SMU Athletics has extended its partnership with FanWord and its storytelling product FanWord Stories to give the student-athletes a platform to share their own stories. FanWord is a storytelling and branding company that works with athletic departments to help their student-athletes build, protect, and monetize their personal brands through a variety of products. 
 
"As the NIL landscape evolves, it's important for student-athletes to have an opportunity to tell their own stories," said SMU Director of Public Relations Herman Hudson. "SMU, and its relationship with Dallas, provides an amazing platform for student-athletes to amplify their brands and messages. In addition to our BOLD (Big Opportunities Live in Dallas) program and Life After Ball program, this is another way SMU is investing in opportunities for student-athletes to elevate their profiles."

One of the market leaders in storytelling and branding services for NCAA institutions, FanWord and SMU have partnered since 2019. FanWord has existing partnerships with athletic departments across all levels, including Alabama, Nebraska, and Kansas. 

"Extending our partnership for a third consecutive year speaks to SMU's commitment to give its athletes a voice beyond being a student-athlete," FanWord Founder and CEO Christopher Aumueller said. "SMU was one of the first schools to believe in us. We value that tremendously, and we can't wait to help even more Mustangs tell their powerful stories this year."

Football student-athlete Beau Corrales shared his story that can be read on stories.smumustangs.com. Additional articles will be posted throughout the upcoming seasons. The articles will also be shared and featured on SMU social media platforms and the official Mustangs App (Apple | Google Play).