Prep Network’s Exclusive Interview with New Board Member Jason Kidd
Anwar Stetson
Two-time Hall of Famer, NBA champion, and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has always loved sports. Before he became a worldwide sensation in the pros, the ten-time All-Star cut his teeth on the courts of Oakland, California where he was a highly touted AAU player.
He led St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in nearby Alameda to consecutive state titles, and in 1992, he won the Naismith Player of the Year Award as high school basketball’s best player. Now, Kidd is returning to his love of youth sports as a member of the Board of Directors for Prep Network.
“Growing up, sports were a huge part of my life, not just basketball, but baseball and soccer too,” Kidd told Prep Network.
“As a kid, I was always playing something. I didn’t see sports as a pathway or a career back then; it was simply what I loved to do. Being part of different teams taught me how to compete, how to work with others, and how to handle both winning and losing. Those lessons stayed with me long before I considered playing professionally.”
The appointment of Kidd, an Operating Advisor at Maple Park Capital Partners (“Maple Park”), follows the establishment of Prep Network’s strategic partnership with Maple Park in September 2025 to support Prep Network’s continued platform expansion and product innovation.
But Kidd’s involvement in youth sports is much more personal than financial investment: he’s become a big fan of youth sports by supporting his children, talented youth athletes in their own right in multiple sports.
“Today, my connection to youth sports is personal and multi-layered,” Kidd said.
“I’m involved at the program level in a few different sports and as a parent. I have a teenage son who plays baseball, a daughter who plays volleyball, and my youngest is currently involved in soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and really enjoys all sports.”
“Seeing youth sports through a parent’s lens gives me a deeper appreciation for the journey families are on,” he continued. “You want to support your children, challenge them, and make sure they are growing in a healthy way while still enjoying what they do.”
“I’m inspired by my dad because he had a lot of passion for what he does,” daughter Noah Grace Kidd told USA Volleyball at a national tournament she played at in June. “He always keeps reminding me to never be too hard on myself, and just to stay positive and enjoy the game, because that’s why I do it.”
In a statement, Prep Network says it will “leverage Kidd’s strategic perspectives gained as a renowned athlete, seasoned coach, and youth sports advocate as well as his leadership and operational expertise, as the Company continues to expand its national event footprint and enhance its content for athletes, families, and coaches.”
For youth sports: it’s a great time to invest. Youth sports is a $40 billion industry, bigger than Hollywood. With larger stadiums, private academies, and more major tournaments, youth athletes have more access to investment than ever.
“There are many positives in the youth sports landscape right now,” Kidd added. “Kids have access to great coaching, strong competition, and more opportunities than ever before. At the same time, it can feel overwhelming. My advice to families is to focus on development over results. Look for programs that value teaching, mentorship, and character just as much as winning. Let kids play multiple sports, explore different interests, and grow at their own pace.”
From the streets of Oakland, California, to the board of a major youth sports platform, Jason Kidd’s impact on the game has been immeasurable, and his footprint is a valuable mark of growth for not only Prep Network, but for the youth sports industry as a whole.
But at the end of the day, Kidd says, it’s all about the power of sports to teach lessons about life.
“Some of my favorite memories aren’t about trophies or big moments,” Kidd opined. “They’re about practices, road trips, and time spent with teammates. I learned to communicate, to lead without always being the loudest voice, and to stay disciplined when things didn’t go my way. Playing multiple sports helped me develop different skills, understand my body, and most importantly, keep the experience fun. That variety played a big role in shaping who I became, both as an athlete and as a person.”