For Auburn student-athletes, preparation is part of everyday life. Hours of practice, meetings, workouts and study sessions help ensure they’re ready when game day arrives.
Success is measured in more than touchdowns, 3-pointers and goals. Some of life’s most important decisions happen away from the field, court and pitch.
That’s why Regions Bank recently teamed with Auburn Athletics to provide financial education for Auburn student-athletes in an ever-changing financial landscape. As the Official Bank of the SEC, Regions is committed to equipping students with practical financial knowledge. From budgeting and saving to investing and understanding taxes, Regions is helping them build confidence to navigate opportunities both during college and beyond.
“It’s probably the most important thing I’ve sat in, financial literacy wise,” said senior offensive lineman Cole Best, a transfer from South Florida. “It was extremely high-paced and informative. It felt like information was being thrown at us left and right, that was all very important. I have two full pages of notes of stuff that I wrote down, and it was 1,000 percent worth my time.”
I have two full pages of notes of stuff that I wrote down, and it was 1,000 percent worth my time.
Cole Best
Music and an interactive game started the session before Eric Smith, a nationally recognized financial literacy coach, transitioned into a discussion of the financial fundamentals that will make a difference in the lives of the student-athletes.
From tax brackets, investing and the value in building a trusted team of financial professionals, Smith kept the student-athletes engaged for what they need to know before the start of the season and beyond.
“It kind of means more once you do increase your pay from a freshman to now a senior, so it kind of just opens up your eyes a little bit more and you have to take more care of what you’re doing with your money,” senior offensive lineman Cole Skinner said.
The collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
Whether they’re fielding NIL deals, building their personal brands or preparing for life after sports, the financial decisions they make today can have a lasting impact on their future.
And that’s why Regions provides the education tools. Better money management means brighter futures.
“Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills anyone can develop, and we’re proud to partner with Auburn Athletics to help student-athletes build a strong foundation for their future,” said James Salter, Regions’ Auburn Market Executive. “The discipline, preparation and commitment they bring to their sport every day are the same qualities that can help them manage finances, set goals and make informed decisions for years to come.”
Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills anyone can develop, and we’re proud to partner with Auburn Athletics to help student-athletes build a strong foundation for their future.
James Salter, Regions’ Auburn Market Executive
