IronPigs ink first NCAA Sponsorship in Professional Sports
Lehigh’s Carley Barjaktarovich is the first collegiate athlete signing of any pro sports team Allentown, Pennsylvania (12 July 2021) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have made history as they have become the first professional sports team to land the first-ever NCAA sponsorship. Carley Barjaktarovich, a senior softball player at Lehigh
Lehigh’s Carley Barjaktarovich is the first collegiate athlete signing of any pro sports team
Allentown, Pennsylvania (12 July 2021) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have made history as they have become the first professional sports team to land the first-ever NCAA sponsorship. Carley Barjaktarovich, a senior softball player at Lehigh University, officially signed with the IronPigs today to become their first official “IronPigs Athlete”.
“The IronPigs are proud to have Carley join our team as our first Official IronPigs Athlete,” said IronPigs Senior Vice President Brian DeAngelis. “Carley, like the IronPigs, is an innovator in this space by being the first student-athlete to partner with a professional sports team.”
As of Thursday, July 1, NCAA athletes can now begin to accept endorsements for the use of their own name, image, and likeness while still competing for their university. Barjaktarovich will now work with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs related to social media, merchandise, and appearances, specifically on Thursday, July 22 when the IronPigs will be hosting “Softball Night”.
“I’m honored to be given this opportunity and am very excited to represent the IronPigs organization as a collegiate athlete,” said Lehigh University Softball Player Carley Barjaktarovich. “It is a little surreal to be a part of something so new that will have a huge impact on college athletes for years to come. I’m eager to see what the future holds and am glad to be a part of the IronPigs family!”
Barjaktarovich wrapped up her third season with Mountain Hawks. The junior hit .471 four doubles, one triple, and six runs batted in with 36 runs scored and 19 stolen bases in 34 games played. She was named the Patriot League Softball Defensive Player of the Year. The shortstop finished the regular season with 39 putouts, 74 assists, and a .974 fielding percentage. She was named to the All-Patriot League Second Team as well as Patriot League Scholar Athlete of the Year. Barjaktarovich was also named to the NFCA All-Region First Team and CoSIDA Academic All-District Team.
Click Here to become a Lehigh Valley IronPigs Official Athlete! Pre-orders of t-shirts are being processed now for $30.
Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.
The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.
--#OinkOn--