What does it look like to be a Division I athlete who stays grounded, purpose-driven, and anchored in faith—while navigating fame, NIL money, loss, identity shifts, and the transition into entrepreneurship?
In this deeply moving episode of Elevate Wellness, hosts Lisa D. Murphy and Mark Murphy sit down with Anthony Leal, Indiana Hoosiers basketball star turned entrepreneur, whose story gained national attention when he used his NIL earnings to pay off his sister’s student loan debt.
Anthony opens up about the values that shaped him, the discipline it took to avoid the pitfalls of college fame, and how faith and family guided every step of his journey. He shares the emotional story of his sister’s influence, the heartbreak of losing a close friend, the pressures of identity in sports, and what it really takes for young men and women to manage mental health in a world obsessed with perfection.
Today, Anthony is building companies that help athletes create long-term financial stability and transform the sports ecosystem—ranging from a real estate investment group to Motion Sports, a tech company recently backed by Mark Cuban.
This conversation is raw, inspiring, and full of wisdom for athletes, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating purpose, transition, or personal growth.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• The family-driven motivation that shaped Anthony’s athletic journey
• How faith and discipline helped him avoid college temptations
• The emotional story behind paying off his sister’s tuition
• What it feels like to lose the identity of “athlete” after college
• The role of vulnerability in breaking shame and improving mental health
• NIL pitfalls: how young athletes can protect themselves
• The truth about comparison, social media, and male emotional health
• How Anthony built businesses while still a student-athlete
• The mission behind his sports-tech company and real estate venture
• Why service—not success—is the foundation of meaningful entrepreneurship
• The mindset practices that keep him grounded (including his “faith & fitness” rule)
CALL TO ACTION (CTA)
Comment below: What part of Anthony’s story inspired you most?
Follow Anthony on Instagram at @anthonyl3al to stay connected to his journey, ventures, and mission.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Follow Anthony on Instagram: https://instagram.com/anthonyl3al
Follow Anthony on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthonyl3al