Blog

NIL Program Energizes P3R's Mission to Get Pittsburgh Moving

Local college athletes join forces with P3R to motivate communities through authentic, motivational stories and engagement

PITTSBURGH – P3R, the innovative engine behind Pittsburgh’s most exhilarating sporting events, continues to find new ways to inspire people to move through its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships. This initiative, now in its third year, highlights P3R’s forward-thinking approach to engaging athletes in underrepresented sports in its mission to inspire everyone, regardless of age or background, to embrace movement.  

“By partnering with local college athletes through NIL, we’re not only supporting the next generation of sports talent but also using their stories to inspire thousands to move,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “This collaboration brings a fresh energy to our events and programs, helping us promote active lifestyles.”

This year’s class of P3R NIL Athletes will generate inspirational content aimed at connecting with participants in P3R events, social media followers, and youth in P3R programs. These athletes are joining forces with P3R to create authentic, motivational stories that fuel the organization’s core mission: to get people moving.

The 2024-25 roster of P3R Athletes includes:

  • Aurielle Brunner, Chatham University (Track & Field, Soccer)
  • Jayden Melendez, University of Pittsburgh (Baseball)
  • Zoltan Nagy, Duquesne University (Soccer)
  • Tyler Paszkowski, Robert Morris University (Cross Country, Track & Field)
  • Karsyn Spears, Kent State University (Track & Field)

“Having grown up participating in P3R races, the opportunity to now serve as a role model for younger athletes is incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to give back to the community that shaped me and to help inspire others to chase their own potential,” said Spears, who joined the program again for a second year.

Through these NIL partnerships, P3R brings fresh perspectives to its audience, fostering a deeper connection between movement and personal growth. The athletes will craft educational blogs, inspirational social media posts, and captivating videos that will engage not only P3R’s existing community but also inspire new participants. They will be central figures in P3R’s marquee events, including the 2025 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, the award-winning Kids of STEEL, and the RUN Varsity program for teens.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to align my athletic journey with an organization that supports both personal and professional growth,” said Brunner, who has used the partnership to inspire others to be active through video content.  “Being part of P3R gives me access to resources, mentorship, and a community that shares my passion for sports and achievement, which is truly motivating. It is also a great way to get involved in the city I love.”

For more information on the P3R Athletes and to read their bios, click here. To learn more about P3R's transformative events and programs, visit www.P3R.org.    

About P3R

P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.