Jersey Connection with Catalyst Hot Dogs

New Jersey natives are common at the University of Maryland, both within the general population and the student-athlete one. And the Jersey connections have extended into the NIL sphere for some of our Terps in the name of Catalyst Hot Dogs.

Catalyst Hot Dogs is inspired by the best hot dog joints in the country from the great state of New Jersey. Their tagline is, ‘Hot Dogs. Food for everyone.’

"Quite simply, we are a small local business that strives to be part of the UMD community,” said Chris Van Jura, the company’s owner and operator. “What better way than to support the student-athletes?"

Women’s soccer freshman Madison Krakower, who hails from Wayne, NJ, recently inked a deal with the popular hot dog company. It was her first-ever NIL deal.

"We are very excited for Maddie and this NIL opportunity with Catalyst Hot Dogs,” head women’s soccer coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said. “This deal showcases how Maryland Athletics prioritizes our student-athletes with the resources and support necessary to secure exceptional NIL partnerships. Being in the heart of Washington D.C., one of the largest media markets in the nation, allows our student-athletes an abundance of NIL opportunities. The ability to educate our players on how to build and utilize their brand has been remarkable for their individual growth and we are excited to continue to develop the resources we will be able to provide."

Formerly, two women’s basketball New Jersey natives, Faith Masonous and Diamond Miller, also partnered with the company, which has also worked with the Terrapin Club in different ways including making a special dog for TC members.

“Chris and Catalyst Hot Dogs have been great supporters of our student-athletes in addition to the Terrapin Club and we look forward to more opportunities with them in the future," said Kirby Mills, Maryland Athletics' Senior Associate AD/Chief Development Officer. 

umterps.com caught up for a quick Q&A with Krakower about her deal with Catalyst Hot Dogs.

How did your deal with Catalyst Hot Dogs materialize?

Catalyst was at one of our games and they talked to our coaches and found out that I was from New Jersey. Obviously, with them starting in Jersey we had that in common. I went over and talked to them after the game and that was how we got the deal—my first NIL deal. 

How special is the Jersey connection to you?

That’s where I’m from. That’s where I grew up. It means a lot, just knowing that where I was from was a big reason that I got my first NIL deal.

How impactful has NIL been for you?

I think it helps a lot overall. Being able to work with companies and get money by posting on social media to promote them, has a lot of benefits. Especially if you work with a food place, you get deals and extra samples which is really cool.

How does the partnership work?

I post on Instagram and on my story when I’m there to promote it and I get paid for it. I also usually get food on the house too which is great because the food is delicious.