What happens when the traditional school model doesn’t fit the life, goals, or opportunities of a student-athlete?

In Episode 10 of the REI Sports Network, the questions get turned around as Debrina Wright, Co-Founder of REI Prep, steps into the guest seat for 21 Questions and shares the vision, purpose, and thinking behind building a different kind of educational experience for young people in sports.

REI Prep was created around a simple reality: students shouldn’t have to choose between pursuing their education and pursuing the opportunities that can shape their future.

Debrina breaks down what REI Prep actually is, who it serves, and why the program was designed to support more than traditional student-athletes. From basketball and competitive sports to esports, digital athletes, and students interested in careers throughout the sports industry, REI Prep is building an environment where education works alongside a student’s goals—not against them.

The conversation explores the flexibility of online education combined with real-world experiences, NCAA-approved coursework, college preparation, athletic development, travel and competition, and the importance of creating community even when students aren't sitting inside a traditional classroom five days a week.

Debrina also talks about the bigger picture: helping students understand that the sports industry extends far beyond playing the game. Media, business, coaching, operations, technology, esports, events, and countless other career pathways can all become part of how young people begin imagining their futures.

And because supporting a student means supporting the family around them, the conversation also touches on parents, siblings, logistics, community, and why REI Prep continues to evolve around what families actually need.

In this episode:

• Why REI Prep was created
• What makes the REI Prep model different
• Supporting student-athletes without sacrificing academics
• NCAA-approved coursework and college readiness
• Esports and the Digital Athlete pathway
• Exploring careers throughout the sports industry
• Creating flexibility for training, travel, tournaments, and competition
• Building community within an online educational model
• Supporting families and siblings
• Preparing students for life beyond the game
• The long-term vision for REI Prep

This episode is for student-athletes, parents, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in what education can look like when we stop asking young people to fit into one system—and start building systems that recognize where they’re trying to go.

REI Sports Network
Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.