Key Takeaways
- Youth Inc. hires Shelby Bumgarner, a former Duke field hockey player, to lead athlete-centered digital content across its platforms
- Bumgarner previously served as Duke Athletics’ first digital storytelling intern and hosted the True Blue podcast
- The hire addresses a content gap Youth Inc. identified: young athletes’ firsthand perspectives are underrepresented in youth sports media
- Bumgarner will produce daily content and travel to tournaments nationwide to cover real stories from families and athletes
- She was selected for ESPN’s NEXT Program in 2024 and worked at the 2025 ESPYS
Follow Shelby on socials: Instagram / TikTok
Filling the Athlete Voice Gap
Youth Inc., the digital media network founded by former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, identified a persistent challenge in youth sports coverage since launching in August 2025. While parents, coaches, and administrators generate most industry content, young athletes who navigate the modern youth sports system rarely share their own experiences.
The platform brought on Shelby Bumgarner to address that gap. A recent Duke graduate and Division I field hockey player, Bumgarner offers perspective across the full youth-to-college pipeline, from recreational leagues through Division I athletics.
“Shelby has an incredibly unique journey to the highest levels of her sport and will bring first-hand insight along with a fresh perspective on what makes youth sports great in this country,” said Mikey Fowler, Youth Inc.’s Content Director who has produced content with Olsen since 2022.
Building Content Through Network Access
Beyond her playing experience, Bumgarner brings connections to athletes across multiple sports and competition levels, from blue-chip recruits to walk-ons and from Power Five programs to Division II and III schools. Youth Inc. plans to leverage these relationships to deliver athlete-driven storytelling that reflects diverse experiences within the system.
Her role includes creating daily content for Youth Inc.’s social platforms and producing weekly direct-to-camera segments that complement Olsen’s podcast interviews. She will also travel to games, tournaments, clinics, and partner events to capture stories from the grassroots level.
From Duke Athletics to Digital Media
Before joining Youth Inc., Bumgarner worked as a creator and on-air talent for Duke Athletics and the Blue Devil Network. She hosted the True Blue podcast and produced digital series including Top Plays of the Month and fan content featuring the Cameron Crazies. Duke Athletics named her their first intern focused specifically on digital storytelling, sideline reporting, and content creation.
Her work at Duke earned recognition beyond campus. She received the Duke True Award and the ACC Top Six for Service Award for leadership and community impact. In 2024, ESPN selected her for its NEXT Program, which led to assignments at the 2025 ESPYS and throughout the ACC Network’s football season.
Expanding Youth Inc.’s Platform Strategy
The addition of Bumgarner aligns with Youth Inc.’s positioning as both a media network and e-commerce marketplace for the youth sports community. The platform, which evolved from Olsen’s podcast, now serves more than 65 million U.S. youth sports participants and their families with content, expert analysis, and access to team apparel and branded gear.
Youth Inc. continues building its roster of voices and ambassadors as it works to become the primary digital destination for families, coaches, and young athletes seeking trusted content and streamlined commerce options.
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