Always trying to be a step ahead instead of behind, McNeese Athletics will start the new year with a first for the Southland Conference.

Tuesday, McNeese will host a summit for its athletes and local businesses to introduce both sides to the NIL process.

Under new NCAA regulations, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has become the key to getting paid for college athletes. It is becoming the lifeblood of programs and players as they navigate the ever-changing process. 

The Trailblaze Your Brand: NIL and Life Skills Summit will be held inside the Legacy Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

McNeese is just the second school in the state and first in the Southland Conference to hold such an event. LSU is the only other program in Louisiana to host one.

“We want to be aggressive, be pioneers and be ahead of the curve on this issue,” said Keifer Ackley, Assistant AD for NIL & Student-Athlete Development. 

Ackley was hired last summer to lead McNeese and its athletes through the entire process of NIL and to teach them how to deal with the new regulations that are consistently changing. 

The summit will include personal branding for athletes, handling finances, time management, internship possibilities, and how to use campus resources. Participants will also learn how to participate in the NIL process for business.

The event will conclude with a Business Connection Fair, where student-athletes can network directly with local businesses and organizations. Companies can pitch NIL deals, internships, and permanent job placement opportunities to McNeese student-athletes.

“This summit reflects the athletic department’s commitment to supporting our student-athletes in every aspect of their McNeese journey,” said Ackley. “We are dedicated to preparing them not only to succeed in sports but also to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.”

Ackley said interest from McNeese athletes has been “through the roof.” He is also pleased with how many businesses have signed up and are participating.

“We are getting the wheels turning, and we hope to double it next year,” said Ackley. “We are lucky to have so many local businesses interested in becoming partners with McNeese and our athletes. Without their involvement, we could not do this.”

Putting on such an event shows how far McNeese athletics have come over the past five years. No longer willing to sit back in the shadows and wait for everything to develop around them, the Cowboy brass is taking control of their situation and becoming leaders in the college landscape.

“We want to stay ahead of the game, to be a place other people follow,” said Ackley. “It is important that we stay actively ahead of other programs.”

Coaches on campus are also using things like the summit and being out front in the NIL world when it comes to recruiting. Athletes are comparing all aspects of their college options when making their choices. 

“We have to stay competitive to attract the athletes we want for McNeese,” said Ackley. “This is also not just about men’s basketball and football, and this summit is for all our athletes in all our sports.

“We want to give our student/athletes their best experience possible while they are here and empower them in their own careers. We also want to put them in their best possible positions to succeed after school as well.”

Ackley also wants to keep McNeese ahead of the competition as well. 

For more information on the summit, email Keifer Ackley at kackley5@mcneese.edu.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com