Rhody Excellence is spearheaded by Stone Freeman, an organization dedicated to assisting URI student-athletes in maximizing their name, image, and likeness A statue of the ram mascot of the University of Rhode Island is featured outside the school’s Welcome Center in Kingston, R.I.Lane Turner/Globe Staff URI graduate Stone Freeman is at the forefront of Rhody […]
Rhody Excellence is spearheaded by Stone Freeman, an organization dedicated to assisting URI student-athletes in maximizing their name, image, and likeness
A statue of the ram mascot of the University of Rhode Island is featured outside the school’s Welcome Center in Kingston, R.I.Lane Turner/Globe Staff
URI graduate Stone Freeman is at the forefront of Rhody Excellence. Courtesy of Freeman If you’re a fan of college athletics, this weekend is shaping up to be exciting in Rhode Island. At noon tomorrow, the traditional men’s basketball showdown between the University of Rhode Island and Providence College takes place. Kevin McNamara offered a fantastic insight into the importance of this rivalry for the state earlier this week.
Almost right after the Rams and the Friars clash, at 2 p.m., URI football will compete in the FCS Playoffs’ second round at Mercer. The victorious team will move on to next week’s quarterfinals.
It’s apparent that college athletics has undergone significant transformations in recent times, and none understand this shift better than Stone Freeman, a 27-year-old URI alum who is the leader of Rhody Excellence, which aids URI student-athletes in leveraging their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
I asked Freeman to elaborate on his work and the evolving landscape in college athletics.
Q:Your role was nonexistent in college sports just a few years back. Can you share how you came to this position and what a typical day looks like for you?
Freeman: Initially, I was engaged in the corporate sponsorship office within the URI athletic department. I found enjoyment in corporate sales, collaborating with our partners, and assisting businesses in growing via URI athletics, but our Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn pointed out the growing NIL sector and encouraged me to consider this chance with Rhody Excellence. My daily routine focuses on assisting URI student-athletes in developing their personal brands through NIL while ensuring compliance and ethical standards according to both NCAA and URI athletics. I take pleasure in working closely with Rhody Excellence supporters, contributors, and business affiliates to optimize the student-athlete’s NIL success.
NIL seems to have become a central aspect of recruitment. What advantages can URI offer to athletes that their competitors cannot?
The recruitment and retention of student-athletes is a significant topic within Rhody Excellence. However, we are not as involved as fans and supporters may assume. We maintain ongoing communication with coaching staff to ensure we provide a competitive NIL framework for their programs. Our role primarily begins when student-athletes officially join URI. Upon arriving on campus, our aim is to present NIL opportunities and offer their families and representatives the necessary resources for success. We rely on legal advice, NCAA compliance assistance, and financial tools to set the student-athlete up for success.
With a critical weekend ahead for URI sports, let’s discuss football first. The Rams are set to meet Mercer in the FCS Playoffs’ second round tomorrow. How does your role differ in football compared to basketball?
Our primary objective is to enable all our programs to compete in the current landscape. If a chance emerges for any URI student-athlete, be it in basketball, football, rowing, softball, etc., we have the required infrastructure to assist them through the process. As a Rhody graduate from 2019 and 2021, and a contributor to the URI Football radio & television broadcasts, I feel a great sense of elation seeing Coach Jim Fleming and his team achieve success. It brings pride to our community, fans, alumni, and the state as a whole.
The URI men’s basketball team is currently undefeated and will host Providence tomorrow at the Ryan Center. What potential does this Rams squad have this season?
The effort exhibited by Coach Archie Miller and his staff is truly commendable. Coach Miller is a proven winner, and he has the Rams performing well as we approach one of our most crucial non-conference contests this year. With his guidance and robust support from the university, I’m optimistic about the future in Kingston. This squad is quick, capable of scoring, and effective defensively. The Atlantic 10 has become stronger and more competitive. I believe this team can excel in the conference this season. While there are still many games ahead, I think Rhody fans are in for an enjoyable experience when we reach January and February during conference play.
Final question: Can you provide one prediction regarding the future of NIL in college sports?
Considering the NCAA, revenue sharing, a major legal settlement, and other aspects, NIL and its impact on college athletics will inevitably evolve. Making an accurate “prediction” is challenging due to the ever-changing circumstances. However, I believe that athletic programs committed to NIL will have an upper hand. Planning ahead avoids subpar performance. Those who consider potential changes and strive to comprehend them will hold a competitive edge. I envision a continuous role for collectives in the new era of college sports. It is crucial for us to be innovative and diligent to keep pace with trends.
This article first appeared in Rhode Map, our complimentary newsletter detailing Rhode Island events, providing links to fascinating stories, and more. If you’re interested in receiving it via email Monday through Friday, you can subscribe here.
URI graduate Stone Freeman is at the forefront of Rhody Excellence. Courtesy of Freeman If you’re a fan of college athletics, this weekend is shaping up to be exciting in Rhode Island. At noon tomorrow, the traditional men’s basketball showdown between the University of Rhode Island and Providence College takes place. Kevin McNamara offered a fantastic insight into the importance of this rivalry for the state earlier this week.
