NIL Island, an online community and resource hub designed to support college athletes, is proud to announce the first cohort of its Athlete’s Cove program.
Athlete’s Cove is a community-centered discussion program built to help athletes level up their NIL game alongside other ambitious peers. Throughout this five-week journey, participants will engage in virtual sessions featuring practical tips, interactive activities, and renowned guest speakers. Additionally, athletes will compete in various NIL-related competitions and gain access to unique brand opportunities.
Meet the Program Leaders
The sessions are led by NIL Island co-founders Leah Clapper and Kristi Dosh, who bring a wealth of “on-the-ground” and professional experience to the table.
Leah Clapper
Leah competed on the University of Florida Gators gymnastics team for five years. When NIL rules changed in 2021, she felt the same confusion many athletes face today. Consequently, she made it her mission to “figure out NIL.” Since then, Leah has:
- Quadrupled her social media following.
- Partnered with over 20 national brands.
- Launched the first-ever gymnastics board game.
Kristi Dosh
Kristi is a former attorney turned sports business reporter, consultant, and entrepreneur. As the founder of Business of College Sports, she brings a legal and professional lens to the program. Furthermore, she teaches NIL classes at the University of Florida and hosts the Business of College Sports and The Players Platform podcasts.
Together, Leah and Kristi have navigated nearly every corner of the NIL space. Now, they are excited to share their expertise with this inaugural cohort.
What the Athletes Will Master
The program covers the essential pillars of a successful NIL career. Specifically, the curriculum focuses on:
- Personal Branding: Building a unique identity that attracts brands.
- Content Creation: Mastering social media marketing and engagement.
- Deal Sourcing: Navigating marketplaces and working with agents.
- Legal Protections: Understanding contracts and industry “fine print.”
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting, taxes, and long-term planning.
The Inaugural Athlete’s Cove Class
We are thrilled to welcome these 32 standout athletes from across the country. These leaders represent a diverse range of sports and universities.
| Name | Sport | School |
| Agata Beksha | Volleyball | Tulane University |
| Birgen Nelson | Track and Field | Duke University |
| Brooke Otto | Soccer | Ohio State University |
| Camryn Callaghan | Lacrosse | University of Cincinnati |
| Carly Haines | Golf | University of Louisville |
| Caroline Wales | Golf | Boise State University |
| Emma Schimpf | Golf | College of Charleston |
| Hudson Hooper | Football | Texas Christian University |
| Isabel Peterson | Track and Field | University of Cincinnati |
| Jaydah Battle | Gymnastics | University of Georgia |
| Jessica Davis | Swimming | University of Cincinnati |
| Julia Csernyik | Soccer | Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| Keshawn Lynch | Football | Norfolk State University |
| Kiersten Smith | Soccer | Washington State University |
| Kristyn Henthorn | Cheer | Ohio State University |
| Lily Clapper | Gymnastics | University of Michigan |
| Magdalena Jurič | Volleyball | Washington State University |
| Margot Lawn | Field Hockey | University of Maryland |
| Mati Waligora | Gymnastics | University of Alabama |
| McKinlee Morris | Track and Field | Columbia University |
| Myra Gordon | Basketball | Pepperdine University |
| Olivia Vance | Volleyball | Temple University |
| Perri Page | Women’s Basketball | Columbia University |
| Rebecca Wells | Gymnastics | Clemson University |
| Roger Brown | Cross Country and Track and Field | College Of Charleston |
| Rylee Bolinsky | Rowing | Clemson University |
| Shaylon Govan | Softball | Baylor University |
| Sheridan Smith | Springboard and Platform Diving | University of Miami |
| Sofiia Briantseva | Triathlon & Swimming | Emmanuel University |
| Sydney Large | Rowing and Cross Country | University of Central Oklahoma |
| Zippy Broughton | Basketball | University of Florida |
| Zoey Mitchell | Beach Volleyball | University of Southern California |