By Olivia Watkins | NILvana Sports
For years, the conversation around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has centered on big-name athletes cashing in on national sponsorships and massive social media deals. But the true heart of NIL lies in stories like mine, stories of athletes without millions of followers but with enough drive to turn opportunity into something lasting.
When the NCAA opened the door for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, I did not see it as a chance for fame. I saw it as a way to create something sustainable. The breakthrough for me came through giving private softball lessons. Families started booking sessions not only because of my skills, but because of the name I had built and the college I represented. It was personal, local, and real. That is NIL in its purest form.
The money helps cover the little things scholarships do not, such as gas, groceries, and training gear. The real value has been intangible. NIL has forced me to see myself not just as a player, but as a brand. I have learned how to communicate professionally, show up prepared, and understand my worth. Those lessons have carried far beyond the field.
They have also fueled my journey through three levels of collegiate athletics, rising from the NJCAA to the USCAA and now to the NCAA Division II level at Auburn University at Montgomery. That climb did not happen by chance. NIL gave me the confidence to believe I belonged, the discipline to prepare for the next step, and the motivation to work harder than ever.
What I have learned is that NIL is not only about the dollar amount. It is about the mindset. Even with a smaller platform, I have seen firsthand that consistency, character, and commitment can open doors that talent alone cannot.
NIL has reminded me that every athlete’s story matters. Mine may not come with a headline-grabbing sponsorship or a viral post, but it is proof that the opportunities in this new era of college sports are there for anyone willing to put in the work. Sometimes, the most important brand you will ever build is the one that changes how you see yourself.
