Wrestling standouts Bryce Andonian and Mekhi Lewis sign with Triumph NIL
Agency roster now totals 56 Virginia Tech student-athletes
[Blacksburg, VA, September 14, 2022] Triumph NIL today announced the signing of wrestling standouts Bryce Andonian and Mekhi Lewis to Name, Image, Likeness’ (NIL) contracts. Triumph, a NIL sports marketing agency, develops custom partnerships for collegiate student-athletes with members of the business community, supporters and fans. The group specializes in building meaningful business relationships that meet all NCAA compliance and State legal criteria.
“We are extremely excited to work with these two talented athletes,” said Brenden Hill, Triumph partner. “They are both committed to leveraging their ambitions athletically to help give back and support communities that are important to them. We know that Triumph and Hokie Nation will help facilitate those endeavors.”
Andonian, a Senior, placed third in his weight class (149) last season. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting wrestlers in the country, the All-American grappler is a three-time NCAA Championships qualifier and three-time ACC runner-up. The native of Kirtland, OH also won a bronze medal while representing the United States at the 2021 Junior World Championships in Ufa, Russia.
“Focusing on my aspirations on the mat is key to all that I want to accomplish and, as part of the Triumph family, I am able to do that as they look to help build my brand off the mat,” said Andonian. “I am excited for this venture and what’s to come!”
Lewis, a redshirt Senior, returns to the Hokies this season as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history. The Somerset, NJ-native became the first national champion in program history when he won the 165-pound national championship in 2019, being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for his performance. He also claimed the 2019 ACC title in his weight class. Lewis was 2-0 at the 2021 NCAA Championships before medically withdrawing from the competition. He then returned in 2022-2023 to claim his second ACC title, become the program's first two-time national finalist, and be named ACC Wrestler of the Year for the second time in his career.
Lewis has also enjoyed great success on the international stage, winning gold at the 2018 United World Wrestling Junior World Championships – becoming the first in program history. He was also the U.S. National runner-up in 2019. Lewis is the feature match for the upcoming NWCA All-Star Classic in Austin, Texas on November 22.
Like many Hokies, Lewis is no stranger to community service. Over the summer, Lewis donated $8,000 of his own earnings to the Center for Greater of Expectations – a treatment center in Somerset, NJ that specializes in providing transformational mental health and substance use disorder treatment to women, children, men, and families.
“I am grateful to have Triumph in my corner as I pursue my goals on and off the mat,” said Lewis. “I am excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead and I look forward to creating a positive impact for the next generation to come. Keeping that in mind, I will continue to use my platform to give back to my community.”
Triumph is ideally positioned to help student-athletes navigate the new and dynamic NIL landscape, to direct corporate clients in identifying specific athletes and building compelling campaigns that drive real results, and to offer platforms for supporters and fans to champion their favorite Hokie athletes.
Triumph boasts a deep and talented roster of 56 student athletes. Potential partners wishing to connect with Triumph athletes, or other student-athletes, can connect with the team at Triumph via info@triumphnil.com.
About Triumph NIL
Triumph NIL is a unique and experienced sports marketing agency, specializing in building custom ‘Name, Image, Likeness’ (NIL) partnerships for collegiate student-athletes with members of the business community, supporters and fans. Triumph has the ability to work in a compliant manner with student athletes, is studied in Virginia State NIL law, familiar with NCAA compliance regulations, and experienced in the development of dynamic marketing partnership opportunities. Potential partners wishing to connect with Triumph athletes, or other student-athletes, can connect with the team at Triumph via info@triumphnil.com.
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