Athlete NIL Interviews: Jessica Davis
Could you share some of the NIL opportunities or partnerships you've been involved in?
My total NIL partnerships have been 3: Better Blends, MEAS Activewear, & Liquid IV.. with some others coming along the way! My goal is to continue to reach out to more companies that align with my brand & empower me as a student athlete while competing!
How did you identify and negotiate these opportunities?
I utilize apps or website such as INFLCR, MOGL, & Opendorse. As I reach out to companies over DM, email, or submitting applications, it helps to additionally forward them a brand template I created (on Canva) and my social media analytics/stats so it gives them a better understanding of my brand.
How has NIL impacted your daily life and responsibilities as a student-athlete?
NIL has taught me how to place myself and promote my own identity out in the world. It teaches me essential life skills such as initially contacting companies, participating in hiring interviews for certain roles/ deals, & learning when to take a no for an answer. This pushes me to keep being resilient and match with brands that have the same mission and goals as I do!
Are there educational programs/tools/events that have helped you better understand the rules and opportunities related to NIL?
I am currently a part of NIL Island Athletes Cove, which is a 5 week panel series that educates student athletes about all things NIL. It has been such a fun opportunity so far, I have met many virtual friends and we support each other via our social media pages! Special thank you to Leah Clapper and Kristi Dosh for inviting us into a fun and informative series.
How do you utilize social media platforms to build your personal brand and engage with your audience? Can you share examples of successful social media campaigns or content that helped promote your brand?
I love creating content mostly for my TikTok and Youtube channels. Diving into the NIL space beginning of this year, I have enjoyed vlogging and documenting my life as an athlete while learning the in & outs of creating engaging content. It's all been a process- everyday is a learning opportunity.
Some of my more "viral" content, is one Tiktok receiving almost up to 400k views and 60k likes has been lifestyle content I created from my trip to Canada this past summer. Another example is a restaurant review video, which received 380k and 35k likes. Understanding that you don't have to shape NIL to solely your life as an athlete, is crucial. Who you are as a person and what creatively inspires you is what matters in NIL. Use this to your advantage!
As I plan to continue my education at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing my Master's Degree in the Marketing program, I can leverage my space in NIL as I head into professional world.
How have your NIL activities influenced your relationship with fans and supporters?
Overall, I have become more confident in myself. Before, I was weary to what people thought about me if I posted something to Instagram, or if my TikTok was not good enough to get posted. I now shift that thinking and remind myself how others receive the content I create.
Find your niche- whether that's education, blogging, podcasting, writing, or video creation. Keeping this in mind allows me to use my platform to connect with others in the Cincinnati community, my town from back home, and anywhere else in the world who may scroll ending up on my page. Remember to build a supportive, fun, and engaging community of fans that connect with who you are.
What advice would you give to other student-athletes seeking to explore NIL opportunities?
To all the athletes hesitant about getting started with NIL- you may not realize it, but you inspire so many people without knowing. There is nothing you aren't used to without a little practice! All you need to do is take the first step. Find one athlete that inspires you, write down why, and create that commonality between their story and yours. This will help you understand your mission and what your own goals are participating in NIL.
Is there a college athlete whose approach to NIL you admire? If yes, who and why?
Emily Cole- Her story is so impactful knowing how she faced many struggles as an athlete. She is using her platform to tell her story. Her vulnerability and strength for speaking out about her own journey is so inspiring. Many people who feel alone, like they being knocked down by the world- can relate to stories like these and find support through others going through the same struggles.
How has engaging in NIL activities contributed to your personal and professional growth? Have you discovered new interests or skills through NIL opportunities?
I am proud of how far my editing skills have come! From using Capcut as editing software for my Youtube, to creating vlogs on my Tiktok, or simply filming videos about cooking. Outside of my athletic world, I have enjoyed piecing out my own hobbies and interests away from the pool. This has been the first time I have thought about my identity outside of Swimming. NIL pushes me to creatively think outside the box of life surrounding sport. I can highlight my interests like beauty/ skincare, clothing, music, cooking, travel, etc.
How do you envision your career evolving after college?
I am so excited for the future capabilities and opportunities with NIL. As I head into a professional working world after my athletic career, I can see myself still being involved with athletes and surrounding my work in this field. I am still undecided about what work will look like post college but I am optimistic about the opportunities surrounding NIL in the future for Universities. I hope to work on a team or for an organization that wants to change the world in what they do. I am passionate about leadership and using your story to lift and motivate others.
My one goal that sticks with me all throughout my professional journey is that I want to empower women and be a voice for women leaders. I will continue to make content after a life of sports, creating ways to showcase an active and healthy lifestyle as a retired athlete.
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