Exploring Life & Business with Pegah Jimenez of i9 Sports – Forsyth / N. Fulton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pegah Jimenez.

Hi Pegah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got into youth sports because of my husband. He grew up living and breathing athletics, and when the opportunity came to turn that passion into a career through i9 Sports, it just made sense for both of us. We both had athletic backgrounds, but at the time I was actually in medical sales and looking for something more fulfilling—so I stepped in to help him build this.

We started in 2007 with family—his aunt and uncle—and like most entrepreneurs, those early years were a grind. Long days, late nights, doing everything ourselves just to get it off the ground. In 2010, we made a pivotal decision to buy out our partners and fully take ownership, and that’s really when the business started to grow.

Since then, we’ve built not just a program, but a team and a community. We’ve had employees stay with us long-term, family join the business, and even former players come back to work with us—which is something I’m really proud of.

Like many, we took a hit during COVID, but we’ve stayed committed to our mission: making youth sports what they’re supposed to be—fun, developmental, and accessible. One of the biggest areas of growth for us right now is girls flag football, which has really taken off in our community.

Today, our focus is continuing to grow while also adapting to how much youth sports has changed—bringing programs directly into schools, creating more access at younger ages, and really educating families on the value of team sports beyond just competition. That impact piece—what kids take off the field—is what still drives everything we do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s definitely not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, the early years were a grind. When we started with i9 Sports, we were doing everything ourselves—long hours, wearing every hat, and learning as we went. There wasn’t a roadmap, so a lot of it was trial by fire.

One of the biggest turning points was in 2010 when we had to make the decision to buy out our original partners. That was a risk, but it also allowed us to take full control of the business and really grow it the way we envisioned.

Then, of course, COVID was a major challenge. Youth sports came to a halt, and we took a significant hit. Coming out of that, we also saw a shift in participation—kids have more options now, and sports isn’t always the default like it used to be.

So today, one of our ongoing challenges is not just growing the business, but adapting—finding new ways to engage families, partnering with schools, and continuing to show the value of youth sports beyond just competition.

But every challenge has really pushed us to evolve, and that’s a big part of why we’re still here and still growing.

As you know, we’re big fans of i9 Sports – Forsyth / N. Fulton. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At i9 Sports, we focus on providing organized, accessible, and fun youth sports programs for kids of all skill levels. We offer a variety of leagues and clinics, but what we really specialize in is creating an environment where kids can learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and genuinely enjoy the game—without the pressure that often comes with competitive sports at a young age.

What sets us apart is our focus on the full experience. We prioritize convenience for families, strong organization, and a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Every child plays, every child is developed, and every child is included—that’s non-negotiable for us.

We’re also very in tune with what our community needs. For example, our girls flag football program has seen incredible growth, and we’ve leaned into that by expanding opportunities and creating more access for female athletes. At the same time, we’re working closely with local schools to introduce sports at earlier ages and rebuild that foundation of participation.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built in our community. We have families who have been with us for years, kids who grow up in our programs and come back to work with us, and a team that truly believes in what we’re doing.

At the end of the day, we’re not just running leagues—we’re building confidence, teaching life skills, and creating experiences that kids carry with them long after the season ends. That’s what defines our brand.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are a lot of ways to get involved with us at i9 Sports, depending on how people want to connect.

For families, the most direct way is by enrolling their kids in our leagues, clinics, or camps—we’re always welcoming new players, especially those who are trying a sport for the first time.

We’re also always looking for coaches and volunteers who are passionate about working with kids and creating a positive experience on and off the field.

From a partnership standpoint, we love collaborating with local schools, HOAs, and community organizations to bring programs directly to their spaces. That’s a big focus for us right now—expanding access and meeting families where they are.

And for businesses, we offer sponsorship opportunities that allow them to support youth sports while also connecting with local families in a meaningful way. It’s a great way to give back to the community while building brand visibility.

At the end of the day, if someone shares our mission of making youth sports fun, accessible, and impactful, we’re always open to finding ways to work together.

Pricing:

• Leagues $190-$230
• Camps $180-$220
• Clinics $135-175

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/forsyth-n-fulton-ga/119
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i9sports119/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i9SportsIS119
• Twitter: https://x.com/i9Sports_CPJ