The evolution of state, federal, and NCAA guidelines allowing student-athletes to benefit from using their name, image, and likeness (NIL) is changing the college athletics landscape. The Flock was formed to create and develop NIL opportunities for all UTC student-athletes through marketing partnerships, appearances, events, and community service projects.
Our mission is to encourage student-athlete growth beyond the playing field by providing opportunities that support civic and charitable involvement in the Chattanooga community and empower student-athletes to leverage their personal brand to support themselves financially in school and beyond.
The Flock was founded by Sam Kilgore in partnership with her husband, Zach Huston. With more than 18 years of experience creating, activating, and measuring the impact of sports sponsorships, Sam (a Chattanooga-area native) understands the value of developing and leveraging a personal brand. At The Flock, our goal is to use Sam's expertise to benefit UTC student-athletes by helping them navigate the business side of NIL opportunities and expand their skillsets beyond the game in ways that matter personally and professionally.
“The Flock will play a key role in keeping UTC athletics competitive on the field and court by providing a way for fans, students, alumni, businesses, and brands to get in on the game by making sure our student-athletes are competing not only athletically, but financially in this new era.”
You have the opportunity to support UTC student-athletes now by subscribing to The Flock. Each subscription level offers exclusive benefits and provides direct support to Mocs student-athletes. Contributions can be made to the general all-sports fund or designated to a specific sport, with funds being allocated equally among all participating student-athlete members.
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Between 80 – 85% of contributions go to student-athletes or student-athlete programming. The Flock keeps its overhead costs as low as possible but must cover operating expenses related to IT, legal, marketing, content creation, student-athlete education, fan engagement experiences, and bookkeeping.
Yes, anyone subscribing to The Flock can denote what sport and/or respective student-athletes contributions will be earmarked for. Supporters can also contact us directly to set up activations with their favorite student-athlete(s).
Individuals and businesses interested in making larger contributions can do so via the “Scrappy’s Nest” one-time contribution link on the subscription page or contact us directly at sam@theflockchattanooga.com. Contributions can be specified for specific sports, programs, and activations.
No, contracts vary based on the specific athlete and the requirements of the contributor and/or activation. Each deal is individually negotiated and agreed upon by the student-athlete. That being said, The Flock seeks to provide equal opportunities for both male and female student-athletes.
Student-athletes cannot enter into deals that promote alcohol, drugs, pharmaceuticals, political advertising, pornography, gambling or betting, or other opportunities that go against UTC values. The Flock seeks to create a broader range of NIL opportunities for student-athletes that help them grow as young men and women, while also giving supporters and the community an opportunity to interact with student-athletes in unique ways.
Contributions are not tax-deductible
