I have to give a HUGE shoutout to @Gianna Jones , who just received her first soccer write-up! This is a major milestone, not just because it highlights her talent, but because it shows what happens when athletes stay consistent, put in the work, and position themselves the right way. Visibility matters. Storytelling matters. Brand-building matters. And Gianna is already starting to see the results of that. To everyone in the community: Let this motivate you. Every piece of exposure, every article, every mention helps build your brand and opens more doors in the NIL and recruiting world. Gianna, we’re incredibly proud of you. Keep stacking these wins, this is just the beginning.

We have to take a second to highlight @Giovanni Vasquez , who knocked out his media kit and crushed it on the FIRST try. The layout. The clarity. The professionalism. The way he positioned himself as a brand… this is EXACTLY what separates athletes from everyone else. If you’re working on your media kit, go look at Giovanni’s. Study the structure. See how he presented his story, his stats, his personality, and his value. Let it inspire you to level up yours. Giovanni, this is big-time work. Proud of you for stepping up and setting a high standard.

Family… I have to shine a spotlight on KK, @Stephanie Ream , who just created an amazing Origin Story and her journey is truly incredible. KK is a 16-year-old professional soccer player, and the way she shared her story, her discipline, her maturity, and her commitment to the game is exactly what powerful athlete branding looks like. This is what stood out: - We got to understand where she started and where she came from - We got to understand the obstacles she faced and what she went through - We learned how she overcame those challenges - And lastly, we saw where she is now These are the ingredients of perfect storytelling. To everyone in the community, go watch KK’s Origin Story. Study how she structured it. Notice how she brought us along her journey instead of just listing accomplishments. This is how stories create connection. This is how brands buy in. This is how athletes stand out. KK, we are so proud of you. This is leadership in action.

Family… I have to take a second to shout out @Ryder Furtick-Williams , who just completed his Origin Story video and absolutely CRUSHED it. This is exactly what it looks like when an athlete shows up, applies the work, and takes their brand seriously. Ryder didn’t just make a video, he built a foundation for his story, his identity, and his future NIL opportunities. To everyone in the community: Go watch his video. Study how he structured it. Look at how he shared his journey, his “why,” and the moments that shaped him as an athlete and a person. Take bits and pieces of what he did and use it as inspiration for your own story. Not to copy, but to see what effective storytelling looks like. Ryder, we’re proud of you. This is the exact energy, consistency, and action that’s going to take you far, on and off the field.

Nike just made a major NIL move and LSU is front and center.The Swoosh announced a long-term extension with LSU through 2036, strengthening a partnership that’s already more than 50 years strong. Along with the extension, Nike launched its new Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, and the first-ever roster features 10 LSU athletes across multiple sports: - 🏈 DJ Pickett, Trey’Dez Green (Football) - 🤸‍♀️ Kailin Chio (Gymnastics) - ⚾ Derek Curiel, Casan Evans (Baseball) - 🥎 Tori Edwards, Jayden Heavener (Softball) - 🏐 Jurnee Robinson (Volleyball) - 🏀 Dedan Thomas (Men’s Basketball) - 🏀 ZaKiyah Johnson (Women’s Basketball) Nike isn’t just signing athletes for ads, Blue Ribbon Elite gives them access to: - Campaign collaborations - Product innovation + testing - Creative direction - Opportunities to shape Nike storytelling and culture LSU AD Verge Ausberry called the partnership “an ideal duo,” saying LSU will continue pushing NIL innovation with Nike at its side. Nike joins brands like Adidas in building NIL-focused programs directly tied to their partner schools, but this one is positioned as deeper, more collaborative, and athlete-driven. Nike is signaling that the future of college sports branding is athlete + school + brand working together, not separately.This is a major win for LSU and sets a new standard for what NIL partnerships with powerhouse brands can look like.