Athlete NIL Interviews: Hampton Gucky
Could you share some of the NIL opportunities or partnerships you've been involved in?
Some of my NIL opportunities or partnerships that I've been involved in are Olipop, a healthy soda that supports digestive health and a healthy gut; and Amadi Jewelry, a Christian-based jewelry brand; and many in the works that I cannot wait to share!
How did you identify and negotiate these opportunities?
I identified and negotiated these opportunities in 2 different ways. For Olipop, I used marketplaces to seek out deals and apply for them. For Amadi Jewelry, I applied for an ambassadorship program because I loved the goals of the brand and how they spread the Word of Jesus.
How has NIL impacted your daily life and responsibilities as a student-athlete?
NIL has impacted my daily life and responsibilities as a student-athlete in many ways. It has taught me how to professionally present myself to people or companies, how to market myself and my abilities, how to accept "no" as an answer, and it has taught me that if I really want something, to go for it and keep proving yourself.
Are there educational programs/tools/events that have helped you better understand the rules and opportunities related to NIL?
Yes, I have been lucky to have the opportunity to learn from our NIL department. They provide the opportunity for student-athletes to learn about how to market themselves and to create core values to abide by. They also help us know that NIL can be beneficial for future jobs and careers and that it is not just going to stop after our eligibility is up.
How do you utilize social media platforms to build your personal brand and engage with your audience? Can you share examples of successful social media campaigns or content that helped promote your brand?
I utilize social media platforms to build my personal brand and engage with my audience by adhering to my core values and showing how I live my life and just post who I am. I know the type of content I like to watch so I try and mimic that style of content.
Some examples of successful social media campaigns or content that helped me promote my brand are just by following trends and posting content that I am proud of. I like to post me doing me and not being afraid of what others have to say about it. I also know that I enjoy the faster pace videos and aesthetically pleasing pictures. I am very particular about the content I put out because I want it to reflect my life and work ethic.
How have your NIL activities influenced your relationship with fans and supporters?
My NIL activities have influenced my relationship with my teammates, friends, and followers by making me more confident in myself. Everyone has been so supportive of me putting out content which I was afraid was not going to happen. I was hesitant about posting at first, because I feared the opinion of others, but now I know not to care what others think and to realize that I am helping myself for the present and future of my career.
What advice would you give to other student-athletes seeking to explore NIL opportunities?
Some advice that I would give to other student-athletes seeking to explore NIL opportunities is to not be afraid of what others think about you or your content. Be confident. Know that they are probably envious of the strides you are taking to better yourself and your future so take no offense to it. I also had a hesitance of starting NIL because I knew I was not at the top of the roster, but your placement in your sport does not affect whether you can do NIL or not. I am a hard worker and strive to be the best I can and that is all that matters.
Is there a college athlete whose approach to NIL you admire? If yes, who and why?
A collegiate athlete whose approach to NIL that I admire is Cara Bognar. She is a swimmer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While being a full-time student-athlete she is running a brand/company called Top Tier Lessons. Top Tier Lessons is where they match collegiate athletes with parents in the community to offer their children sports lessons in order to learn from someone who has the same interests and once had the same goals and dreams as the young child. I admire her hard work and attentiveness to detail when making sure that these young children are getting the proper education and are getting matched with the right people, all while thriving in the pool and academically.
How has engaging in NIL activities contributed to your personal and professional growth? Have you discovered new interests or skills through NIL opportunities?
Engaging in NIL activities contributed to my personal and professional growth by realizing how much hard work goes on behind the scenes of learning how to market yourself and what goes on before an NIL deal takes place. I have learned to be patient with work and know that time will tell and by putting yourself out there, your work and work ethic will be recognized and appreciated. I have discovered plenty of new interests and skills through my NIL opportunities. I knew I wanted to go into marketing in the future and after seeing more of the marketing side of NIL, I am intrigued with NIL and learning how to help other student-athletes achieve their goals. I have also developed new skills through my passions of social media and marketing such as editing, staying on trends, writing more professionally, and putting in the extra work because I only want what is best to be put out.
How do you envision your career evolving after college?
I envision my career flourishing after college because I have been taught by the best of the best and know that I am more than just my sport. I know that I am an extremely hard worker with big goals and aspirations and I am willing to do whatever it takes in order to achieve those goals.
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