SECU has announced its official partnership with the One Maryland Collective, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective that serves student-athletes at the University of Maryland. NIL opportunities allow student-athletes to engage with charitable causes and participate in business engagements, building their brands while making a positive impact, and representing their school without the concern of additional expenses.

“It is an honor and a joy to support University of Maryland student-athletes by way of the One Maryland Collective. As we’ve engaged with student-athletes from all of the teams representing Maryland athletics, it’s clear that these young adults are eager to get involved in their communities and use their platforms to inspire others to do the same,” said Amy Basta, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at SECU. “Together, we have hosted workshops and financial wellness events on campus in partnership with student-athletes, which has made our partnerships all the more impactful and meaningful. Now more than ever, young adults need the financial support, tools and resources to succeed – whether they continue to pursue sports professionally or move to a career in the traditional workforce.”

As such, SECU and the Collective have rolled out additional options for new NIL student-athletes to receive loan benefits for auto loans through the credit union. NIL athletes collecting paychecks can apply for an auto loan with SECU, and make payments directly from the funds received through the Collective. This option is available to student-athletes purchasing a new or used vehicle, as well as refinancing opportunities for those with an existing loan provider. SECU member advisors and financial planners are available to assist with one-on-one counseling and support to help ensure student-athletes make smart financial decisions and build credit for their future.

SECU’s partnership with the Collective expands the opportunity for future and ongoing collaborations among the credit union, its nonprofit the SECU MD Foundation, and student-athletes. This fall, University of Maryland student-athletes from the Division I football team attended SECU MD Foundation’s annual golf tournament, playing cornhole and networking with guests to help raise funds for the Foundation’s scholarship program. 

Student-athletes also collaborated with SECU leadership and staff throughout the credit union’s annual Kindness Campaign. Now in its fifth year, SECU aims to inspire half a million acts of kindness statewide each October– and this year, One Maryland Collective student-athletes played a pivotal role in SECU’s annual Kindness Day. Student-athletes from Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Football and Women’s Gymnastics joined SECU staff and volunteers at the Terp Farm and Community Learning Garden, harvesting sweet potatoes and produce to be used in on-campus dining, providing healthy food choices and fresh produce to those on campus and combat food insecurity.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with SECU to expand opportunities for our student-athletes through this NIL partnership,” said Chris Weiner, Executive Director of One Maryland Collective. “With SECU’s support, we can continue creating meaningful pathways that help student-athletes develop as leaders, connect with the community, and hone life skills that will benefit them beyond the field. This collaboration is about equipping student-athletes to thrive in every facet of their lives. Together, we’re committed to empowering these young men and women to make a lasting impact, both here in Maryland and in their future pursuits.”

SECU’s support of the Collective marks the latest venture in SECU and the University of Maryland’s partnership, which began in 2022 when the credit union secured a 10-year partnership with the university’s athletics department. The agreement included naming rights to the football stadium, SECU Stadium, as well as a sizeable gift to support financial literacy programs on campus and the construction of the Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center. In August 2024, SECU also launched its Terps Card – the official credit card of the Maryland Terrapins.