CHARLOTTE, NC (May 7, 2024) – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced today their first-ever conference-wide NIL partnership with long-standing partner, Hercules Tires. Hercules Tires and MAAC student-athletes will partner during the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the lives of student-athletes.
 
As part of the campaign, MAAC student-athletes will highlight their own thoughts on mental health and how mental health motivates them as athletes on the MAAC social media platforms.
 
“Today, we proudly announce Hercules Tires' groundbreaking partnership with the MAAC, marking a historic milestone for both organizations,” said Nakia Medlin, Sr. Director of Marketing Hercules Tires. “As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we are committed to championing the well-being of student-athletes. Together, we embark on a journey to raise awareness about the vital significance of mental health not only in student-athletes but young people in general. This partnership signifies our shared dedication to fostering a supportive environment where student-athletes thrive both on and off the field. Through our collaboration, we aim to empower and inspire, igniting conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and resilience. Let us stand united in breaking barriers and nurturing a culture where mental health is prioritized, celebrated, and supported.”
 
“We're excited to partner with Hercules Tires to support MAAC student-athletes and initiate meaningful conversations about mental health,” said MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. “This groundbreaking NIL initiative marks a first for the Conference, and we take pride in having Hercules Tires as a partner who shares our dedication to innovation and enhancing the student-athlete experience.”
 
The NIL opportunity across all MAAC member institutions is the latest innovative partnership between Hercules Tires and the MAAC in the college athletics world. Hercules Tires serves as the Official Tire of the MAAC and Title Sponsor of the annual Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships that take place at historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ each March.


About Hercules Tires
Hercules Tires is widely recognized as the industry's premier value brand with a comprehensive selection of passenger, UHP, light truck, medium truck and specialty tires.  Since 1952, independent tire dealers and distributors have trusted Hercules to deliver outstanding quality, exceptional support, and unsurpassed value.

Hercules is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, Inc.  American Tire Distributors is one of the largest independent suppliers of tires in the North American replacement tire market. The company offers an unsurpassed breadth and depth of inventory, frequent delivery and value-added services to approximately 80,000 customers across the U.S. and Canada.


To follow Hercules Tires activations, search @HerculesTires on Facebook, X and Instagram.
 
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 43rd year of competition during the 2023-24 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius University, Fairfield University, Iona University, Manhattan College, Marist College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College. Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University will join the MAAC as full members in the 2024-25 academic year, expanding the conference to 13 institutions.
 
Stay up to date with the MAAC on social media by following @MAACSports on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Threads or visit MAACSports.com for all the latest MAAC news.