International Player Services

Building Safe Pathways for Global Student Athletes

We help NCAA programs and international prospects navigate documents, residency, and visas with a compliance-first, attorney-supported corridor operating through South Africa.

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Legacy Foundation Video

IPS Leaders

Joe Lopez launching the Legacy Foundation through IPS

A curated set of resources and background materials for the foundation and IPS.

LEGACY
Legacy Foundation & IPS resources
Links to projects, media, and partner resources curated by Joe Lopez.
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The Challenge

International recruiting is growing rapidly, but many prospects encounter process failures long before they reach campus.

  • Transcripts and ministries delay or block document release
  • NCAA Eligibility Center tasks take too long
  • Visa appointments are backlogged or denied
  • No single system sees the full picture

Coaches are excited about the recruit. Compliance is preparing for the email.

Our Vision

IPS turns uncertainty into a clear, repeatable pathway. We work with third-country residency hubs and counsel to create a corridor universities can trust.

  • Compliance first -- built with attorneys
  • Athlete centered -- single owner of off-court process
  • Program aligned -- mapped to roster needs & timelines

How the Corridor Works

1

Intake and Alignment

We align with coach, compliance, and international office to confirm fit and next steps.

Typical: intake call + 1 week
2

South Africa Residency & Training

Working with McCormick Law in Johannesburg to secure lawful status and training base.

Includes registration, local club placement, orientation
3

Documents & NCAA Readiness

IPS coordinates transcripts, certified translations, club attestations, and Eligibility Center tasks.

We track each document to its source until received
4

US Visa Preparation

From the South Africa hub, the athlete prepares a well-organized visa application and interview prep.

We provide coaching, packages, and interview prep
5

Handoff to Campus

IPS coordinates arrival logistics, initial orientation, and a smooth handoff to campus support.

Includes travel coordination and first-week check-ins

Who IPS Works With

For Universities and Programs
  • NCAA women and men basketball programs
  • Compliance and legal teams needing clarity
  • International offices managing complex cases

IPS is a coordination and compliance partner. We do not replace legal counsel, agents, or institutional policies.

What IPS Is and Is Not

IPS Is
  • A professional conduit between schools, attorneys, consulates, and federations
  • A logistics and documentation partner for international prospects
  • A bridge to residency and training options
  • A design studio for storytelling and brand development
IPS Is Not
  • Not a visa adjudicator or law firm
  • Not a guardian or host family
  • Not a replacement for institutional compliance control

We design systems that make your attorneys more comfortable and confident.