Athletes Meeting Excellence (AME) cultivates leaders by instilling confidence, purpose, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Our Mission
Empowering youth through sports and mentorship to excel in life, become leaders, and build a foundation for lifelong success.
Our Vision
To foster a generation of resilient, purpose-driven young people who lead on and off the court.
11+ Years of impacting youth.
Athletes Meeting Excellence Inc (AME) is a fully incorporated 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth who seek to use sports as a path to higher education and transformative life experiences. Founded by students at Morehouse College in 2013, we have assisted student-athletes globally, with our alumni earning over $5 million in scholarships. Our programs, such as the Best of the Best summer league and 3-on-3 tournaments, have impacted youth in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Our focus is on developing well-rounded student-athletes, emphasizing fundamentals, sportsmanship, discipline, and competition. We have served the community through toy drives, feeding the hungry (over 300 people), providing free tutoring to youth in need, and distributing laptops and suits to youth and college students. Hundreds of people around the globe have been impacted, including international players given opportunities to play NCAA college basketball. Through our programs, we inspire young men and women to excel in their communities, classrooms, and on the playing field, striving to make a lasting impact.
Our Core Values
The core values of excellence, leadership, teamwork, and integrity are fundamental to the success and sustainability of our organization.
Striving for greatness in all we do.
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ’Til your good is better, and your better is best.”
Leadership
Inspiring the next generation of role models.
“A true leader doesn’t create followers; they create more leaders.”
Teamwork
Collaborating with our community.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards.
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
OUR FOUNDER
Alex Easterling is the founder of Athletes Meeting Excellence, Inc. (AME), which he established in 2013 while attending Morehouse College. With a deep passion for sports and youth mentorship, Easterling created AME to empower student-athletes through leadership, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. As a licensed USAB coach, Easterling has guided top athletes like NBA superstar Anthony Edwards and NFL player Justin Eboigbe, and he currently leads one of the nation’s top AAU basketball programs.
A former standout at Dunwoody High School, Easterling helped his team secure back-to-back state championships and reach three final fours, as well as a national championship. His extensive knowledge of the game and focus on teaching life skills like discipline, teamwork, and resilience have made him a trusted mentor. Through AME’s initiatives, many student-athletes have gone on to earn scholarships at Division 1 and 2 schools.
Easterling’s time as a collegiate athlete at Middle Georgia College sharpened his leadership abilities and inspired his dedication to community service, mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, and speaking to youth. Through AME, he offers training, college visits, and scholarships to help students from all backgrounds succeed both on and off the field.
Building Leaders Through Sports and Education
Our Programming and Outcomes
Academic Excellence Program
SAT/ACT prep, college counseling, and academic tutoring.
Outcomes: 85% of participants improve standardized test scores by 20% or more.
Leadership
Academy
A one-day intensive that instills goal-setting, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Outcomes: 95% feel better prepared for college life.
Athletic Development Program
Skills training, exposure to recruiters, and mentorship.
Outcomes: Dozens of students earn athletic scholarships each year.
Financial Literacy
Workshops
Workshops to teach financial responsibility, budgeting, and the importance of saving.
Outcomes: 60% of participants open a savings account within six months.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
We inspire young men and women to excel
Anthony Edwards
Minnesota Timberwolves
TJ Bickerstaff
Drexel
MJ Walker
Florida State
Get Involved
Partner With Us:
Partnerships are the foundation of AME’s success. Current partners like Southern Company and the Atlanta Hawks are integral to our mission. Their support helps fund scholarships, academic programs, and training opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are essential to our programs. From tutoring and coaching to supporting events, every contribution makes a difference
