ALL TERRAIN PHENOM : SUMMIT HS Cross Country Runner Ella Hagen Signs NIL Deal With Hoka Running Shoes

photo cred: @ella_hagen.21 / Instagram

Summit HS Cross Country runner Ella Hagen has just been added to the Hoka Running Team. Hagen is a 3x Cross Country champion in her state of Colorado. Hagen is one of three star athletes Hoka will be supporting with a new NIL platform for HS trail runners this summer.

As reported by FloTrack, HOKA will begin by partnering these athletes with professional mentors and access to some of trail running's Super Bowl moments. One of HOKA's first plans will include Hagen crewing a legendary figure in trail and ultramarathon running, Heather Jackson, at the Western States 100, a renowned ultramarathon set in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Jackson is a four-time top five finisher at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii and is a recent winner of the 2023 Javelina 100-Mile race and the 2023 Canyons 50K.

From there, Jackson will mentor Hagen through her trail running exploits, including providing support for HOKA's UTMB Mont-Blanc YCC event, an international trail running race featuring two circuits over 15 kilometers in Courmayeur, Italy. Check out Ella's interview below with Voice In Sport, a community that connects and inspires girls and women in sport ages 13-23.

THE NEW WAVE : Mandarin HS WR Jaime Ffrench and Jones HS WR Vernell Brown III Sign NIL Deals With American Eagle

photo cred: @southflexpress / Instagram

In less than 24 hours of the FHSAA unanimously approving language stating Florida high school athletes will be able to profit off of Name, Image, and Likeness deals (NIL), Mandarin HS (Jacksonville) WR Jaime Ffrench and Jones HS (Orlando) WR Vernell Brown III signed deals with clothing manufacturer American Eagle. Jaime Ffrench, a top wide receiver prospect from Jacksonville, and Vernell Brown III, a standout receiver from Gainesville, are both part of the 2025 recruiting class. Both are highly sought after downfield threats projected to end up at Ohio State University.

The ability for Ffrench and Brown to sign these deals comes in the wake of recent legislative changes in Florida. In February 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7B, which amended the state's NIL laws to offer more freedom and support for high school and collegiate athletes. Key changes include allowing coaches and athletic department staff to assist in the facilitation of NIL deals, removing the requirement for deals to be commensurate with "market value," and eliminating the need for deal disclosures.

These changes aim to provide athletes with better financial literacy and entrepreneurial training, preparing them for life beyond sports while enabling them to monetize their talents more effectively during their high school and collegiate careers.

photo cred: @southflexpress / Instagram

The NIL deals for Ffrench and Brown signal a shift in the landscape of high school sports, where athletes can now secure endorsements and partnerships that were previously reserved for college athletes. This move not only benefits the athletes financially but also sets a precedent for other high school athletes in Florida and beyond.

photo cred: @southflexpress / Instagram

HI FLYER : TCU Volleyball DS/Libero Cecily Bramschreiber Partners With Brooks Running Shoes

photo cred: @cecilygrace35 / Instagram

Cecily Bramschreiber, a standout player for the TCU Volleyball team, has recently partnered with Brooks Running. This collaboration is part of an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal put together by 98 Strong, an NIL Company focused on 98% of student athletes who will not turn professional in their sport after their eligibility is completed.

Bramschreiber started all 32 matches at libero and is one of two players to start in all 32 matches for the Horned Frogs this season. After being sidelined for most of the 2022 season due to a foot injury, Cecily rebounded to have a big 2023 tallying 3.68 digs per set which ranked sixth in the Big 12.

Brooks Running is renowned for its dedication to creating high-quality running gear that supports athletes at all levels. The company’s mission is to inspire people to run and be active, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Their products are designed with advanced technology to provide comfort, support, and performance.

Bramschreiber is promoting Brooks' Gycerin 21, a highly praised running show known for it's plush cushioning and comfort, making it a top choice for long-distance runners and those seeking a smooth ride. Bramschreiber's partnership with Brooks Running, a company committed to enhancing the running experience for athletes and amateur runners alike , is a testament to her athletic prowess and marketability in today's NIL landscape.