SONS OF STEEL IS A SPECIALIZED DIVISION OF NINE SECONDS CORPORATION
FORGED UNDER PRESSURE, POSITIONED FOR GREATNESS
Too many promising athletes lose eligibility, miss opportunities, and watch their futures collapse. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack tools. They are unprepared for the judgment, exposure, and pressure that come with success and the spotlight. I know the long-term cost of suppressed emotions, unchecked aggression, and high-risk behavior because I was raised in the aftermath of the violence and chaos it creates, and that reality fuels our mission to make sure this generation of athletes does not repeat the same mistakes. As a prevention advocate and certified substance abuse counselor, I founded Sons of Steel and built our flagship program, GameReady Elite™, to prepare elite high school and collegiate athletes to master pressure, prevent self-destruction, and take control of their futures. We train athletes to regulate emotions, resist destructive choices, and lead with discipline and integrity under scrutiny. The result is young men who are forged under pressure, resilient in the spotlight, and destined for greatness; both on and off the field.
The Silent Sons Initiative was the beginning of a movement. It represented awareness and reflection. It exposed a need that had been overlooked for far too long and confirmed that awareness alone is not enough. We had to do more.
Sons of Steel is the evolution from awareness to accountability and from reflection to prevention. Through our work, young men learn to communicate with confidence, make sound decisions, set healthy boundaries, and manage pressure on and off the field. They may enter as Silent Sons, but they emerge as Sons of Steel.
Prepared, Positioned, and Pressure Proof.
WHEN BLK MEN TALK welcomes Dr. Marci Batiste, Founder and Executive Director of Sons of Steel, formerly known as The Silent Sons Initiative, for a powerful deep dive into one of the most urgent issues facing our communities today: the silent struggles of boys and young men.
The Silent Sons Initiative was where the movement began. It exposed a crisis long overlooked and confirmed that awareness alone is not enough. Sons of Steel represents the evolution from reflection to prevention, from silence to strength. Too many young men are carrying unspoken burdens, battling pressure, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of healthy coping skills. The cost is staggering: rising suicide rates, increasing substance use, and families fractured under the weight of unexpressed pain. Sons of Steel was created to change that.
Dr. Marci’s mission is clear. She is committed to equipping boys and young men with the tools, mentorship, and discipline they need to manage pressure, lead with purpose, and build lives they do not have to recover from later. By reaching them early and developing their character, composure, and communication, Sons of Steel is shaping a generation that is prepared, positioned, and pressure proof.
This conversation is more than an interview. It is a call to action. Because when we invest in our sons, we protect our future.

We offer specialized programs designed to equip young men with the leadership skills, emotional regulation, and self-discipline they need to navigate high-pressure environments. Our GameReady Elite Training System and The Standard Club Leadership League are tailored to support athletes and young boys in developing the mental resilience and personal growth necessary to thrive both on and off the field, before they need it
The only program built exclusively to prepare young male athletes for the mental and emotional pressure of the game, the spotlight, and life.
GameReady ELITE™ is a prevention-first training and mentorship system that bridges athletic potential with personal leadership. It focuses on helping athletes protect their eligibility, reputation, and legacy through structured development in five key areas:
Pressure Management – Training athletes to maintain focus, emotional control, and performance stability in high-stakes moments.
Decision Control – Teaching proactive thinking and accountability to avoid impulsive or destructive choices..
Mental Discipline – Strengthening resilience, focus, and composure to sustain success under constant scrutiny.
Character Development – Reinforcing values-based leadership, integrity, and respect as core performance skills.
Crisis Prevention – Providing the tools and awareness to recognize red flags early and respond tactically before situations escalate.


One-on-one support offers confidential, trauma-informed advisory plans tailored to each young man’s unique needs. Sessions create a safe space to address pressure, challenges, and personal growth with focus and discretion.

Our keynote messages deliver relatable, results-driven messages designed for easy implementation by young men and boys. Each talk equips audiences with practical tools to strengthen discipline, decision-making, and composure under pressure.

Our training programs are customized to meet client objectives while delivering prevention-first results for young men and boys. Each session equips participants with practical tools to build discipline, control, and leadership under pressure. here

1. BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CALL.
2. COMPLETE THE INTAKE SESSION.
3. DO THE WORK.
4. GET THE RESULTS.
Your tactical pressure management playbook for navigating the rules of engagement when high performance collides with high stakes. Filled with real-world insights and strategies for leaders, athletes, and anyone on the frontlines of life confronting the daily demands of navigating the pressures of friends, family, and responsibilities.


Email: [email protected] | PH: 469-949-6118
Phoenix, AZ | Dallas, TX
1079 W. ROUND GROVE RD, STE 300-154, LEWISVILLE, TX 75067
Copyright © 2025 Nine Seconds Corporation All Rights Reserved.
All trademarks are the exclusive property of Marcia Batiste. These trademarks are used with permission and are protected by applicable trademark laws. Unauthorized use of these trademarks is prohibited.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any content without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Silent Sons Initiative/SONS OF STEEL is the public-facing division of Nine Seconds Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
All donations, grants, and payments are processed through Nine Seconds Corporation. (EIN: 87-352374).