UVA’s Beekman, Shedrick sign NIL endorsement deals with Blue Ridge Bank

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia basketball players Reece Beekman and Kadin Shedrick have signed a college athlete endorsement deal with Blue Ridge Bank, named the “Best Small Bank in Virginia” in Newsweek’s ranking of America’s Best Banks 2022.

Beekman, a sophomore guard, has quickly established himself as one of the top defensive players in the ACC, while Shedrick, a redshirt freshman, has already carved out a reputation as one of the conference’s best shot blockers.

“Supporting our community is a passion for Blue Ridge Bank,” said Dan Moskowitz, Charlottesville Market President. “Reece and Kadin’s passion for the sport bring our community together and we are excited to align our brand with these two outstanding student-athletes.

“We are proud to be the first community bank to partner with these athletes and this is another example of Blue Ridge Bank’s entreprenurial spirit. This partnership will enable us to further connect and engage with our community across the Commonwealth.”

Shedrick and Beekman will make appearances, voiceover radio spots, appear in print and digital advertising and promote Blue Ridge Bank on social media.

Beekman started 20 games as a true freshman last season and has started every game for the Cavaliers this season. Shedrick is the first men’s basketball player to enroll in the McIntire School of Commerce and is a regular starter this season.

Both are represented by Hook Sports Marketing, a Charlottesville-based firm focused on aiding student-athletes to maximize the new Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

Blue Ridge Bank, which also sponsors this website (JerryRatcliffe.com) and the Jerry Ratcliffe Show podcast, earned the Newsweek ranking, which recognizes financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs in each state.

Blue Ridge Bank was recognized as the No. 1 small bank in Virginia. Additionally, Blue Ridge Bank recently received a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. The 5-star rating denotes a “Superior” rating.