PRESS RELEASE
COLUMBIA, S.C., March 7, 2024 – Garnet Trust and Carolina Rise announce that the two collectives have joined forces effective today to maximize the current and future growth of the University of South Carolina’s name, image, and likeness efforts. The entity will operate as Garnet Trust, which has been and continues to be the official NIL partner for the University of South Carolina Athletics. JC Shurburtt, owner and co-founder of Carolina Rise, joins Garnet Trust’s leadership team as a consultant.
“As college athletics and the NIL space continue to evolve, it is important for us to adapt to best serve the student-athletes we represent,” said Jeremy Smith, Director of Operations for Garnet Trust. “Consolidation and clarity for our fans, donors, and the businesses through which our student-athletes work is paramount, and this combination allows us to capitalize on strengths and focus our collective energy on serving USC’s student-athletes across all sports.”
Effective immediately, current Carolina Rise Members become part of the new “Carolina Rise Club,” which Garnet Trust launches today.
“I could not be more pleased with our work to build Carolina Rise. I have always wanted to do what is best for the University of South Carolina. After getting to know the team at Garnet Trust and consulting with our members, university administrators, coaches, and outside experts in this space, it became clear that consolidation is in the Gamecocks’ best interest,” Shurburtt said. “Garnet Trust operates with one of the most fiscally sound budgets in the entire NIL space, and that stewardship is of tremendous importance to me. Most importantly, we share a goal to make NIL at South Carolina first-in-class in the Southeastern Conference and nationwide.”
Garnet Trust serves all the University of South Carolina’s student-athletes, working across all sports teams. It is expected to collaborate with more than 200 student-athletes in 2024.
“It’s an exciting time for NIL, but it’s an exhilarating time for the University of South Carolina,” added Mark Bonnoitt, Director of Development for Garnet Trust. “For fans and supporters of both collectives, we’re thankful for your support and appreciate the impact it is making on our student-athletes.”
Garnet Trust is the official NIL collective of the University of South Carolina, launched in 2021 to create experiences between the university’s fan base, student-athletes, and businesses. Rooted in the desire to help student-athletes build sustainable financial futures while capitalizing on their name, image, and likeness, Garnet Trust facilitates opportunities through sponsored interviews, fan events, video content, social media, and promotional opportunities. Learn more at garnettrust.com.
