For four years, Guy Oliver lived a dream that many basketball fans could only imagine. As a Harlem Globetrotters player, he traveled across the United States and Europe, dazzling audiences with show-stopping moves and incredible athleticism. But behind the bright lights and high-energy performances, Guy found himself asking a question that many athletes eventually face:
“What comes next?”
He loved basketball, but he didn’t want it to define him forever. He had spent years perfecting his game, but deep down, he knew he had more to offer—more to build, create, and explore.
So, he made a bold decision: he would leave the court behind and pursue a future in technology.
“I dropped everything—basketball shoes, basketball—just left it all behind and went straight into school mode.” – Guy Oliver
But transitioning from professional sports to web development would prove to be a challenge.
From Professional Athlete to Tech Innovator
Guy’s career with the Harlem Globetrotters took him to every state in the U.S. and across Europe, including multiple tours in France. While the experience was unforgettable, he realized that many athletes, like himself, often get boxed into sports, rarely considering alternative career paths.
“Athletes nowadays typically just be athletes. They don’t think outside the box. That’s what I’m trying to switch up and change.”
For Guy, success meant more than just excelling on the court. He wanted to challenge himself intellectually and build a sustainable future beyond basketball.
The Challenges of Career Transition
Stepping away from professional sports to pursue web development was not an easy decision. The demanding travel schedule left him with little time to study, and balancing coursework with recovery after games felt overwhelming. However, having been a student-athlete in Division 1 track and field, Guy was no stranger to discipline. Over time, he developed a stronger sense of time management, embracing a structured approach to learning.
“They tell you about time management your freshman year in college, but you don’t really understand it until you live it.”
Slowly, he found his rhythm. He mapped out a schedule, stuck to his deadlines, and treated his coursework like a professional commitment.
Why OpenClassrooms? A Perfect Fit for Athletes
When the Harlem Globetrotters offered players a chance to continue their education, Guy had his pick of prestigious universities, including UCLA, USC, and Pepperdine. Yet, OpenClassrooms kept drawing him in.
At first, he didn’t know why. But as he dug deeper, he saw something different—a tech-focused, student-first approach that prioritized real-world skills and career support over traditional education models.
◦ Personalized Support: Guy credits his mentor, Leslie, who guided him throughout his journey. He also appreciated the flexibility offered by the online training, which allowed him to continue studying even while traveling.
◦ A Tech-Focused Approach: Guy noted that unlike other universities, OpenClassrooms prioritizes career-ready training in technology, giving students a direct path into high-demand fields.
“A lot of universities just bring in students to get that quick money and don’t care what happens after. OpenClassrooms actually helps you land opportunities.”
◦ A Supportive Community: He felt supported by the OpenClassrooms community, a real family for him.
A New Perspective on Success
For Guy, OpenClassrooms did more than just teach him web development—it transformed how he defines achievement.
“A lot of kids think sports is their way out, and that’s getting really oversaturated.”
Now, Guy wants to inspire young athletes to think beyond sports. He sees technology as an alternative path where they can leverage their discipline, problem-solving skills, and work ethic to build successful careers in tech.
“I want to show kids that they can make as much—or more—money in tech than in sports. If I can show them how to build something now, it could change their whole perspective.”
Blending Sports & Technology
Guy isn’t leaving his sports background behind. Instead, he’s using his new web development skills to create applications designed for professional sports teams. His goal? To bring his unique athlete-to-tech perspective to NFL and NBA teams, targeting organizations like the Rams, Chargers, Lakers, and Clippers with innovative solutions.
Guy’s Advice for New Students
Guy gives valuable advice to students starting their OpenClassrooms program:
- Believe in yourself: It is important to always keep hope and faith in yourself, because there will be challenges along the way.
- Confidence: If your mentor approves your work, carry that confidence into the next task. Learning is a roller coaster—ride the highs and push through the lows.
- Time Management: Set a study schedule and treat online learning like a job.
- Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: Mentors and workplace advisors are there to support students, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help and advice.
- Hands-on Practice: Favor hands-on work, in addition to videos and readings, to facilitate learning.
- Communication: Communicate with your mentor so that they can better support you, as their goal is to help you.
- Flexibility: He appreciates the fact that meetings with mentors can take place to fit around your schedule, with the flexibility to change as needed….
Guy Oliver’s journey from basketball to web development proves that career transitions are possible—with the right support. OpenClassrooms provided him with the flexibility, mentorship, and hands-on training to thrive in tech, and now he’s ready to use those skills to impact the sports industry in new ways.
For athletes and professionals alike, OpenClassrooms is more than just a school—it’s a launchpad for new beginnings.
For more information on how OpenClassrooms supports apprentices and the companies that hire them, check out our 2024 mission report and explore our marketplace .
