Michael Manoogian, a Texas Christian University graduate who majored in finance, played a key role in STOMP Athletics’ growth, contributing to the team’s successful pitch and national exposure on “Shark Tank,” an ABC network television show.
April 30, 2026
What began as a search for entry-level sales experience led Michael Manoogian ’24 to one of the largest stages in entrepreneurship, an appearance on “Shark Tank.” As part of the team behind STOMP Athletics, Manoogian contributed to the company’s growth and helped support a successful pitch that resulted in a $50,000 deal with investor Kevin O'Leary.
STOMP Athletics, founded by David Gonzales, creates shoe traction products for athletes. The Denver-based company has built momentum through a focus on performance training and athlete development. Manoogian joined the team in 2023 during a period of rapid growth, contributing to sales strategy and business operations as the company expanded its reach to athletes, schools and programs nationwide.
The opportunity to step onto the “Shark Tank” stage marked a significant milestone for the team and for Manoogian’s development as a young professional. That path began at Texas Christian University in the Neeley School of Business.
“It really did start with TCU,” Manoogian said. “What makes the TCU and Neeley network unique is the support. No matter what idea you’re working on, people genuinely want to help you succeed.”
At TCU Neeley, Manoogian developed a foundation in business strategy, communication and applied problem solving that prepared him to contribute in a fast-moving startup environment. Through coursework and student experiences, he gained early exposure to decision-making that mirrors the reality and pace of growing companies.
That experience extended beyond the classroom. Manoogian points to a growing network of Neeley alumni and students building companies simultaneously, supporting one another through shared resources, feedback and collaboration.
“That willingness to answer the phone, share advice and open doors is something I’ve always been able to count on,” he said, specifically recognizing TCU’s athletics department, business school faculty, alumni and students. “It’s a strong network of TCU people building at the same time.”
That network includes founders who began as students and built ventures, such as HNY+, BUFFS, realsy, WaterWatch, and the AirBoot reflecting the broader entrepreneurial momentum emerging from Neeley.
For Manoogian, the “Shark Tank” experience reinforced the importance of preparation, adaptability and clear communication, skills developed at TCU and sharpened through hands-on work with the STOMP Athletics team. That foundation came into focus on one of the largest stages in entrepreneurship.
Watch Gonzales and Manoogian make a deal in their “Shark Tank” appearance on ABC or stream on season 17, episode 17 on Hulu.
