Mase Sports Somiyah Braggs interview on brands and education

In the Mase Sports Somiyah Braggs interview, Mase said young athletes should put education before sport, choose brand partners that fit who they are and build connections without becoming arrogant. He also told Braggs that he plans to finish his political science degree, keep developing his sports-content brand and consider a return to club promotions.

Why did Mase Sports start making sports content for upcoming athletes?

Mase Sports began making sports content because, as a former athlete, he wants to work with current athletes and help them build connections. He sees the work as part of a broader brand that joins his interest in sport with technology, business and community outreach, rather than as a project separate from those goals.

Braggs is the kind of athlete he wants to connect with: someone competing at the Division I level while also working on opportunities beyond competition. Mase said he has been involved in technology work since November 2023 and has worked as a project manager for a tech startup while pursuing his other interests.

His outreach interests go back further. He said he began doing educational-rights and community outreach work when he was about 15 or 16. That experience remains important to how he talks about sports content: attention is useful, but he wants athletes to be able to turn it into relationships and opportunities that last.

What advice did Mase Sports give young athletes about exposure?

Mase Sports told young athletes to network, make their work visible and stay humble as attention grows. He argued that connections with coaches and former athletes can matter, particularly at schools with strong sports networks, but that an athlete should remain a student first and avoid treating exposure as a substitute for preparation.

Coaches, alumni and school connections

Drawing on his experience growing up in Oakland and attending a school he described as academically focused, Mase said athletes cannot assume they will receive the same exposure as peers at schools known for sport. He named St. John Bosco High School and Mater Dei High School in Southern California, and De La Salle High School in the Bay Area, as examples of places where keeping in touch with coaches and alumni can be especially valuable.

He urged athletes to show coaches their worth and not be shy about making connections. At the same time, he warned against becoming cocky as more people begin watching. He said his own generation did not have the same NIL opportunities, making direct outreach and the ability to speak up for oneself particularly important.

Clark’s longer route

As an example of why an athlete may need more than one route forward, Mase discussed his godcousin Clark. He said Clark tried to make connections through San José State University and that an attempt to connect with Gary Payton did not work out. Clark then had to pursue a route through Uganda, which Mase described as a test of his humility.

What did Mase Sports say about athlete brand partnerships?

Mase Sports said athletes should choose brand partnerships that fit their personalities and give both sides a clear benefit. A deal should reflect who an athlete is, how they represent their sport and team, and what they can offer a company. He cautioned against becoming so flashy that the partnership stops feeling like an honest representation of the person.

Choosing a brand that fits

For an athlete with a different style or background, he suggested that a familiar retail brand such as Forever 21 or a local business might make sense. Asked what he would have chosen if NIL deals had been available to him, Mase pointed instead to his interests in art, science fiction and hip-hop, mentioning Star Wars and Halo. He also said he would want to represent the Bay Area and his Filipino, Hispanic and Chinese heritage.

Making the pitch

When Braggs asked about approaching major sportswear companies, including Nike and Adidas, Mase emphasized mutual value. He said an athlete should be able to explain both their performance and how they would represent a brand through their sport and team, rather than relying on name recognition alone.

His practical advice was to write down ideas as if preparing an academic outline, then turn them into a solid sales pitch. An athlete, he said, should be ready to explain their record, school connection and longer-term goals while representing themselves and the people close to them well.

What are Mase Sports’ future goals in education, business and sport?

Mase Sports plans to finish his undergraduate political science degree and hopes to pursue an MBA. He also wants to keep growing his sports-content brand, connect with more athletes and continue outreach work. Playing basketball again remains something he would like to try if an opportunity arises, though he described his education and brand-building plans as more realistic priorities.

A degree and a growing network

Mase said he is interested in business and technology work connected to Silicon Valley, alongside his continuing ties to San José State University. For his content brand, his immediate plan is to keep networking with athletes and see what projects those relationships make possible. He told athletes they could find his information through his MILLIONS profile.

Basketball and community events

He has not closed the door on playing basketball, but did not present a return as a settled plan. Outside competition, he discussed bringing athletes he has met through the platform to meet-and-greets at a friend’s wine bar. That idea fits his wider interest in connecting people through both sports content and local events.

Why did Mase Sports stress education and career opportunities for athletes?

Mase Sports stressed education because a playing career may be short and connections alone do not always replace qualifications. He told athletes to use the career opportunities available through their schools, while also building a network. His own experience applying for jobs without the required credentials reinforced his decision to finish his degree.

After discussing his background in football and basketball, Mase described how difficult it had been to decide on a major while thinking about sport. He played several football positions, including running back, slot receiver and cornerback, and played point guard in basketball. Braggs, discussing her own track ambitions, distinguished becoming a professional from qualifying for the Olympics; Mase agreed that reaching international competition presents another challenge.

He also pointed to job fairs and other career access available to college athletes. A recognizable school and athletic network can help open doors, he said, but he has found that some employers still require formal credentials. He mentioned former NFL player Alex Barrett while making the point that athletes should prepare for work beyond their playing years.

Mase is considering returning to club promotions, work he has done before. He described responsibility toward athletes as part of that work, including recognizing when they have practice the next morning. Summing up his advice about using opportunities without undervaluing oneself, Mase said:

sell yourself, but don't sell yourself short

Who is Mase Sports?

Mase Sports is Mason Anthony Medina Juanillo, a former athlete and sports-content creator who works with upcoming athletes. His background includes real estate, entrepreneurship, local outreach and technology. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in political science and hopes to study business at the graduate level while continuing work with underprivileged communities.