Origin Story

Hayward Forward was born from a deeply personal understanding of what student-athletes truly need — and what the NIL space has largely failed to provide. Through two powerful chapters of his life — competing as a collegiate athlete and later watching his daughter Juliauna navigate her soccer career at both CU Boulder and the University of Georgia — founder Julian Hayward witnessed firsthand the pressures, gaps, and opportunities that define the modern student-athlete journey.

Where most organizations prioritized transactions and financial gain, Julian saw something missing: genuine, holistic advocacy. Hayward Forward was created to fill that gap, built on the belief that student-athletes deserve mentorship, life skills development, mental wellness support, and partnerships that align with their values — not just their marketability.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every student-athlete has access to the tools, guidance, and support needed to confidently navigate sports, education, business, and life. Hayward Forward strives to become a trusted leader in athlete development by creating pathways that strengthen personal growth, mental wellness, financial literacy, and community impact.

Why Choose Us?

Personalized Guidance

Every athlete receives individualized support tailored to their goals, brand, and future aspirations.

Beyond NIL

We focus on mentorship, life skills, personal branding, mental wellness, and leadership development in addition to NIL opportunities.

Authentic Partnerships

We help connect athletes with partnerships and opportunities that align with their values and personal brand.

Community & Impact

Hayward Forward is committed to building stronger communities by empowering athletes to become leaders, mentors, and positive role models.

Built on Trust

We believe meaningful relationships, transparency, and integrity are the foundation of long-term success.

About the Founder

Julian Hayward brings a rare combination of professional expertise in leadership, relationship-building, and community engagement to his role as founder of Hayward Forward. His background gave him both the tools and the conviction to build something different in the NIL space — an organization centered on empowering athletes as whole people first.

For Julian, this work is deeply personal: he believes every student-athlete deserves trusted guidance, the confidence to grow their personal brand with integrity, and a strong foundation for life beyond sports. Hayward Forward is his commitment to making that a reality.

Get In Touch

If you’re an athlete, brand, or agency looking to elevate your presence in the sports industry, reach out to us. We are here to help you navigate the world of athlete branding and NIL opportunities with confidence and expertise.