PITCHER PERFECT : Tennessee Pitcher Karlyn Pickens Partners With Weigel’s Convenience Stores

photo cred: Tennessee Athletics

Karlyn Pickens, a standout pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team, has not only been making headlines with her impressive on-field achievements but also through her partnership with Weigel's, a local Tennessee convenience store chain. This collaboration is part of Weigel's ongoing success with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, which aim to support and highlight local athletes.

Karlyn Pickens who is The SEC Pitcher Of The Year has had a remarkable journey in two years in Knoxville. Pickens was a huge component helping lead the Lady Vols to the Women's College World Series (WCWS) this year achieving a No.3 overall seeding. Pickens finished the regular season with a 1.26 earned-runs average, striking out 186 batters in 156 innings. She also holds a 19-6 record with 13 complete games on the year as reported by Knox News.

Weigel's, a family-owned business with deep roots in Tennessee, has long been a supporter of local communities and sports teams. The company is celebrating its continued success through strategic NIL partnerships, with Karlyn Pickens being a prominent face in their recent initiatives. This partnership not only underscores Weigel's commitment to fostering local talent but also provides Karlyn with a platform to expand her influence beyond the softball field.

Karlyn's partnership with Weigel's aligns perfectly with the company's values and mission. Weigel's has been enthusiastic about collaborating with local athletes who exemplify dedication, hard work, and community spirit—qualities that Karlyn embodies both on and off the field. Through this NIL agreement, Karlyn represents Weigel's in various promotional activities, bringing attention to the brand while receiving support to further her athletic career.

This mutually beneficial partnership has allowed Karlyn to focus more on her game, knowing she has the backing of a reputable local business. As she continues to dominate in softball, Karlyn Pickens and Weigel's partnership serves as a testament to the positive impact of NIL agreements on athletes' lives and local businesses alike. This collaboration is a prime example of how sports and community can come together to create meaningful and supportive relationships.

See Karlyn Pickens highlights here:

WORTHY CAUSE : Notre Dame QB CJ Carr Partners with Napleton's Countryside Mazda and The Violet Foundation To Raise Money For Pediatric Brain Cancer

photo cred: Notre Dame Athletics

NIL deals are a major change in college athletics and more times than not we hear stories about large sums of money paid to athletes to either play for a school or rep a brand. Rarely do we hear stories where athletes are partnering with companies to raise money for a worthy cause. Notre Dame QB CJ Carr's brother passed 8 years ago due to a cancerous brain tumor called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). The Napleton Family who owns Napleton's Mazda also lost their daughter Violet to pediatric brain cancer in 2022.

For every vehicle Napleton's Countryside Mazda sells in May, they will be donating a portion to the Violet Foundation which supports pediatric brain cancer research. CJ Carr's family also has a foundation called Chad Tough to support research for DIPG. To learn more about each organization and make a donation, please visit the links below:

Chad Tough Defeat DIPG Foundation

The Violet Foundation

TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE : Virginia Tech WR Da’Quan Felton Gets NIL Sponsorship From Kiser Furniture

photo cred: TechSideline.com

Da'Quon Felton's impact was immediate for the Hokies last year. After transferring from Norfolk State University, Felton became the leading receiver for Virginia Tech with 38 receptions for 667 yards and 8 touchdowns. Standing at 6'5 and weighing in at 207, Felton is the premier red zone target and downfield threat for starting QB Kyron Drones.

Triumph NIL partnered with Kiser Furniture to sponsor both Felton and Drones with new furniture for their on campus apartments. Triumph NIL is a collective for Virginia Tech athletes that specializes in curating opportunities that meet all NCAA compliance and State legal criteria. Triumph seeks to maximize individual and group earning potential and provide clarity to key stakeholders through creative activations.

Virginia Tech looks to improve on their 7-6 season last year and get back to their glory days in the 90's and 2000's. The continuation of Felton's production will help elevate the Hokies to the next level. Check out Felton's highlight tape below: