SWEET DEAL : South Carolina Guard Raven Johnson Partners With Parfait Tailored Hair

photo cred: Grace Sorrells

Success breeds rewards and the partnership between South Carolina guard Raven Johnson and Parfait Tailored Hair couldn't be more perfect. Johnson is a 2 x National Champion and one of the more stylish players in the country. Andscape reported Parfait signed Johnson to her first beauty ambassadorship.

What a difference a year makes. The media reduced Raven Johnson's freshman year to a wave off in the Final Four by Caitlin Clark, indicating Johnson couldn't shoot behind the 3pt arc due to Johnson hitting the three a 24% clip. Coming back stronger and determined to prove the media and any naysayers wrong, Johnson doubled her points per game average from 4pts per game to 8pts per game, and increased her 3pt percentage to 34% in route to a perfect season and a national championship.

Johnson told Anscape "“You know how they say if you look good, you play good?” “That is so true. I’m always in the mirror. My hair has to be slayed.” Johnson said she loves wearing long hair on the court, especially once her wigs are in what she calls “sport mode.”

Parfait's company bio states the company was started due to a problem experienced by many women of color: managing and caring for textured hair. Parfait's CEO Isoken Igbinedion stated “We ended up with wigs and hair extensions as the first category. We want to solve problems for women because of how difficult that experience can be and because of the lack of education that a lot of our communities have not had when it comes to how we care and protect our natural hair.”

We're looking to see more from both Raven Johnson and Parfait in the near future. Check out some clips here of Raven Johnson putting on a defensive clinic on the court this year:

LEAPS AND BOUNDS : Oregon Pole Vaulter Bella Nilsen Partners With TruHeight Supplements

photo cred : Oregon Athletics

Bella Nilsen signed an NIL deal with TruHeight, a supplement brand that offers protein powder, growth gummies, and sleep gummies. Nilsen is one of the best pole vaulters in the Pac 12 conference and the country. Nilsen placed 1st at the Oregon Twilight, 1st at the Lane Invite, and 1st at the Linfield Jenn Boyman Memorial Invitational this year.

Nilsen signed the deal within one week of signing under Rise Sports Management, an agency that helps college athletes acquire NIL deals. TruHeight and Nilsen will be releasing exclusive content over the next few months with day in the life videos using TruHeight supplements, giveaways, and much more.

VICTORIOUS : Duquesne Guard Megan McConnell Signs NIL Deal With VKTRY PERFORMANCE INSOLES

photo cred : @megg_mcconnell / Instagram

Megan McConnell, a standout guard for Duquesne University, has inked an NIL deal with VKTRY Performance Insoles. McConnell, known for her exceptional playmaking skills and defensive prowess, has been a vital asset to the Dukes. During the 2023-24 season, she averaged 13.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the court. Megan was named to both the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team and All-Conference First Team. If the last name looks familiar to you, Megan McConnell comes from a family of ballers. Her brother TJ McConnell who plays for the Indiana Pacers is currently lighting up the playoffs, her older brother Matty was a 1,000 scorer at Robert Morris, and her father Tim is one of the most successful basketball coaches in WPIAL history with more than 600 coaching victories and eight WPIAL titles.

VKTRY Performance Insoles, renowned for their innovative carbon fiber insoles designed to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk, have chosen McConnell to represent their brand. This partnership underscores the growing trend of athletes leveraging their influence and performance to secure endorsements. VKTRY’s insoles, backed by scientific research, aim to provide athletes with a competitive edge, aligning perfectly with McConnell’s dedication to excellence and peak performance in basketball.