Reilyn Turner: Trailblazing On and Off the Field
Who was the first collegiate athlete to receive a Nike name, image, and likeness sponsorship deal?
Answer: Reilyn Turner.
The California native started every game for UCLA in 2021 and secured this legendary deal as a sophomore. Let’s explore this decorated Bruin’s path to get to this point in her career.
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What is a Name, Image, and Likeness Deal?
Previously, NCAA had restrictions against collegiate student-athletes engaging with local or national partnerships or businesses. But as of July 2021, many of the restrictions were relaxed, opening a wide range of opportunities for D1, D2, and D3 athletes.
Essentially, a NIL deal allows collegiate student-athletes to engage in partnerships and financial compensation to take advantage of their platforms and promote their athletic prowess.
High-profile athletes from all sports jumped on the opportunity. In addition, social media creates an appealing platform for companies looking to partner, as many of these student-athletes have an easily-accessible platform and audience.
Turner-Nike NIL Deal
Reilyn Turner is the first college athlete to accept a direct NIL deal with Nike, a giant in the athletic space.
This historic deal, signed on Oct 28, 2021, also incorporates a community aspect. Turner is pursuing this by partnering with local nonprofits in the Los Angeles area to advance equity and opportunity for youth in sports.
Through this platform, Turner can reach hundreds of boys and girls and show them what’s possible through sports.
“I’m so excited to be a part of what Nike is bringing to the future of women’s sport,” Turner said in her statement. “Picking up a ball opened so many doors for me. Playing sports has allowed me to build relationships with people around the world, to go to an amazing school, to be part of a community that means everything.”
So proud of @reilynturner for becoming the first-ever student-athlete signed by @Nike! She and Nike will team up on community impact programs around LA.
Making history and giving back to the community is what being a Bruin is all about!
ℹ️: https://t.co/AQ557j5l3w pic.twitter.com/Sn2pmlqqoF
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) December 14, 2021
UCLA Career
Turner led the Bruins with 11 goals and was the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2020.
In 2021, she also created a high number of goal-scoring opportunities and earned Second Team Pac-12.
Turner started all twenty games as a sophomore.
She has 27 points thus far this season, with 11 goals, five assists, and three game-winning goals.
United States National Team Youth
Reilyn Turner has already made her mark on the United States Youth circuit. In the Under-20 circuit, she attended 19 camps and played on the U-19 team in the 2020 La Manga Tournament.
Building an Equitable Future
Turner already has an impressive list of accomplishments on the field, leading UCLA with 27 points in the current season and 11 goals overall. But she’s also championing female athletics and trailblazing increased women’s sports coverage.
Reilyn Turner is one of the collegiate athletes fighting to show just how powerful women are, on and off the field.
Featured image via @uclawsoccer on Instagram
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