Welcome back! This is the second part of a ‘two-parter’ on the unique opportunities student-athletes have outside the world of academics and athletics. Last time, I talked about community service, and this time I’m diving into the professional opportunities student-athletes have the chance to explore.
Since 2020, collegiate athletes have been able to get a glimpse into the professional, working atmosphere with NIL deals. Simply put, NIL deals are created on the athlete’s name, image, and likeness. (To read all about the inner-workings of NIL, click here.)
In the past three years, many athletes have used their platform to create brand deals, work with organizations they are passionate about, or use this as an opportunity to set themselves up for their future careers. While there have been many individuals and teams who have taken advantage of what NIL has to offer, the team that has arguably set itself apart from the rest is LSU.
“[When NIL first came out,] I was mixed,” LSU head coach Jay Clark said. “I was concerned it might cause competitive problems within the team and we might have division. But our team never experienced that. At the same time, I was glad; [gymnastics doesn’t] have that next level where you can get paid, so it’s great they can take…
