Rewriting the Playbook

For Lo Davis, the world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) isn’t just about branding and endorsements—it’s about building character, fostering connections, and preparing student-athletes for life after sports. As executive director of Cav Futures and the Cav Futures Foundation, Davis has dedicated himself to ensuring UVA student-athletes thrive in the community as much as they do on the field.
Founded to navigate the complex NIL terrain that has transformed college sports, Cav Futures and its affiliated foundation have a broader mission: to holistically support student-athletes in the areas of education, community engagement, and career development. Davis sees this mission as transformative. “We wanted NIL to be part of what we offer, but not the first box to check,” he explains. “Our focus is on long-term development—helping our students understand who they are beyond the sport.”
The Cav Futures Foundation epitomizes the organization’s commitment to supporting current Cavaliers in making a meaningful difference. Its flagship “Champions of the Community” grant program, funded by donors like UVA baseball alumnus Joe Weinberg, teaches students the principles of philanthropy and grant-making. In 2024, the program awarded more than $130,000 to 13 local nonprofits. “We want student-athletes to understand the community they’re a part of. We want them to be truly invested in the people and organizations around them,” Davis says. “It’s about creating genuine connections and lasting impact.”
Davis’s vision for Cav Futures is ambitious. “We’re showing that student-athletes can use their platform for good,” he says. It’s not just about thriving in a new era of college athletics, Davis explains—it’s about doing it “the right way.”