Eagle Nation,
With the recent conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support of our 430+ student-athletes here at Georgia Southern. We strive daily to cultivate a championship ecosystem that promotes academic, athletic and civic excellence.
Many changes have occurred in collegiate athletics during the past two years, most notably with the introduction of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation. Combined with the transfer portal's proliferation, roster management for all 17-sponsored sports at Georgia Southern looks different than what we have previously come to know. However, as the NIL landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to being innovative and a leader in this space to ensure we recruit top student-athletes to Statesboro.
I am grateful to Leonard Bevill and the other founding members of the Eagle Nation Collective, who have come together to support Georgia Southern student-athletes. Their leadership of the Eagle Nation Collective gives me confidence and peace of mind.
The Athletic Foundation will continue to serve as the primary platform for supporting our Athletic Department by funding scholarships for student-athletes, providing best-in-class services to support our student-athletes, facilities enhancements, and other operational improvements. However, now more than ever, it is imperative that we support our student-athletes' earning potential by supporting the Eagle Nation Collective. The Collective's website, www.EagleNationNIL.com, is an excellent online giving platform and educational tool, and I strongly encourage you to consider supporting it in addition to the Athletic Foundation (SoarAboveAll.com).
To learn more about the Eagle Nation Collective, its mission to support Georgia Southern student-athletes, and how you can get involved, visit www.EagleNationNIL.com or please get in touch with Leonard Bevill at [email protected].
We firmly believe that through our Athlete Brand Management Division, our partnership with Opendorse, our group licensing efforts, and our comprehensive NIL programming, we have created a transformative platform that will continue to grow and expand to best support our student-athletes' NIL activities. Your support of these NIL opportunities is appreciated, impactful and crucial to our pursuit of competitive excellence.
Finally, I want to emphasize that the strength of Georgia Southern lies in its people. Under the exceptional leadership of President Dr. Kyle Marrero, I am confident that Georgia Southern's best days are yet to come. Thank you for your steadfast support; you are positively impacting the lives of our student-athletes!
Hail Southern! GATA!
Jared Benko
Georgia Southern Director of Athletics
