Charleston Edge Collective Launches to Empower College of Charleston Athletics in NIL Era
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Edge Collective proudly announces its official launch, establishing a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiative that will empower College of Charleston student-athletes to maximize their personal brands and capitalize on their talents. This Collective is set to provide vital support in the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, ensuring that Cougar athletes have the tools and opportunities needed for success both on and off the field.
Local attorney and longtime College of Charleston supporter Mark A. Peper, who founded the Charleston Edge Collective, expressed his excitement about the role the Collective will play in enhancing the athletic programs:
“Charleston is a winning city, and the College of Charleston is a winning program. The Charleston Edge Collective is the final piece that will ensure our student athletes have the support they need to thrive in today’s college athletics environment. Our coaches, administration, and facilities are top notch, and now, with the infrastructure in place to help our student athletes capitalize on NIL opportunities, build their brands, and stay competitive at the national level through the Collective, we have the total package.”
Peper introduced Tyler Jones as CEO of the Charleston Edge Collective. Jones, a long-time public relations executive and CEO of sports marketing agency, Bold South Sports, based out of Charleston, emphasized the changing landscape of college sports and the critical importance of adapting to the NIL era:
“College athletics is changing fast. The programs that adapt and innovate will be the ones that succeed. The Charleston Edge Collective positions us to do exactly that. College of Charleston is perfectly placed to be a leader in the NIL space. We don’t have the massive budgets required to support a football team, which makes NIL more affordable for us, allowing us to focus on other sports. Combine that with the fact that we’re located in Charleston, South Carolina, a world-class destination city that people want to move to and stay in—and we have a thriving business community ready to support our athletes.
What sets us apart is that we’re not rebuilding a program—we’re building on current success. Our basketball program is fresh off two NCAA tournament appearances, our other sports are consistently competing for championships, and we’re ready to take it to the next level. NIL is critical to this continued growth, and we’re here to make sure our student athletes, our fans, and our community capitalize on this moment.”
As part of its leadership, Dr. Jermaine Johnson has joined The Charleston Edge Collective as Director of Partnerships. Johnson, a 2008 graduate and former basketball star at the College, now serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
The Collective also includes Jack DeLongchamps who will serve as Director of Content. DeLongchamps, a Charleston native and well-known color commentator for high school and college sports, also hosts the popular sports podcast “Pencil Talk.”
The Charleston Edge Collective is committed to creating opportunities that extend beyond athletics, providing education in financial literacy, business development, and branding for student-athletes. By linking athletes with businesses, both locally and nationally, the Collective aims to ensure long-term success for College of Charleston’s athletic programs.
For more information, visit www.TheCharlestonEdge.com and follow us on Instagram at @TheCharlestonEdge.
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