NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Anchor Impact, the NIL collective dedicated to providing championship opportunities to Vanderbilt student-athletes, today announced the appointment of Paul Grindstaff as Executive Director. Previously, Grindstaff played an integral role in NIL collectives at New Mexico State, The University of Texas at Arlington and Southern Methodist University.
“I applaud Anchor Impact’s appointment, and I’m excited to see what Paul will accomplish on behalf of Vanderbilt student-athletes and supporters,” said Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director. “Bringing together the best and brightest to discover new solutions in a changing world is a core tenet of Vanderbilt’s mission. Paul is further proof that the same spirit guides Anchor Impact. As a founding member of the SEC, Vanderbilt helped shape college athletics. Taking a position of leadership in 21st century means daring to grow again, whether through our historic Vandy United campaign or Anchor Impact’s dynamic NIL presence.”
Grindstaff will lead Anchor Impact’s efforts to develop innovative ways to engage fans and businesses who support Vanderbilt Athletics and Vanderbilt student-athletes.
“The addition of Paul Grindstaff to Anchor Impact is a big win for our student-athletes and everyone who cares about Vanderbilt athletics,” said Bob Calton, a member of the Anchor Impact Board of Directors. “While NIL has become a foundational building block for successful athletic programs, it is also changing rapidly and begging for creative thinkers like Paul. Again and again, he’s demonstrated that connecting with a fanbase and building a truly collaborative collective energizes passionate supporters, uplifts student-athletes, and provides a winning blueprint.”
“I’m grateful to the Board of Directors for the opportunity to help Anchor Impact grow and reach student-athletes who want to be great,” Grindstaff said. “As a small business owner, I understand the importance of growth-minded thinking that adapts to the times. As someone who has served in numerous professional and philanthropic higher education roles, I also believe that Anchor Impact will help individuals reach their full potential and support their athletic, academic and personal development.”
Grindstaff founded A-Mountain Sports, the NIL collective for New Mexico State, where he helped football coach Jerry Kill, now Vanderbilt’s chief consultant to the head coach and senior offensive advisor, build teams that reached back-to-back bowl games. New Mexico State also notched a first-round NCAA tournament victory over UConn in the collective’s first year. He also served on the Board of Directors for Pony Sports DTX, SMU’s first football-focused collective, and founded and served as Executive Director of Arlington Advantage, the NIL Collective for UT Arlington men’s basketball.
Grindstaff earned his MBA from SMU and Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University, in addition to a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Bradley University.
Anchor Impact is the official collective supporting Vanderbilt student-athletes and provides student-athletes resources and opportunities to benefit from their name, image and likeness. Anchor Impact is a third-party organization and operates independently of Vanderbilt University.
To learn more about Anchor Impact’s efforts and to get involved, please visit anchorimpact.com or email Paul Grindstaff at paul@vandyNIL.com.
