A Message from TigerImpact Executive Director
I hope everyone is enjoying the start to summer 2022! As we approach the 60-day mark since TigerImpact’s launch, I want to share a quick update. It’s been an exciting ride so far, and we’ve hit several milestones over the course of just a few weeks. We are gaining traction and have a lot to celebrate!
The journey for TigerImpact kicked off with the announcement on April 9. We have launched successfully and continue to build momentum daily as we tackle NIL and position Clemson student-athletes for success in this space.
All Sports
With the recent addition of 16 student-athletes bringing the total to 28, we are thrilled to welcome athletes from all Clemson sports. This is an incredibly important first step toward our goal of expanding the program to all of the more than 500 student-athletes at Clemson. We want everyone who wants to be part of this impactful initiative to feel welcome and to know that they can supplement their Clemson experience by making a meaningful difference in the community.
One of those TigerImpact student-athletes is Clemson running back Will Shipley of North Carolina. Shipley recently visited the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte to spend time with patients. While there, Will presented a personal check for $10,000 to support the hospital’s programs and services.
Will’s demonstration of servant leadership underscores the incredible generosity and caring of the Clemson Family and reaffirms what we all know about the culture of giving at Clemson.
Another one of our special “NIL Captains”, recent men’s soccer national champion Isaiah Reid, also presented a personal check during a visit to Rock Hill’s Boys & Girls Club to thank the club for the impact they are having on the youth in the region and to spend time with boys and girls from Rock Hill and the surrounding area. Isaiah and his family members participated as youth in the boys and girls club programs in Rock Hill.
501(c)(3) Status
April 22 was another special day. The IRS granted TigerImpact Tax Exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. Joining just a handful of collectives around the country in this endeavor, the decision affirmed our purpose-driven mission and the charitable work done by our student-athletes.
National and Regional Coverage, Messaging
Since launch, we have amassed national and regional coverage of our innovative approach to NIL at Clemson. (read more in Business of College Sports, The Athletic and The Post and Courier)
Recently, we have engaged local Clemson media outlets such as 105.5 THE ROAR and the Mickey Plyler show (listen here); Larry Williams “Dubcast” podcast, and TigerNet. This Clemson family coverage has been very helpful in generating numerous inquiries and interest in learning more about us.
Our PR and marketing partner, Hughes Agency, has assisted us with press releases, developing our messaging and brand, sharpening our website, crafting a communication strategy and plan, and designing donor and marketing material.
Dashboard
We currently have 25 student-athletes registered, 28 student-athletes under contract, nine charities registered, and 225 charities are approved in our network. We’ve recorded 70 donor interactions and closed 33 opportunities.
Closing thoughts
Rich Davies, founding board member and current board chair, and I were chatting recently, and he made some comments that I wanted to pass along that I thought were fitting with everything going on in our operation and the ever-changing NIL landscape.
Rich was discussing “the importance of operating with absolute integrity, and that we adhere ongoing to fostering the development of student athletes through their engagement with charities while helping charities gain much-needed exposure and support for the good work they do.”
This is what makes TigerImpact such a special NIL collective and one Clemson can be proud!