Basketball was my saving grace. Lacking club sports growing up, my dedication led to a college scholarship and four years of play. I became an All-State player, averaging 28 points per game, and won back-to-back championships at two schools my junior and senior high school years. I even experienced the high school transfer portal before it was a term, thanks to my father’s job relocation. I was recruited to play college basketball, completed four years, earned my degree, and became team MVP and an All-Conference selection, averaging 23.7 points per game in my senior year.

Basketball helped me overcome a tough childhood marked by divorce and abuse from a teacher. These experiences enabled me to recognize children facing challenges and find my purpose in life, alongside my family and faith, by helping kids learn and grow through basketball.

In 1992, I managed 100+ club teams from April-August! We were the largest youth basketball organization in the Midwest with teams traveling all over the country.

I saw a lack of personal connection with the event director and other important factors for families, so I decided to manage my own youth sports events.

I arrived in northern Colorado in 2000. Over the years, events expanded to become one of the largest in the region under my brand, Power 2 Play Sports.

In 2017, I achieved my goal from 1990, stated in my final paper: “I’m going to own a Youth Sports Facility.” I was naive about the challenges, but I take pride in what I built. Power 2 Play Sports became central to youth basketball in northern Colorado, attracting teams from across the country. By 2022, we had participants from 42 states, hosted over 100 high school teams in a state-sanctioned event in December, and organized one of the largest and most respected JuCo jamborees for men and women. Each year, over 500 Division I and II college coaches visited our campus.

In 2022, a new ownership group emerged that conflicted with my values and the mission of P2P Sports, which was to support families in northern Colorado. Decisions were driven by profit, diminishing my enjoyment of the company I founded. Inappropriate conduct from co-owners led to legal issues, and I no longer felt proud to work there; it had become a job rather than a passion.

In 2023, I relaunched my events under the name The Sports Biz Network in northern Colorado and beyond. Over 500 teams participate each year in my leagues, which focus on development and inclusivity for everyone, regardless of finances or skill level.

As of May 2025, the largest youth basketball organization in northern Colorado, I provide opportunities in my programs and beyond. I focus on affordable no admission fees, transparent budgets, experienced officials, results-driven scheduling, and accommodating busy parents juggling multiple sports and children.

Becoming a father to Adaline has been a tremendous opportunity. My focus on family time and being a positive role model in our community is paramount, alongside helping kids and families. I am committed to supporting children who have faced similar hardships. My events will continue to serve the community's youth.

I believe a gentleman's handshake is still important. I think everyone who comes into your life, whether positive, negative, or harmful, has a purpose.

The future of The Sports Biz Network-MP4Sports is bright, dedicated to helping others build careers in sports. I remain your unwavering ally, showing that you can achieve what skeptics doubt.

My work is my platform; my goal is to be an exemplary father to my daughter. We aim to offer our children the opportunities we missed, guiding me to improve daily and teach that one's life reflects their own efforts.

My faith and family guide me and are the most important parts of my life. Sports give me a chance to help others, and I will overcome any obstacle to do so, understanding that persistence leads to helping others.

Respectfully,

Michael Peterson

Event Architect