It’s always nice to see those who work so diligently in the background are openly recognized by many for their efforts.
Joey Medina, the general manager of the Friends of Wilbur and Wilma Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program at Arizona, was honored along with his wife Jessica at Saturday’s football game at Arizona Stadium for their work ensuring that athletes are adequately appreciated financially for representing the university.
The Medinas, along with their daughter Jocelyn, stood with Arizona vice president and director of athletics Desireé Reed-Francois on the turf at Arizona Stadium at halftime of the Wildcats’ game with New Mexico in the season opener Saturday. The university plans to honor others involved with Arizona athletics in the next few home games.
The announcement over the public-address system at Arizona Stadium:
“For years, Joey and Jessica have been strong supporters of Arizona Athletics. having dedicated their time and resources to ensure that our student-athletes have every opportunity to succeed on and off the field. Whether through a generous planned gift, scholarships, or unwavering presence at games, the Medina family has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to athletics and its mission.”
“We are super excited,” Medina mentioned. “It wasn’t expected. Being chosen as first of seven this year is an honor.”
Medina came to Tucson as an Arizona student in 1999 after graduating from Delano (Calif.) High School.
While attending the Eller College of Management from 1999 to 2004, he served as a student manager with the Arizona football program.
After earning a degree in business administration and management in 2004, he became the sales, finance, marketing and compliance director of the Tucson Champs Baseball Academy owned and operated by former Arizona baseball standout George Arias.
Shortly thereafter, he became the area director of Sales for BenenfitMall, a national provider of employee benefits, payroll, human resource and employer services. He served in that role until 2020, when he became the president and managing partner of Journey Payroll and HR.
He has also worked within Arizona’s NIL effort with Friends of Wilbur and Wilma in recent years. He and former Arizona and NFL linebacker Ray Wells lead the NIL collective that is completely separate from Arizona’s athletic department.
Friends of Wilbur & Wilma, a for-profit and non-profit organization, gets financial support from Wildcat fans who buy memberships. It also includes companies or organizations who hire an athlete through the group’s website. Tax-deductible donations can also be made at the Friends of Wilma and Wilbur website.
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