Premier Australian Recruitment Agency supporting Track & Field and Cross Country athletes in their journey to college in the USA.

start your usa college journey here
A group of eight young track athletes wearing red and white uniforms huddles together on a grassy field during a competition, with green trees in the background.

About Us

Born from a place of passion and experience, Athlete Nexus is the premier Australian recruitment agency supporting Track & Field and Cross Country athletes in their journey towards college in the USA.

Our athlete-centred approach focuses on the personal, athletic and academic goals of each individual.

We invest in the person, take the time to understand each athlete’s goals and guide them toward the college that aligns with their aspirations….not simply ‘any college’.

Our deep relationships with US College Track & Field and Cross Country coaches gives us valuable insights into opportunities, enabling us to offer ‘tailored advice to athletes.’

We have placed many talented Track & Field Athletes into the college system and we’re proud to be growing a service built on passion, integrity, and results.

We provide a range of services to support the Athlete and Parents through the entire scholarship process. Our personalised, individualised approach ensures we match each individual with the right college, not just ‘any college.’

Seven athletes in running positions at the start line of a track race, preparing to start, with their shadows cast on the red track surface.

Meet the Team

A smiling man wearing a sports cap and a black and green sports shirt with a logo, standing outdoors with other people in the background.

  • Jayden Russ is a leading figure in Australian athletics, known for his dynamic coaching style, athlete-first philosophy, and deep commitment to developing talent across all levels of the sport.

    Jayden is also the Founder and Head Coach of Brisbane Athletics, a high-performance training group that supports over 100 athletes across disciplines. His squad includes representatives at the international, national, state, and school levels, with a strong focus on junior development and long-term athlete progression.

    With over 10 years  of coaching experience, Jayden has worked with both male and female athletes, tailoring his approach to meet individual needs while fostering a supportive and competitive environment. His coaching success is backed by his own elite running career,  representing Australia at the World Junior Championships and competing for Iowa State University in the NCAA system, specialising in middle- and long-distance events.

    Beyond the track, Jayden is a respected voice in the coaching community. He’s been featured on podcasts such as Local Legends in Running, where he shares insights on athlete development, coaching philosophy, and building sustainable performance pathways. He has also served as National Team Coach for multiple Australian U20 Track & Field squads, contributing to the next generation of elite athletes.

    Jayden’s impact on the Australian running scene continues to grow, through mentorship, innovation, and a relentless passion for the sport.

  • Hugh combines expertise in Finance, Education and Sport, developed through a career spanning both Australian and International markets. His cross-sector experience has sharpened his analytical skills and long-term planning insight, strengths he now applies to guiding young athletes through the complex path to U.S. college opportunities.

    As a parent of a current student-athlete competing in the U.S. collegiate system, Hugh has firsthand insight into the emotional and logistical challenges families face. He understands the time, research, and resilience required to find the right fit, not just athletically, but academically and personally. This lived experience shapes his empathetic and informed approach to mentoring others through the process.

    Fueled by a lifelong love of sport, Hugh brings both personal experience and heartfelt enthusiasm to his work with young athletes. As an active sport participant and dedicated supporter, he’s deeply invested in helping emerging talent thrive, offering thoughtful, values-driven guidance rooted in empathy, integrity, and a strong belief in the life-changing potential of sport and education.

    Whether he's advising families, collaborating with coaches, or building pathways for emerging talent, Hugh is a trusted voice in the student-athlete space, combining professional acumen with personal dedication to help others succeed.


How We Support Our Students

Red background with a white checklist on a clipboard and a pen

1. Athlete Evaluation and Assessment Guidance

Learning about the athlete’s achievements and goals
Assess their academic and athletic potential

White signpost with three empty arrow signs on a red background.

2. Eligibility Guidance

Assess their current academic status
(Core units & GPA Analysis).
Provide guidance on meeting the eligibility requirements of the NCAA.

Icon of a computer screen with user profile and adjustable sliders on a red background.

3. Athlete Profile

Prepare a detailed profile for marketing to College Coaches

Graphic of interconnected people icons connected by dotted lines on a red background.

4. Marketing the Athlete and College Matching

Identifying suitable colleges that fit the Athletes ability, goals and academic level.

Line drawing of a person pointing to a strategic game plan on a board, with X's and O's and an arrow showing movement.

5. Coach Communication Support

Icon of a checklist with three checked items on a red background.

6. Scholarship Negotiation

Evaluation of scholarship offers
Guidance on signing the NationalLetter of Intent (NLI) or other commitment paperwork

Icon of a test paper with SAT written on it, accompanied by a pencil, on a red background.

7. SAT/ACT Registrations/ Preparation Assistance

White graduation cap icon on a red background.

8. Visa and Admissions Support

Assisting with university applications, student visa processes (F-1 visa).

Two speech bubbles, one with lines resembling text and the other with a question mark, on a red background.

9. Ongoing Support after commitment

Transfer support if required

START YOUR USA COLLEGE JOURNEY HERE
A male runner with red hair and glasses, wearing a white tank top, black shorts, and red running shoes, is mid-air during a race on a grassy course with orange cones, with spectators and trees in the background under a blue sky.

Contact Us Here

Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you!

Fill our contact form with your details and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.