• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 3, 2026
    More
    College Sports

    Nike Signs No. 3 Amateur Rachel Heck as 1st NIL Golf Athlete

    • The Tennessee native won the 2021 individual NCAA national championship as a freshman.
    • Her other NIL deals include Beats by Dre, Ping, Whistle Sports, and Six Star Pro Nutrition.
    By
    May 13, 2022 | 04:11 pm
    John Meore/The Journal News

    Nike is wasting no time locking in one of women’s golf’s brightest young stars.

    Stanford’s Rachel Heck is signing with the sportswear giant to be its first NIL golf athlete, she announced on her social pages.

    Heck’s other NIL deals include Beats by Dre, Ping, Whistle Sports, and Six Star Pro Nutrition.

    The Tennessee native won the 2021 individual NCAA national championship as a freshman after shooting an 8-under 280 after 72 holes last May. She ranks third in World Amateur Golf Rankings.

    Heck failed to qualify for the 2022 individual championship, but she and her Stanford teammates will compete for the team title starting May 20.

    Nike isn’t the only recent athletic apparel brand to test the NIL waters.

    Lululemon made former NBA player J.R. Smith its first male college endorser back in April.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read
    by

    South Carolina Snaps UConn Streak as Auriemma and Staley Erupt
    “I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand.”
    Jul 29, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Maya Joint (AUS) reacts after scoring a point against Leylah Fernandez (CAN) in first round play at IGA Stadium.
    by

    NCAA Proposes Prize Money Rule Change After Landmark Settlement
    The change would allow players to accept prize money without affecting eligibility.
    Taylor Zarzour
    by

    3 Questions With the New Radio Voice of the Masters
    Taylor Zarzour is filling in for Mike Tirico on SiriusXM this year.
    Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close during practice prior to a 2026 NCAA Final Four women's basketball semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center
    by

    Future of WNBA Draft Eligibility Rules Looms at Final Four
    Not everyone is jumping to usher in a new era of eligibility.

    Featured Today
    by

    ‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch
    Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
    Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
    March 28, 2026

    March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era
    The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
    Maxime Vachier Lagrave
    March 25, 2026

    The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment
    Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
    Beau Brune/LSU
    March 22, 2026

    College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies
    “There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”

    More in College Sports
    by

    Did Illinois Open the European Recruiting Floodgates?
    The Illini are in the Final Four thanks to the ‘Balkan Five.’
    Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd speaks during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
    April 3, 2026

    Tommy Lloyd Turns Down UNC To Stay At Arizona
    Lloyd will be one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.
    April 3, 2026

    Bryce James Remains in Bubble Wrap at the Final Four
    James is redshirting for Arizona this season.
    Sponsored

    Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar
    MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
    Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
    April 3, 2026

    Braylon Mullins Waiting to Cash In On Game-Winning Shot
    Mullins is holding off on NIL opportunities until the Huskies’ season ends.
    April 2, 2026

    Brett Yormark and Cody Campbell Fight Over Who Runs Big 12
    “He is not the dictator of the conference. That’s not his role.”
    April 2, 2026

    NCAA Is Trying to Close NBA Draft Eligibility Loophole
    If passed, the rules will be implemented by the next academic year.
    April 2, 2026

    Iowa State Star Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal
    Crooks, an Iowa native, has one year of eligibility remaining.