Philanthropy · Ann Arbor, Michigan · 2023 – 2025

Hail! Impact

NIL with a purpose. Hail! Impact was a 501(c)(3) that empowered Michigan student-athletes with name, image, and likeness opportunities exclusively through charitable engagements. Over two years it grew into the official nonprofit partner of Champions Circle before completing its mission in July 2025.

Michigan student-athletes with kids at a Hail! Impact community camp
Student-athletes at a community camp

Co-Founder & President · est. 2023

NIL with a purpose

When NIL changed college athletics, we saw a chance to point it somewhere meaningful. Hail! Impact launched in 2023 with a simple mission: create NIL opportunities for Michigan student-athletes exclusively through service with vetted nonprofit organizations.

The entire team worked pro bono: alumni, professors, students, and fans. Nonprofit partners received impactful service, engagement, and funding. Student-athletes earned a meaningful stipend along with real nonprofit experience. Donors got a transparent way to support both at once.

200+student-athletes across five programs
$1M+raised for Michigan NIL initiatives
Dozensof nonprofits supported statewide

The program

How it worked

Prospective nonprofit partners went through a thorough vetting process. Once approved, Hail! Impact handled all the logistics of connecting them with student-athletes eager to make a difference, from Ele's Place and ChadTough Defeat DIPG to Best Buddies Michigan, Girls Group, Hope Clinic, and the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Beyond service, the Leaders and Best educational program gave student-athletes direct access to mentors for one-on-one guidance and seminars on building and protecting their personal brand.

I led the organization pro bono alongside partners across Michigan Athletics, including the football program, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Hockey.

Chin Weerappuli with Coach Jim Harbaugh outside the head coach's office
With Coach Harbaugh · Schembechler Hall

Endorsements

Backed by the program

Coach Jim Harbaugh, who I worked alongside during the 2022 season, endorsed the platform publicly: “I have full confidence in his team delivering a winning platform for players, nonprofit partners and donors alike.”

Michigan national championship ring
2023 National Champions

July 2025

Passing the baton

With the House settlement paving the way for universities to directly support NIL efforts, including through charitable engagement, Hail! Impact sunset in July 2025 with full hearts and immense pride.

Remaining charitable funds were donated directly to the University of Michigan Athletic Department, and accumulated NIL dollars continue to support current student-athletes. I'm grateful to everyone who gave their time, energy, and resources along the way.

Forever Go Blue

Let's connect

Hail! Impact was a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 92-2571690). Its story lives on at hailimpact.org.