Who’s behind NextGen Scholarships?
We are Matteo Mitchell and Nik Polychroniou, two enthusiastic undergraduate student-athletes attending the University of Southern California. With firsthand experience in securing athletic scholarships, we founded this business to help fellow students achieve their dreams of playing sports at NCAA schools while pursuing their academic goals.
Our journey began as a hobby—assisting friends with the recruitment process. As we saw the positive impact of our guidance, our passion grew, and we decided to turn our efforts into a full-fledged business. Now, our mission is to provide personalized guidance and support to navigate the recruitment process.
What sets us apart from our competitors is our extensive network of contacts with athletes and coaches, built throughout our years of studying and competing at USC—connections that no other scholarship service can offer.
Nikolaos Polychroniou
Nik started his college career in 2021 when he received a full athletic scholarship offer by USC head coach Caryl Gilbert. After finishing his high school years ranked no. 1 in the world as an U18 in the hammer throw, Nik received multiple offers to study abroad in the United States. After 3 years of studying Psychology and Entrepreneurship, he co-founded NextGen Scholarships to help other students experience the amazing world of college sports.
In 2024, Nik’s hobby of helping European athletes study abroad became a full-time passion.
As a Division 1 athlete Nik has placed 5th in the NCAA 23’ & 24’ seasons, receiving x2 Fist-Team All American honors. He also placed 4th at the World U20 championships, 5th at the European U23 championship and is two-time Greek National Champion.
Matteo Mitchell
As an NCAA D1 hammer thrower with over 8 years of experience in track and field and more than a decade of weightlifting practice, Matteo Mitchell has honed his expertise in athletic training. His dedication is not only exemplified through his personal achievements but also in his role as a coach for over 9 middle school to junior college athletes.
Passionate about nurturing young talents, Matteo Mitchell has embarked on a mission to empower aspiring athletes through his comprehensive programs at NextGen Scholarships. His profound commitment to giving back to the athletic community has been the driving force behind the establishment of this company.
