Pushing Through

Albi Ndrenika is a midfielder for Maryland men’s soccer who is known for his high-level skill set on the field. The junior from Olney, Md has been successful since his days playing at Baltimore Armour, a club that houses some of the best soccer talent in the country.

That prosperity has continued for Ndrenika at Maryland, and his recent partnership with Honey Stinger has allowed him to prepare, perform and recover like the best. His collaboration with the sports nutrition brand was made possible through NIL compensation. 

The information science student-athlete spoke about his partnership with Honey Stinger in a Q&A with umterps.com.

How did you first get involved with Honey Stinger?

“I received a DM on Instagram from the Brandr Group (NIL agency). I didn't apply for anything, it kind of came out of the blue. They said, ‘Hey, Honey Stinger wants to do a deal with you. What's the best email for you?’ I sent them an email and then they pretty much sent me the basics of what they wanted me to do.” 

What about the potential partnership excited you the most?

“Honey Stinger is very liked among the student-athlete community. It’s one of my favorite snacks during pregame and pre-workout. An opportunity to collab with a brand like that really excited my interest and it was pretty sick.”

What has your experience been like since partnering with Honey Stinger?

“They flew me out to Orlando and I had the whole photo shoot with other student-athletes. It was like a business trip. I went there Friday night and then Saturday morning was the day of the shoot. It was at a sports plex on the soccer field. I was the first one that they had for the day so it was bright and early. For the first shoot, I was in my Maryland gear and they had me do some soccer movements holding the product. They had slow-motion cameras and were doing my makeup. It was like a full production.”

What are some of the perks of the partnership?

“I received a care package with some snacks and there was a hat, sunglasses and even Honey Stinger soap which I didn’t know existed. Everything is part of a campaign that they're promoting on their website and social media with a bunch of student-athletes from across the country.”

Being a student-athlete, when do you consume their products? 

“Mainly before my workouts at Gossett [Hall]. The Honey Stinger waffles are my favorite and one of the only things I'll eat beforehand. At halftime of our games, we'll get the waffles and those energy chews passed around. Me and a lot of other teammates will eat those before games and at halftime.”

What is your favorite product and flavor that they offer?

“It's kind of a sleeper, but I think the cinnamon Honey Stinger waffle is the best. That is my go-to.” 

What has been your experience with NIL thus far? 

“It's really helped. I think off the field helping these student-athletes show their own personalities and working with different brands is showing what they like and allowing them to build a brand and a personality outside of sport. I've done some community things. I think doing that is pretty cool, like going out, meeting kids and using your platform to spread positivity and encouragement. I think that's the biggest benefit I've seen to NIL.”