About Driven Over Given

Our Mission

At Firm Grip Consulting, we help universities grow their domestic and international enrollment, strengthen athletic competitiveness, and boost their bottom line. We specialize in recruiting diverse student-athletes and non-athletes, navigating NIL and athlete compensation, and creating support systems that prioritize student we

Our Mission

At Firm Grip Consulting, we help universities grow their domestic and international enrollment, strengthen athletic competitiveness, and boost their bottom line. We specialize in recruiting diverse student-athletes and non-athletes, navigating NIL and athlete compensation, and creating support systems that prioritize student well-being, academics, and equity. Our goal is to drive institutional growth and success in a changing higher education and sports landscape.

Our Vision

To shape a future where higher education blossoms as a beacon of opportunity, unlocking every student’s potential and igniting athletic greatness with a spirit of unity and excellence. We envision institutions that foster inclusive growth and boundless ambition, all while sustaining a championship culture rooted in Character, Culture, Community, and Commitment—values that inspire true victory and lasting legacy. Together, we strive to create a world where success is defined not just by championships, but by the integrity and resilience that lead to them.

Firm Grip Consulting Group, offers a comprehensive College Sports Recruiting Service designed to help student-athletes transition from high school to collegiate athletics including the professional level with integrity and clarity. Our CEO, Dr. Shawn Harris, Ph.D. in Sports Leadership, is a proven leader who has driven success across gras

Firm Grip Consulting Group, offers a comprehensive College Sports Recruiting Service designed to help student-athletes transition from high school to collegiate athletics including the professional level with integrity and clarity. Our CEO, Dr. Shawn Harris, Ph.D. in Sports Leadership, is a proven leader who has driven success across grassroots to professional levels and recently guided a four-year liberal arts university in Irvine, California to 47 championships in four years of competition. Athletes and families engage in a structured interview process to ensure the right fit, receive a calendar aligned to their timelines, and obtain one-on-one mentoring from advisors with extensive college-recruiting experience. Our team leverages deep knowledge of the club circuit, college camps, and showcases to advise on valuable opportunities and avoid pitfalls, we accurately evaluate talent relative to geographic regions, and we support the student-athlete from initial exploration through college enrollment, backed by a proven track record of success.

Dr. Shawn Harris, Ph.D., is a dedicated leader with over two decades of experience in athletic administration, organizational development, and community service. Raised in the hardworking community of Berlin, Maryland, located on the Lower Eastern Shore of the Delmarva Peninsula, Harris is a current member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Prince Ha

Dr. Shawn Harris, Ph.D., is a dedicated leader with over two decades of experience in athletic administration, organizational development, and community service. Raised in the hardworking community of Berlin, Maryland, located on the Lower Eastern Shore of the Delmarva Peninsula, Harris is a current member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Prince Hall Freemasonry. He is the former Dean of Athletics and current CEO of Firm Grip Consulting Group, as well as the founder of the nonprofit Driven Over Given Inc.

At his previous institution, Dr. Harris spearheaded a transformational initiative that expanded a modest, two-sport club program into a nationally recognized NAIA powerhouse. Under his leadership, the athletics department grew to 26 competitive teams, over 70 coaches, and more than 495 student-athletes at its peak, all guided by the core values of Character, Culture, Community, and Commitment. In four years, his athletics department won 47 total championships, 27 conference championships, and eight national championships. He increased enrollment by 220% and raised the department’s GPA from 0.98 to 3.0 over five years, demonstrating a deep commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

Dr. Harris has been deeply involved in student-athlete development, implementing innovative academic policies and virtual athletic programs supporting rigorous curricula such as STEM and nursing. He has actively promoted mental health resources and leadership training to prepare athletes for success beyond sports. His background in business leadership and military service as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran has instilled values of discipline, adaptability, and strategic planning, which he applies to organizational growth and program success.

As a current member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Prince Hall Freemasonry, Dr. Harris is a staunch advocate for community service, leadership, and integrity. His work with Firm Grip Consulting Group is dedicated to helping universities grow domestic and international enrollment, enhance athletic competitiveness, navigate NIL and athlete compensation, and develop support systems that prioritize student well-being, academics, and equity. His nonprofit, Driven Over Given Inc., is a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and communities through leadership and service.

Harris is eager to bring his visionary leadership, strategic expertise, and community-driven approach to organizations committed to sustainable success and impactful growth.