As a high school athlete, you may think personal branding and NIL money are only for the top recruits heading to Division I schools. But that’s not the case! Building a personal brand is accessible to any athlete and can give you the opportunity to make money now, and create a pathway of financial freedom for you in the future. As a high school student, this is a great time to explore hobbies, interests, and other unique talents you might have outside of being an athlete and use them to create a brand that you can build on. If you’re not sure where to start, below are a few strategies to jumpstart your journey, help reflect who you are, and set yourself up for NIL success, regardless of the level you play.
6 Ways to Build your Brand as a High School Athlete
Define What Makes You Unique. Before diving into the world of social media and content creation, spend some time figuring out what makes you unique. Ask yourself:
– What are your passions and interests outside of sports?
– What do you want people to associate with you?
– Are you known for your hustle, your creativity, or maybe your work with the community?
Having a clear understanding of what makes you unique will help you build a brand that feels authentic and relatable. This authenticity will resonate with your audience, whether it’s a small local following or potential college fans.
Start Sharing Your Journey on Social Media. Social media is one of the most powerful tools for building a personal brand. Start by setting up profiles on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (now X). Share your journey as an athlete, including your training, wins and losses, and anything you’re learning along the way.
Some ideas for posts include:
-Behind-the-Scenes Content: Show your daily workouts, practices, or personal routines.
-Personal Insights: Share what motivates you, your goals, and how you overcome challenges.
-Community Engagement: If you’re involved in volunteer work, highlight it. Community engagement is a great way to stand out and show what you value beyond sports.
Network with Local Businesses and Community Leaders. Even if you’re not a top national recruit, local businesses may be interested in partnering with you. Attend community events, support local businesses on your social media, and connect with community leaders who support youth sports. Building relationships locally can lead to partnerships and sponsorships when you reach college, or even earlier.
Local businesses often prefer supporting athletes who care about their community, so show genuine interest and engage authentically with those around you.
Create and Sell Your Own Merch or Start a Small Business. One of the best ways to build a brand and make some extra money is by creating something of your own. Whether it’s branded merchandise like T-shirts or something connected to another passion (for example, coaching younger athletes or starting a YouTube channel), having your own “product” adds to your brand.
For high school athletes who love a challenge, building a small business or side hustle could be a great start. Think about your skills and interests—could you host a summer camp for kids, design custom sports gear, or offer virtual coaching sessions? Starting small will help you learn about business while strengthening your brand.
Stay Consistent and Be Patient. Building a personal brand doesn’t happen overnight. Aim for steady, consistent progress. Even if your following grows slowly, showing dedication and patience demonstrates your commitment. Colleges and future sponsors look for consistency because it shows you’re serious about your work. Stick to a posting schedule, keep engaging with your audience, and let your brand evolve naturally.
Think Long-Term and Stay True to Yourself. Lastly, remember that your personal brand isn’t just for high school—it’s something that can benefit you in college and even after your playing career. Being genuine about who you are and what you value will help you build a lasting brand. If you stay true to yourself, your brand will feel authentic, and that’s what people, including sponsors, appreciate.
Building a personal brand as a high school athlete is accessible to everyone, not just the stars. Start with small steps: define your unique qualities, share your journey on social media, network locally, create something of your own, and stay consistent. Your personal brand can be a great foundation for securing NIL opportunities in college—and who knows, it could even set you up for career opportunities beyond sports!
A most importantly remember: with a personal brand, you’re building more than just a following; you’re creating a foundation that can lead to future opportunities and even income. You don’t need to be a D1 athlete to succeed—just start where you are, stay genuine, and let your brand grow as you do.