Athlete NIL Interviews: Paige McCormick
Could you share some of the NIL opportunities or partnerships you've been involved in?
I have done 28 NIL deals since July 2021, but my favorites have been working with HR Block, WearSPF, HeyDude and Vinagrette Salads.
How did you identify and negotiate these opportunities?
I utilize marketplaces such as PlayBooked, Opendorse and Postgame. I also will email and negotiate with brands via instagram DM or emailing their marketing managers.
How has NIL impacted your daily life and responsibilities as a student-athlete?
Balancing the roles of a student athlete and working with NIL has unquestionably added more tasks to my schedule. However, I derive satisfaction from my work and collaborations with various companies. This dual role has heightened my awareness of the importance of staying on top of my emails and enhancing my time management skills. Deals and opportunities can pass by quickly, underscoring the significance of being punctual and quick to take action.
Are there educational programs/tools/events that have helped you better understand the rules and opportunities related to NIL?
A few months ago, I participated in the NIL summit in Atlanta, and that experience has genuinely transformed my life, providing me with a fresh outlook on NIL. The event featured a multitude of speakers who spoke on how to build a personal brand and increased my knowledge/education in the NIL space.
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 primarily use Instagram and TikTok among all social media platforms. Instagram is predominantly focused on my personal brand, showcasing my NIL deals, sharing stories and my explorations in Louisville. On the other hand, TikTok is more centered around sharing my ongoing recovery journey from a recent injury and providing insights into my life as a regular student-athlete. Balancing these two aspects is important to me.
I recently started a podcast on my instagram called "Mini Mic Monday" where I sit down with another UofL athlete who has been making strides in the NIL space. This gives other athletes an opportunity to share their story and share a side of them that fans (and athletes) don't usually see.
How have your NIL activities influenced your relationship with fans and supporters?
My NIL activities have made me more outgoing and willing to initiate conversations that I wouldn't have created in the past.
What advice would you give to other student-athletes seeking to explore NIL opportunities?
JUST GO FOR IT! Message the brand, send that email, create the DM... what's the worst that could happen? You may hear no the first time or two but all it takes is one yes!
Is there a college athlete whose approach to NIL you admire? If yes, who and why?
I really admire Chase Griffin's approach to NIL and how he uses his platform to better his community, it is inspiring.
How has engaging in NIL activities contributed to your personal and professional growth? Have you discovered new interests or skills through NIL opportunities?
Participating in NIL activities has been a transformative journey, marked by significant personal and professional growth. Engaging in NIL has allowed me to develop a diverse set of valuable skills. I've honed my content creation abilities, exploring photography, videography, and storytelling to express myself creatively and connect with a broader audience. Managing these activities has been a lesson in time management, sharpening my organization and prioritization skills. The NIL landscape has helped me explore my creativity, enabling me to craft engaging content and marketing strategies. Additionally, it's provided a crash course in financial literacy, teaching me to navigate deals, contracts, and income management. Moreover, I've strengthened my interpersonal skills through collaborations with brand representatives and fellow student-athletes, expanding my network and emphasizing effective communication. Overall, my NIL journey has offered a multifaceted platform for personal growth, enriching my life while maintaining my identity as a dedicated student-athlete and setting the stage for a promising future.
How do you envision your career evolving after college?
My post-college aspirations are deeply rooted in contributing to the ever-evolving realm of collegiate sports and NIL opportunities. I aim to explore prospects within the collective or marketplace sector, with a strong focus on fostering collaborations and partnerships that empower student-athletes. Drawing from my experiences as a student-athlete actively engaged in the NIL landscape, I believe I possess a unique perspective that will be invaluable as I transition into the professional world. I intend to use this firsthand knowledge to advocate for athletes' rights and well-being, creating networks, partnerships, and educational resources that will enable future generations of student-athletes to maximize their collegiate experiences, both academically and athletically, while making the most of NIL opportunities.
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