RENO, Nevada (February 15, 2023) – Friends of the Pack, the official NIL collective supporting University of Nevada, Reno student-athletes, announced today the appointment of its new General Manager, Wolf Pack football alumnus Jake Hurst.
“We’re excited to see a former Wolf Pack student-athlete at the helm of the Friends of the Pack collective,” said University of Nevada, Reno Athletic Director, Stephanie Rempe. “At a time where NIL plays such a crucial role for our student-athletes, it’s great to have someone who can directly relate to their experience and needs. I look forward to seeing how Jake can spearhead impactful NIL opportunities for our Pack.”
Hurst attended the University of Nevada and is also a former Nevada Football student-athlete. During his four seasons with Wolf Pack football, the team appeared in four bowl games, went undefeated against their UNLV rivals, and won a WAC Championship in 2010. Hurst lettered during his senior season and started all 13 games as a Punter. He also took over kicking duties when a teammate was sidelined with injuries halfway through the season and was awarded the team’s Fireman’s Award.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to return to Nevada and lead the NIL efforts for Friends of the Pack,” Hurst said. “Nevada is full of promise, and we have a chance to leverage our amazing community to create unique opportunities for our student-athletes in the Biggest Little City in the World. I’m excited to get started and serve the NIL interests of Wolf Pack student-athletes.”
After his time at the University of Nevada, Hurst pursued a career in gaming and influencer marketing, working with creators to use the latest technologies to help grow their personal brands and audiences. Hurst has managed and led influencer campaigns, organized sponsorship activations between creators and brands, planned international e-sports tournaments, and executed virtual and live events. He has worked with a variety of notable players in the industry including ARK Survival Evolved, Rocket League, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, Warframe and more.
Hurst now joins Friends of the Pack after most recently working with creators at Screenwave Media to grow their sponsorship opportunities. Between his extensive experience working with esports influencers and creators and his roots with Wolf Pack football, Hurst is exceptionally positioned to execute Friends of the Pack’s NIL initiatives for Nevada student-athletes.
As General Manager, Hurst will lead Friends of the Pack’s strategic vision and will drive fundraising initiatives, membership growth, and corporate partnership opportunities, all while fostering impactful relationships that will connect Wolf Pack student-athletes with the Reno community and Nevada fanbase. He will also be managing the collective’s onsite team, the relationship with the Nevada athletic department, and the collective’s external communications.
For more information about the collective, Hurst can be reached at jake@friendsofthepack.com.
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ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE PACK
Friends of the Pack is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for Nevada student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Friends of the Pack creates new opportunities for Nevada student-athletes to succeed and maximize their personal brand. Partner with Friends of the Pack and gain access to exclusive events, autograph sessions, and more. For more information, head to friendsofthepack.com or follow the collective on socials on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Marina Bain