Preparing Your Volleyball Athletes for Future Opportunities
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) now a part of the college sports landscape, volleyball athletes have the opportunity to benefit financially from their personal brand. While NIL deals are something most won’t engage with until they reach college, understanding the basics and preparing before arriving on campus is key to maximizing these new opportunities.
What Is NIL?
NIL allows college athletes to earn money by leveraging their personal brand through endorsements, sponsorships, and other opportunities. This might include promoting a product on social media, appearing at events, or even launching their own businesses. It’s a significant shift and one that rewards athletes for more than just their on-court performance, valuing also their individuality, presence, and connections.
For athletes to take full advantage of their NIL in college, they need a strong foundation built on personal branding, professionalism, and understanding the rules.
Why Preparation Matters
Volleyball’s growing popularity has made it one of the fastest-rising college sports for NIL opportunities. The sport is seeing record-breaking engagement, with the 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament being the most-consumed ever, totaling over 1.3 billion minutes watched across ESPN platforms.
Not only is the sport gaining visibility, but according to Out2Win, volleyball players are also building powerful personal brands. On social media, these athletes are seeing follower growth rates exceeding 50% since September 2023, making them increasingly attractive to sponsors.
While most players won’t access NIL partnerships until they’re in college, preparing early will give them an edge in this competitive market. Parents, coaches, and club directors are instrumental in building this foundation.
Parents: You are your child’s first and most trusted advocate. Helping them explore their identity—who they are, what they value, and how they want to be perceived—lays the groundwork for future NIL decisions.
Coaches and Club Directors: Your influence extends far beyond the court. By encouraging professional and personal development, you prepare athletes to excel not just in volleyball but in every opportunity that comes their way.
Preparing for NIL Opportunities
Here are actionable steps to set volleyball athletes up for NIL success:
Develop A Personal Brand
Encourage your athletes to think about how they want to be known. What values or passions set them apart? Are they known for leadership, grit, or a unique playing style? By identifying these traits now, athletes can shape a personal brand that resonates with potential sponsors later.
Create a Positive Digital Footprint
Social media is a powerful tool in the NIL era. Volleyball players are leading the charge in digital engagement, with the top volleyball influencers seeing engagement rates as high as 16% on Instagram and 14% on TikTok. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow athletes to share their story, grow their communities, and attract brand partnerships.
Help your athletes understand the importance of authenticity and professionalism online. Encourage them to post consistently, engage positively, and avoid content that could harm their reputation.
Teach Professionalism
Whether it’s responding to emails, understanding basic contract terms, or presenting themselves at events, professionalism will help your athletes stand out. NIL is a rapidly growing industry, and since its inception, compensation for volleyball athletes has increased by 935%. Teaching athletes how to manage these expanding opportunities early will help them transition smoothly into college-level partnerships.
Build Communication Skills
Strong communication is essential for everything from interviews to sponsorship negotiations. Encouraging athletes to express themselves clearly and confidently—whether through public speaking, social media captions, or one-on-one conversations—will prepare them for the professional world.
Compliance and Rules
Understanding the rules of NIL is critical to success at the college level. NCAA regulations, state laws, and individual university policies dictate how athletes can engage with their brand partners. While these details will vary, the most important rule is to always follow reporting guidelines and school policies.
Coaches and club directors can help by introducing basic compliance concepts, such as the importance of getting permission to use school intellectual property (e.g., logos, uniforms) in sponsored content. These foundational lessons will make it easier for athletes to adapt when they start college.
The Long-Term Value of NIL
The ability to earn money from NIL is a game-changer for college athletes, but its true value lies in what it prepares them for beyond their playing years. The opportunities created by NIL allow volleyball players to build real-world skills in branding, communication, and negotiation while forming professional networks that can lead to opportunities in sports or other industries.
By helping athletes lay a strong foundation now, parents, coaches, and club directors can ensure they’re ready to fully embrace NIL opportunities in college and set themselves up for long-term success both on and off the court.
Want to Set Your Athletes Up for NIL Success?
Personal Branding for NIL & Beyond is a practical, easy-to-digest guide designed to help athletes take control of their story, build an authentic brand, and maximize opportunities both on and off the court.
As a former college athlete and Division I volleyball coach, Michelle Meyer wrote this book with volleyball players in mind, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in this new era. Packed with actionable insights, real-world examples, and simple strategies, Personal Branding for NIL & Beyond is the playbook every athlete (and their support team) needs in today’s new landscape.
About the Author
Michelle Meyer is a leading expert in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the founder of NIL Network, a platform dedicated to helping athletes navigate the evolving NIL landscape. A former college and professional volleyball player, Michelle has coached at the Division I level and worked with USA Volleyball, giving her a unique perspective on athlete development and the business of sports..
With a passion for mentorship and a deep understanding of branding, compliance, and professional growth, Michelle empowers athletes to build authentic personal brands and maximize NIL opportunities. Her insights have been featured in industry reports and presentations, and her book, Personal Branding for NIL & Beyond, serves as a practical guide for athletes looking to take control of their brand and future.
