complete Athlete:” strengthening mental fitness, excellence in the classroom, and long-term college positioning. Once enrolled, players will receive dedicated college mentorship and recruiting guidance, alongside academic tutoring and test prep–so you can increase your chances of receiving college scholarship and financial aid offers, in an effort to graduate with little to no debt.
WHERE:
Meet with us on the ground at soccer showcases this spring and summer! Our recruitment team will have a presence at the following events:
Battle of the Southwest, March 21-22
Address: SilverLakes Sports Park, 5555 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA 92860
Where to find us: Please find us wearing light blue T-shirt/Hoodies with AccessU x Gritness Logo.
ECNL Phoenix Spring Showcase, March 27-29
Address: Reach 11 Sports Complex, 2425 E Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (U15-U17)
Where to find us: Please check back closer to the showcase date for specific details.
North Carolina Showcase, May 30 - June 1
Address: Bryan Park Soccer Complex, 6105 Townsend Rd., Browns Summit, NC 27214
Where to find us: Please check back closer to the showcase date for specific details.
Surf Cup, June 12-15
Address: 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar 92014
Where to find us: Please check back closer to the showcase date for specific details.
GA Summer Showcase in North CA, June 18-23
Address: SilverLakes Sports Complex, 5555 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA 92860
Where to find us: Please check back closer to the showcase date for specific details.
The ACCESS U and Gritness team members will be wearing blue shirts and can provide information about the program, interest form, and player enrollment qualifications.
PLAYER QUALIFICATIONS:
ACCESS U and Gritness seek to assist scholar-athletes who lack resources to competitively participate in today’s pay-to-play soccer landscape. While we understand each family faces unique circumstances, eligible players must show demonstrated financial need and/or extenuating circumstances that create a financial hardship.
We intentionally seek to serve athletes who:
May lack access to private recruiting networks or academic support systems
Are navigating the college process as first-generation students
Face financial or structural barriers to exposure and mentorship
Are members of underrepresented and underserved communities
Demonstrate the character and commitment necessary to maximize opportunity
Academically, students must have a 3.2 GPA or higher.
Athletically, students must have the desire and skills to play soccer at the collegiate level.
Our goal is to help close the opportunity gap in college athletics by pairing talent with structure, guidance, and advocacy.
Could you or someone you know benefit from our program? Complete the initial interest form HERE.
SUCCESS STORIES:
We believe that talent, drive, and potential—not income—should shape a student’s future. That is why we work tirelessly to deliver comprehensive support services in four core areas: academic tutoring, SAT/ACT test prep, college counseling, and recruiting guidance. To date, ACCESS U’s impact includes:
100% high school graduation rate
$2M+ in tuition offset through scholarships and financial aid (2024)
160+ students accepted into four-year colleges
70+ college programs recruiting our students
Hear from Vanessa Cabrera, whose story is featured in 'Taking Their Shot’, a new original docuseries created in collaboration with COCINA, part of Mecenas Group. Cabrera is a standout goalkeeper, high school senior, and fierce competitor with a heart of gold. Her coach, Lindsey Huie of Gritness, calls her “a teddy bear, but a monster in the goal.” Vanessa’s story embodies what ACCESS U stands for: resilience, community, and opportunity. Through ACCESS U's free college pathway program, which includes academic tutoring, college counseling, mentorship, and in partnership with Gritness, college recruiting guidance, talented athletes like Vanessa gain visibility and access to real college opportunities that can change their lives.
Hear from Blanca Guillen, a Houston, Texas native whose soccer journey began unexpectedly when she joined the boys during her sister’s tryout and quickly realized she belonged on the field. Despite financial challenges and family health issues that led her to move to an RL team, Blanca’s determination never wavered. Through ACCESS U’s free college pathway program, and recruiting guidance from Gritness, Blanca continues pursuing real college opportunities.
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