Miami alum builds performance and tech solutions for elite athletes
Miami alum builds performance and tech solutions for elite athletes
Aimee Kimball, a 2001 graduate of Miami University with a master’s degree in Sports Studies/Sports Behavior and Performance, has spent her career at the intersection of sports psychology, performance training, and now, artificial intelligence.
After 18 seasons working in the NHL, Kimball launched her own ventures: KPEX Consulting in 2015, which offers peak performance and mental skills training, and gAIm systems in 2025, an AI-powered platform designed to improve communication, predict player success, and help athletes reach their full potential.
“I’ve always had a passion for sports and a drive to help people,” she said. As a mother of three, Kimball wanted more flexibility and a chance to lead a team of like-minded professionals. “Starting my own company allowed me to do both.”
Like many entrepreneurs, she faced early hurdles, balancing family and work while learning the business side of running a company. She credits her adaptability and continuous learning mindset for helping her push through. “I took advantage of Miami’s mini-MBA program during COVID,” she said. “I knew I needed more business knowledge.”
Kimball’s proudest moments have come both in major league arenas and in smaller, personal victories. She has supported championship teams through two Stanley Cup wins, two Calder Cup titles, and worked with the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team during the Beijing Games. “To see these women persevere and compete not just for themselves but for the United States was so inspiring,” she said.
Kimball credits her time at Miami with shaping her entrepreneurial mindset. “Everything I learned about creating a successful mindset at Miami, I could apply to building a business,” she said. “Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, confidence, attitude, or focus, the skills that make great athletes also make great entrepreneurs. I had so many wonderful classmates and professors I remain connected to who have provided support and encouragement along the way.”
Kimball encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take initiative. “Sometimes opportunity doesn’t knock, so you have to create your own door to open. My advice is to be willing to put in the effort – just find a way to make it happen.”
Aimee Kimball’s story is featured in EHS Innovates: Founders and Builders, a spotlight series from Miami University’s College of Education, Health, and Society. This new series highlights alumni who are building ventures with purpose across education, health, and society.
EHS Innovates
Innovation thrives at the intersection of passion and purpose. EHS Innovates brings together students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners to explore how entrepreneurial thinking can drive meaningful change in education, health, and society. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world challenges, we create opportunities to develop solutions that address pressing issues in our fields. Whether you're launching a venture, looking to collaborate, or simply curious about how innovation shapes your discipline, EHS Innovates is your gateway to making an impact.
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(AI tools Grammarly and ChatGPT 4.0 assisted with this article.)
