There isn’t a blueprint, per se, but divers trying to make an Olympic splash for the United States in Los Angeles in 2028 and beyond should probably study the journey of Delaney Schnell to help fund their journeys.
A former University of Arizona student-athlete who specializes in the 10-meter synchronized dive, Schnell cashed in on her 2023 NCAA national title and 2020 Olympic silver medal to score a large portion of her estimated $1 million to $5 million in earnings via the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness allowances since they became legal in 2021.
A huge reason for her success with NIL deals is her social media strategy, which focuses on Instagram, where she has a whopping 23,000 followers. There, and on YouTube, she updates her followers on her training, adventures, and competitions, while also posting motivational quotes.
The average NIL earnings for divers who bring that level of engagement include $1,000–$5,000 for local sponsorships, $500–$2,500 for social media endorsement posts, and $500–$1,500 for appearances at events.
So how can you follow in Schnell’s wake?
Building Your Brand Through Strategic Storytelling
The best way is to begin charting your adventure via social media. Start leveraging your social media pages and target specific audiences with specific content. When addressing younger fans, focus on life lessons and advice. Older fans may be more interested in going behind the scenes or digging into inspiring stories. Give personal insights and deliver motivation. Be humble and human. Share your vulnerabilities as well as your strengths. Relatability is vital.
Water it, and your brand will grow.
Identify key moments of your journey, such as breakthroughs, setbacks (disappointments, injuries), resiliency, and growth. Highlight examples of extra work, unique training, film study, and exceptional teamwork.
Engage closely with your followers. Reply to every comment. Answer all DMs. Share the content of others and shout out your teammates often.
Don’t forget hashtags like #Diving, #OlympicDiving, #TeamUSADiving, and more.
Look for local podcasts to partner with. Reach out to brands that might be interested in tying your story to theirs. Ask your coach or athletics director to reach out to local media to pitch your story, or to help you run a camp or clinic on campus.
Finally, get active on fan-powered NIL platforms like RallyFuel, where you can communicate directly with fans who support and fund your journey.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
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