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Building Legends: LifeBrand Collaborates with Penn State’s Brand Academy to Boost Student-Athlete’s Name, Image and Likeness

August 29, 2024

In an era where social media is as influential as traditional media, student-athletes are finding themselves at the intersection of athletic prowess and digital presence. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for their success both on and off the field. Recognizing this need, Penn State University has launched its innovative Brand Academy, thanks to a generous anonymous donation, and we at LifeBrand are thrilled to be part of this transformative initiative.

Penn State’s student-athletes, LifeBrand and other presenters posing for a group picture after the Penn State Brand Academy Summit 

 

Why Brand Academy?

In today’s digital world, an athlete’s personal brand can be as valuable as their athletic skills. The Brand Academy at Penn State University aims to equip student-athletes with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage and enhance their personal brand. This program is designed to help them navigate the complex landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, which have become a significant aspect of collegiate athletics.

LifeBrand’s Role

LifeBrand, a leader in personal brand management and social media strategy, was invited to contribute to the Brand Academy due to our expertise in helping individuals curate and control their digital footprints. Our role involved guiding student-athletes through the intricacies of social media, from building a compelling personal brand to managing online reputation.

We were excited to share our insights on:

  1. Crafting a Personal Brand: Understanding how to present oneself authentically while aligning with personal and professional goals is crucial. We’ll help athletes identify their unique selling points and how to communicate them effectively across various platforms.

  2. Navigating Social Media Platforms: Each social media platform has its nuances. We’ll delve into strategies for leveraging platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to build and maintain a positive image that resonates with their audience and sponsors.

  3. Understanding NIL Rights: With the introduction of NIL rights, athletes now have more control over their endorsements and sponsorships. We’ll provide guidance on how to make the most of these opportunities while maintaining a professional and consistent online presence.

  4. Reputation Management: Social media is a double-edged sword. While it offers tremendous opportunities, it also presents risks. We’ll address how to handle negative feedback, potential controversies, and ensure that their online actions align with their personal values and goals.

Omar X. Easy, Director of Penn State’s Brand Academy, opening the summit before introducing LifeBrand C.E.O. Thomas J. Colaiezzi

A Vision for the Future

LifeBrand’s CEO, Thomas J. Colaiezzi, who was on-site working directly with the student-athletes, shared his enthusiasm for the program:

“Being part of Penn State University’s Brand Academy has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our goal is to empower these talented young athletes with the skills and confidence to build and manage their personal brands effectively. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and understanding how to navigate it can make a significant difference in their careers. We’re here to help them not just adapt but thrive in this new era of athlete empowerment.”

Also on-site from LifeBrand was Sr. Vice President of Business Development, Rob Reid, and Business Development Associate, Chuck McHugh. Pete Giuffre, Business Development Associate, developed the presentation for the evening.

The Impact on Student-Athletes

Participating in the Brand Academy will not only help student-athletes harness the power of social media but also prepare them for a future where their digital persona plays a significant role in their career. By learning to manage their brand effectively, they can attract sponsorships, engage with fans, and build a legacy that extends beyond their athletic career.

Looking Ahead

As we collaborate with Penn State University on this groundbreaking initiative, our goal is to empower the next generation of athletes with the skills they need to thrive in a digital-first world. We believe that by providing them with the right tools and knowledge, we can help them create a positive and impactful online presence that supports their athletic and personal aspirations.

At LifeBrand, we are committed to fostering the growth of these student-athletes and are honored to be a part of Penn State University’s Brand Academy. Together, we’re shaping the future of athlete branding and social media management, one student at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey and share the success stories of those who are taking their personal brands to the next level!

Feel free to reach out to us for more information on how we can help you or your organization manage your digital presence. Together, let’s build a brand that resonates, inspires, and endures.

About Penn State Brand Academy

The Penn State Brand Academy, a joint initiative of Invent Penn State and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, empowers student-athletes with the tools, resources and knowledge to elevate their personal brands and leverage their monetary potential through “Name, Image, and Likeness” opportunities. By providing innovative educational programming, exclusive access to successful alums, and direct connections to partnership opportunities, The Brand Academy helps equip student-athletes with the skills they need to thrive both on and off the field.

The Brand Academy is funded through the Wally Triplett Brand Academy Endowment.