More than 100 Kennesaw State athletic boosters, coaches, fans, student-athletes and local business leaders packed Main Street Events in Acworth on Thursday evening for the official launch of an NIL collective that is aimed at benefiting Kennesaw State Athletics. While this was a launch, the NIL collective is not officially part of KSU Athletics.
This is the Owls Collective.
NIL stands for name, image and likeness.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 that NCAA athletes became allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL) independently from their schools.
The Kennesaw State Owls are looking at this as a way to pool money into a general fund that will be used to generate opportunities for student-athletes. As the Owls move to a bigger conference in Conference USA in less than a year, this is critical and needed.
And you can be a part of it!
The Owls have been full NCAA Division I since 2005 and have a track record of success in all sports.
“We are on a heck of a run,” offered Kennesaw State Athletic Director, Milton Overton. Overton, who has spent time at TCU, Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida A&M gave those in attendance good reasons to get behind this NIL collective.
Overton went on:
“We are about bold and aggressive moves and we have to retain our athletes.”
Those in attendance included:
Overton
Brian Jordan – Owl Collective Board Member, Ex-Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons
Barclay Miller – Owl Collective Chair and President
Caric Martin – Owl Collective Board Member
Coaches in attendance:
Brian Bohannon – Football
Octavia Blue – Women’s Basketball
Ryan Coe – Baseball
Antoine Pettway – Men’s Basketball
Keith Schunzel – Volleyball
Cale McDaniel – Track and Field and Cross Country
Bryant Odom – Men’s Golf
Erin Thorne – Women’s Golf
Dozens of colleges and universities around the country have started their own collectives, but those at Kennesaw State believe this is something unique.
“This is just the start,” explained Owl Collective Board Member Caric Martin.
Martin, whose family has had ties to university since it was founded in the 60s says geography and a “family atmosphere” in Cobb County are special.
“We are a part of Metro Atlanta and that means there is tremendous opportunity for businesses and individuals to share equally in a growing athletic program.”
NIL partnerships can include events such as appearances, camps, community engagement projects, and marketing partnerships.
“There is something for everyone,” added Overton.
For more information, visit: www.owlscollective.com.
