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Triumph NIL signs Dax Hollifield, Da’Wain Lofton, Kaleb Smith and Malachi Thomas

Team captain and Spring Game MVP highlight quartet of football standouts joining agency roster

[Blacksburg, VA, July 20, 2022] Triumph NIL today announced the signing of Dax Hollifield, Da’Wain Lofton, Kaleb Smith and Malachi Thomas to Name, Image, Likeness’ (NIL) contracts. Launched April 15, 2022 as an NIL sports marketing agency, Triumph develops custom partnerships for collegiate student-athletes with members of the business community, supporters and fans. The eclectic group specializes in building meaningful business relationships that meet all NCAA compliance and State legal criteria.

“I’m really excited that these young men have chosen to represent Triumph as they begin building their personal business profiles,” said Brenden Hill, Triumph partner and former Virginia Tech football standout. “Triumph will serve each as a valuable resource as these athletes embrace their NIL potential and how it can impact each in unique and positive ways.

Hollifield, a senior linebacker, returns for a fifth season (COVID year) having earned All-ACC Honorable Mention recognition for his 2021 campaign. The Shelby, NC-native has 273 career tackles, 10 sacks and four interceptions for the Hokies. Over his career, Hollifield has endeared himself to Hokie Nation as a relentless hard worker that fits the blue-collar legacy that is Tech football.

‘I’m excited to join the team at Triumph,” said Hollifield. “Being a student-athlete, you have a lot on your plate. I now have access to all of the tools needed to build a personal brand that is of the standard I set for myself on the field.

“The fact that Brenden and Kevin (Jones) are involved is important to me, because this place really is home for me and for them,” he added. “The brotherhood is deeper than just the players on the team now. It extends to legacy players. For those who have passed, for those to come…it speaks truth here.”

Lofton, a Sophomore wide receiver from Fort Worth, TX, is poised for a breakout season this Fall. His Freshman campaign was highlighted by two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies Commonwealth Cup win at Virginia last Fall.

“I feel blessed to be a member of Triumph,” said Lofton. “I felt like this was the right decision for me, because nothing is better than being a part of a group that has experience, great intentions, and provides all the tools I need to build my brand, while steering me in the right direction of NIL opportunities.”

A Senior wide receiver, Smith is ready to step into the spotlight as an elite pass-catcher this Fall. The native of Bumpass, VA has 37 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons of action. Smith was the offensive MVP in the Hokies Spring game this April.

“I’m very excited to be with Triumph,” said Smith. “NIL is new and changing for athletes. Having a team to help guide you is important so that I can focus on football and school. I appreciate their backgrounds and look forward to working with them.”

A rising Sophomore, Thomas played in 12 games, starting three at running back and put his promise on full display with three touchdowns and 151 yards on 21 carries against Syracuse. On the year, he totaled 443 yards on 93 carries. The Hartwell, GA-native arrived on campus with high expectations as the 2019 Georgia AAAA Player of the Year following a season in which he gained 2,862 all-purpose yards and 36 touchdowns. The new coaching staff has been impressed with the way Thomas finishes his runs and have high expectations for him this Fall.

“I am excited to be a part of Team Triumph,” said Thomas. “I wanted to be with an team that cared about my best interests, my experience, and could help me build my brand to make the most of the NIL space. This decision was a no-brainer. I have a lot of trust in this team, they are Hokie alumni and they make me feel like family.”

Said Kevin Jones, Triumph partner and former Hokie football great: “Since I concluded my seven-year NFL career, it is evident that I’ve been very intentional with my time, energy and focus throughout my ten years in Blacksburg: God, family, education, student-athletes and branding on many different fronts.

“I love the NIL space and am fortunate to serve athletes as an experienced and true representative of what their lives can look like before, during, and after their college career,” he added. “I’ve built my career with the mindset of turning dreams into reality and empowering yourself so that you can empower others. What better way to accomplish this than through leveraging our nuanced programming. Triumph is bar none the best team I’ve ever been a part of. We are diverse, educated, experienced, and selfless. I’m excited to be a part of this team, on this unique timeline of college athletics, and I believe what we do is needed more now than ever before.”

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 future, current and former athletes.

Triumph athlete roster also includes former VT softball star pitcher Keely Rochard and baseball third baseman Carson DeMartini. 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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