DALLAS, Texas, August 8, 2022 – Distinguished Southern Methodist University (SMU) donors and alums have announced the formation of the Boulevard Collective, a network of fans, former students and businesses from the region who will create opportunities for the world changing student-athletes who represent SMU on and off the field. The collective, which is not affiliated with SMU, will be led by industry veteran, Chris Schoemann.

“At a time where an athlete’s access to brand and marketing opportunities is more valuable than ever before, we are excited to leverage DFW’s integrated network of corporate, philanthropic, and athletics leaders,” stated Schoemann, executive director, Boulevard Collective. “For a city and alumni base as relationship-oriented as Dallas and SMU, it seems only fitting that the community has come together in this way.”

Dallas business leaders and SMU alumni, Chris Kleinert, CEO of Hunt Realty Investments and Kyle Miller, president and CEO of Silver Hill Energy Partners, led the charge to bring about the formation of the Boulevard Collective. With backing from its network, the Boulevard Collective’s framework is set up in a way that will offer sustainable, consistent support for its members.

“This is just the beginning. The purpose of the Boulevard Collective is to create opportunities for SMU athletes that enhance their athletic career, while preparing them for wherever their professional aspirations might take them at SMU and beyond,” said Kleinert. “Our goal is to ensure this Collective becomes the gold standard for NIL efforts across the country.”

The Boulevard Collective has partnered with Opendorse to provide industry leading support for NIL education, disclosures and tax-related preparation. Opendorse has teamed with over 20 NIL collectives and identified the Boulevard Collective as one of the largest such entities in the Division I landscape.

“The Boulevard Collective will be in elite company in terms of its commitment to student-athletes,” said Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence. “With our unrivaled insight into NIL transactions and the industry at large, it’s clear the Boulevard Collective is initiating one of the most substantive, sustainable efforts nationwide.”

Schoemann takes the reigns of the Boulevard Collective with more than 30 years of professional experience in collegiate athletics administration and consulting. Schoemann’s local connections to Dallas and SMU run deep. In his previous role he worked as an outside consultant on NCAA compliance and infractions matters for the University. Throughout his career, he has engaged with more than 175 different NCAA member institutions in a consulting capacity on matters dealing with NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.

“Opendorse affiliated with ‘Schoe’ (Schoemann) early on in the NCAA’s transition to the current NIL landscape as he was identified to us as a trusted resource. He has a command of this area, and collectives in particular, unlike anyone else in the industry. He has been a part of the Opendorse team and we couldn’t be happier to be working with him in this capacity” said Lawrence.

“Chris’ background strategically positions him to lead and consult in this space,” said Miller. “We want to demonstrate to the University and its supporters we are a trusted ally helping to advance the mission and dreams of this school and its student-athletes.”

This past Saturday, SMU student-athletes from the football and men’s basketball teams were introduced to the Boulevard Collective at an inaugural event in Dallas. In addition to learning more about the opportunities and programming that the Boulevard Collective will provide, the athletes worked together to assemble more than 400 backpacks with school supplies for DISD students. Partnering with nonprofit organizations United to Learn and the Good Foundation, these backpacks will be distributed to students attending K.B Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted, Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy, J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard, Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy and Sam Tasby Middle School. For more information, please visit: www.boulevardcollective.com

ABOUT THE BOULEVARD COLLECTIVE
The Collective is made up of fans, alums and businesses from the region who want to create incredible opportunities for the world changing student-athletes who represent SMU on and off the field.

Our mission is to build meaningful relationships between student-athletes and the SMU community at large. From individual fans to DFW businesses to Fortune 500 companies, the Boulevard Collective brings together its network to elevate SMU student-athletes with marketing opportunities that will enhance their brand and empower their personal passions.

In alignment with the educational mission of the University, we engage the community in meaningful ways and develop the resources necessary to graduate Student-Leaders and pursue championships. Above all else, we prepare student-athletes for life.

DALLAS, Texas, May 11, 2023 – A partnership between Boulevard Collective and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas led to a first-of-its-kind event last month, where 25 Southern Methodist University football players served as guest coaches to over 50 kids on local youth teams.

“The SMU student-athletes could not have been more positive about spending time with the youth programs at YMCA,” says Chris Shoemann, Executive Director of Boulevard Collective. “They helped to create a very special night for the young people who look to them as role models.”

The athletes present are a part of Boulevard Collective, which was formed in 2022 in response to the NCAA’s rule change regarding NIL (name, image, and likeness). Chris shared that the Collective works with SMU alums and supporters to enhance the brands of student-athletes, SMU Athletics, and the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth communities.

“We seek to leverage their NIL and promote their brand with opportunities that allow them to give back to their community,” says Chris. “That’s why the partnership with the YMCA was a natural union.”

Nick Echtemkamp, District Executive Director of YMCA Metro Dallas, said the YMCA’s mission is to implement programs that build a healthy mind, body, and spirit for every kid in the community. However, they are the only youth sports provider in the area, so they lean on partnerships– such as this new one with the Boulevard Collective– to make that happen.

“To have a partner like SMU engage in the development and growth of our kids is just a great thing all around,” says Nick.

SMU Quarterback Preston Stone was one of the athletes running drills and connecting with the youth teams at the event.

“I’m from Dallas, and I hold the city near my heart,” says Preston. “It’s a privilege to pour back into the community and make sure that these kids are having a great experience playing sports just like I did.”

While Preston moved around the metroplex throughout his childhood, he grew up coming to the Moody Family YMCA, the same location where the event was held.

“I remember being in their shoes, you know?” shares Preston. “I remember being a 9-year-old out here, playing for the pure joy of loving football. It’s great to see that in these young kids.”

Preston also shares that working with Boulevard Collective has been a positive experience so far because they have provided the athletes with various opportunities to volunteer and network. As far as his personal brand, Preston hopes that he can continue to portray his authenticity and love for the place he has always called home: Dallas.

Chris elaborated on this comment, saying that the Boulevard Collective surveys the student-athletes to find where their interests align with activities and partnerships, like the YMCA event.

“We hope to sustain the momentum and community focus we’ve developed over the last nine months,” says Chris. “We wish to continue our relationship with the YMCA of Metro Dallas, and we have also identified many future partners with which we would like to do good work in the community.”

Nick also confirmed that this is the first time YMCA has partnered with SMU football on this scale, and he is eager to see more of it in the future. They hope to expand the program beyond football drills and implement mentorship programs as well.

“We have had some small involvement where one or two players would come by on their own. But this is the first time the team has partnered and been a part of the community in this way,” Nick says. “Having the Saturday night stars here coaching is a great thing for these kids.”

Click here to read the full article from the Dallas Morning News.