Zoe Haugen joins AO’s expert network to guide college athletes beyond sports
Athletes.org, the athlete-led membership platform for current college athletes, selected Zoe Haugen, president of Haugen Holdings PR and marketing consultancy, to join its athlete mentorship program as part of the Expert Network. In this role, Haugen provides one-on-one guidance to athletes navigating the shift from sports to professional careers.
As a public relations and growth leader in the sports industry, Haugen brings more than a decade of experience in communications and over four years of experience working directly in the sports industry. Through Haugen Holdings, Zoe has helped clients, from tech startup founders to large corporate businesses, elevate their personal brands, secure meaningful media coverage, and scale their business impact.
Athletes.org, also known as AO, offers athletes free access to tools, resources, and mentorship to help them own their futures. The Expert Network connects athletes with professionals across industries, including law, finance, media, branding, and mental health.
“It is incredibly rewarding to mentor young athletes and help demonstrate what a future in the sports industry can look like,” Haugen said.
“Athletes are already natural leaders. They just need the right support and perspective to apply those skills beyond the field. It is a pleasure to help guide them toward their next chapter.”
AO highlighted a recent success story from the partnership that perfectly illustrates the power of the AO app and mentorship.


SMU Women’s Swimming & Diving athlete Lauren Priest used the AO app to find a mentor in her desired field. She connected with Haugen, and the connection quickly blossomed into a dream internship for Lauren, who is now gaining critical, real-world experience in the NIL media and marketing space.
“Working with Zoe has had a huge impact on both my confidence and my career goals,” said Lauren Priest, a former Division I student-athlete and mentee of Haugen’s.
“Being a member of the Haugen Holdings team has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to major campaigns, which has empowered me to pursue a future in sports marketing with greater clarity and purpose.”
Athletes interested in mentorship through AO can connect with Zoe and other industry experts in the free Athletes.org app.
About Athletes.org
Athletes.org is a free, athlete-led membership platform that helps college athletes navigate their careers on and off the field. Founded in 2023, the organization provides education, legal and mental health access, branding tools, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities through its expert network. AO’s mobile app gives members direct access to vetted professionals, exclusive resources, and events designed to support life during and after college sports. To learn more, visit athletes.org.
About Haugen Holdings
Haugen Holdings is a PR and marketing agency that helps companies and executives take a bold and energetic approach to self-promotion. The company focuses on achieving media placements, social media strategy, website development, lead generation, revenue growth, and more. Haugen Holdings serves clients in a variety of industries, including sports, tech, real estate, construction, and healthcare. The firm also specializes in publicity for authors, public figures, and celebrities. To learn more, visit haugenholdings.com.


Leave a Reply