About the Hatters Collective

The Hatters Collective Group is a third-party entity, not affiliated with Stetson University. It provides a platform to create and develop NIL opportunities for Stetson University student-athletes. By working with businesses, sponsors, and members, Stetson student-athletes can expand their brand and be compensated for their efforts.

The Collective adhers to the NIL guidelines and NCAA standards.

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The Hatters Collective Group (HCG)

Provides for-profit opportunities to Stetson University student-athletes. Our student-athlete collective members will be available to connect with businesses on the local, regional, and national levels.

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EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

ROBERT CREWS
Founder

As a baseball All-American, multi-year 1st Team All ASUN Conference athlete, and graduate of Stetson University School of Business, Crews has always been a true advocate for Stetson Athletics. He has been a multi-year Vice President of an INC 5000 company, a CPA, and a member of multiple professional organizations, while continuing to build local businesses in the area. Born and raised in Florida, his passion for the Central Florida area grows deep — from youth sports to professional connections, Robert plays an active role in the community. He and his wife, Erica (Stetson 09’ & Hatter HOF Member), have three children together, Cassidy, Connor, and Collin. 

Wilson will lead the day-to-day Hatters Collective business operations including growth opportunities, relationship building, NIL Student-Athlete event development, and company strategic planning. He will also serve as point of contact with Stetson administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and businesses regarding NIL operations and events.

   

Wilson spent the last five years with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Athletics, most recently serving as Senior Director of Philanthropy. During his ERAU tenure, he oversaw a more than a 100% increase in student-athlete scholarship support, assisted in the creation and development of several new ERAU Athletic fundraising initiatives, and effectively executed multiple six and seven figure naming rights campaigns. 

 

Prior to arriving at ERAU, Dr. Wilson served 9 years as Program Director/Associate Professor of Sport Business at Stetson University. He oversaw the Sport Business’ program growth from 31 to 126 majors and helped to place students in professional/college sport organizations, graduate school programs, and internships across the country.

 

A former college and professional baseball player, Wilson is a double graduate of Georgia Southern University and completed his doctoral work at the University of Georgia and has close to 20 years of higher education teaching experience. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son, Rocco.

DR. MATT WILSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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CHAMPIONS BOARD

A group that was put in place to review financial data and athlete agreements to ensure member funds are being used efficiently and effectively to benefit the athletes. They also provide leadership and guidance to the student-athletes on multiple issues they may face as they develop their brands.

Ashley
Diaz

Diaz is a 2013 Communication and Media Studies Stetson University graduate. She was a member of the 2009 – 2013, two-time A-Sun Championship women’s basketball team. In her time at Stetson she was a member of the A-Sun all Academic Team four years in a row as well as the A-Sun All Conference Scholar Team for two years. Diaz is currently a Population Health Consultant for Brown & Brown, Inc., the 5th largest insurance brokerage in the nation, working with employers to develop strategic, data-driven approaches to improve health outcomes, reduce costs and increase workforce productivity. She currently lives in Central Florida with her husband, DeAngelo, and their two children.

Sean
Emory

A graduate of Stetson University School of Business and member of the Roland George Investment Program, Emory was a multi-year and 1st Team All ASUN Conference baseball player. Emory is the founder and Chief Investment Officer at Avory & Company, an investment manager in Miami, FL. Avory ($400m AUM) invests in private and public companies focused on growth industries such as consumer and technology. Emory lives in Miami with his wife and two children and is enthusiastic about how sports can be a positive change agent for many.

Tessa
Govilsky-Florio

A 2011 Integrative Health Science graduate and member of the Stetson Athletics Hall of Fame, Gavilsky-Florio was the first Stetson Women’s Soccer player to earn first team All-ASUN honors three times, was two-time ASUN Player of the Year, and set school program records for most points, goals and assists. After graduation, she played six professional seasons in Finland, Sweden (won 2 Swedish First Division Championships with Mallbackens IF) and finished her professional career with the NWSL’s Houston Dash. Currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Nutrition, she and her husband Frank reside in South Florida and have two daughters.

Brittany
Hohman

After graduating from the University of Florida, Hohman kicked off her brand, marketing, and digital career managing content and products for hospitality powerhouses like Walt Disney World Resorts, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, Discovery Cove, and Wyndham Destinations. She took that experience and built HohmDigital – a marketing agency focused on creating awareness for unique brands through digital story-telling. HohmDigital is here to provide brand and marketing support to the Hatter Student-Athletes and their supporting businesses. Hohman lives in Central Florida with her husband Brandon and their two children.  

Rachel
Noble

Noble is a 2019 graduate of Stetson University’s Sport Business program. She was a member of the 3-time ASUN Championship Beach Volleyball team (2016-2019). During her time at Stetson, she was a 2-Time ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the year, and held the record for the most wins in Stetson Beach Volleyball history with 96. Upon graduating, she pursued two masters degrees, an M.B.A. and a Masters in Sport and Entertainment Management, from the University of South Florida. She currently works at Feld Entertainment in their Global Partnerships department, helping the team use data-driven insights to attract and retain sponsorships.

Donald
Payne

Payne is a 3-time All-American, 3-time Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, and 4-time First Team All-PFL selection football player. He was a defensive superstar during his 4 seasons with the Stetson Hatters. After graduating, Payne signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens and became the first Hatter to join the National Football League. He went on to play 3 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, 2017 to 2019. Most recently, Payne played for the Houston Gamblers in the newly formed USFL. He led the league in tackles and was named to the inaugural All-USFL Team Defense.

David
Solar

Solar is the President of Financial Investigative Associates which provides litigation support for civil and criminal financial investigations. He retired in 2012 from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division following a 28-year career as a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent. In 2005, he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service on Active Duty, the Florida Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve in a variety of leadership, staff, and instructional positions. Solar is a double Hatter with a BBA in Accounting ‘77 and a M.Ed.‘08.

Dan
Stewart

Stewart is a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry as a licensed Florida Residential General Contractor. He is part of the PCDG team, currently the VP of BCC West division, and previously owned his own company, RyCass Remodel & Restoration, LLC. Stewart’s background in construction, athletics, and education, including 13 years coaching baseball at the high school and collegiate levels, helps him develop a strong presence in the Athletic Facility Construction & Design industry.

JT
Thomas

Thomas attended Edgewater High School and earned a full athletic scholarship to Illinois State University for football. Receiving his degree in Rec. Management, he started Rise Sports Performance and became the Head Strength Coach for the Orlando Predators. After two seasons, he became a teacher and Director of Sports Performance at DeLand High School and is now the Operations Manager & Accountant for Solutions Group Accounting Firm. JT strives to help athletes and business owners succeed by teaching financial strategies.

Wes
Weger

Weger is a Central Florida native and Sports Administration graduate from Stetson University. As a member of the Hatters Baseball team, he earned 1st Team All-Conference all 4 years and was honored as the Conference Player of the Year twice. Weger is a Stetson Athletics Hall of Fame member and was invited to the Team USA Olympic Trials for the Barcelona games. After graduating, he played with the Milwaukee Brewers, then spent 18 years helping schools and youth raise money for their programs. He’s currently  a National Strategic Account Manager with TuffWrap Installations.