Every kid has a dream of playing in the world series game 7 and hitting that game winning home run in the bottom of the ninth to win the championship, catching that pass in the end zone on the last play of the Super Bowl to take the Lombardi trophy, or hit the buzzer shot to become NBA world champions. As a baseball umpire, football referee, and coach of multiple sports my passion and enthusiasm for sports has extended throughout my lifetime. Last summer I took the step to turn that experience, passion, and positive energy into engagement in the sports world earning certification in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) through Sports Management Worldwide.

Led by Greg Glynn, the Founder and CEO of Pliable Marketing, we studied, discussed, debated, and learned about NIL in the aftermath of the House settlement which allows NCAA Division 1 student athletes to be paid by their respective institutions. Each week, Greg dove into the latest and hottest NIL topics, subjects of interest to my fellow classmates and myself and created a platform to share experiences about sports, athletes, and NIL. We came away better informed and trained in the critical areas of NIL including social media platforms, athlete branding and brand affinities, marketing including market value of student-athletes, legislation, recruiting practices, endorsement contracts and negotiations, compliance requirements, student athlete relationship development and advocacy as well as knowledge and understanding of the role the College Sports Commission, NIL Go, the NCAA and universities play in NIL.

We also gained a greater understanding of NIL’s impact on student athletes and their families. One of the course requirements was to conduct informational interviews with NIL leaders at the university and college level. The requirement was for three interviews, and I completed over 30 and today four months after class completion, I’m still engaged in informational interviews now having done nearly 100.

The course brought together people from different backgrounds, professions, life experiences with deep passion for sports, particularly at the collegiate level. The NIL Summer of 2025 class developed strong ties, built relationships and continues to stay involved with each other’s progression not only in the sports world, but with families and other interests.

This is due to the tone, leadership, commitment, and dedication of Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, the Founder of SMWW who stresses relationship development, networking and hosts a call every Sunday morning, and I mean every Sunday. Dr. Lashbrook often spends 90 minutes during this zoom discussion answering questions, providing life and career advice, and engaging with every participant in their passion for sports. Participants are represented by multiple countries across the globe and Dr. Lashbrook patiently listens, hears, and addresses every question he receives. I’ve served in the public and private sector world and never have I seen an executive, let alone the owner of an organization meet with current and former students every Sunday. Did I say every Sunday!!

As I continue my career in the sports industry. I’m looking forward to securing a position within a college athletic department or with a sports organization or league that is interested in my NIL experience and communication strategies.

I am actively talking with athletic departments and administrators about how I can help the athletes and administration succeed.

 

SMWW is truly a leader worldwide and Dr. Lashbrook does more than talk, he walks the walk, engaged with everyone at every level in their lives and careers. He is a man of great integrity and unassailable character. Greg Glynn, without question, is the foremost authority on NIL, whose knowledge, experience and understanding of NIL provides a deep look into NIL's past, present, and future. I not only recommend SMWW’s NIL certification course, but the class also has my highest recommendation for anyone interested in learning and developing a foundation for NIL and gaining insight into its impact on universities, student athletes, and their families.