Spider Stories: Beyond the Jersey – How NIL is Redefining Success for Division I Athletes

When I first started my journey as a Division I athlete, I had all these ideas about what success would look like. I thought it was about playing time, starting every game, and being at the top of my sport. But what I’ve come to realize is that, in this new era of Name Image and Likeness, success in Division I athletics is not defined by how much playing time I get or even whether I’m a starter or not—every athlete has a platform, and every athlete can be an influencer. For me, this has been my definition of success. 

I remember the first time I really understood the power of that. I was scrolling through social media and saw athletes at all different levels—starters, bench players, even walk-ons—sharing their stories and building brands around who they are, not just what they do on the field. That hit me hard. It wasn’t just the top athletes or the ones with the most minutes who were creating opportunities for themselves; it was everyone. It didn’t matter if you were at a big-name school or a small one, if you were male or female, a starter or a sub. What mattered was the story you were willing to tell and how you connected with people. 

For me, NIL has been about sharing my journey in a way that goes beyond soccer. Yes, I’m an athlete, but I’m also a creator, a student, and a person with dreams and ambitions outside of sports. I’ve learned that people don’t just follow me because I play soccer; they follow me because they relate to the ups and downs, the early mornings, the long days, the struggles with injuries, and the moments of self-doubt. It’s about more than what happens on the field. It’s about the person in the jersey. 

Being a female athlete, I sometimes felt like I had to fight harder to get noticed, but NIL has leveled the playing field. It’s not just about being the fastest or the strongest—it’s about authenticity. In the past month, I’ve reached over 15 million users on Instagram and over 5 million on TikTok, posting genuine and relatable short-form content. I’ve seen athletes across all sports, all levels, and all positions step into their own power and build something real. We all have our own stories to tell, and NIL has given us the platform to share those stories with the world. 

There’s something special about being able to create my own path, align with brands that I genuinely believe in, and show people that I’m more than just an athlete. I’m someone who hustles in every aspect of my life, whether I’m on the field, in the classroom, or building content late into the night. And I know I’m not alone in that. Every DI athlete, no matter where they play or how much time they get on the field, has the chance to influence and inspire. 

We are more than athletes. NIL has shown us that our value doesn’t just come from stats or highlights—it comes from our stories, our personalities, and our passions. We’re not just here to compete; we’re here to connect, to inspire, and to create something bigger than the game itself.

Contact contributor Marisa Snee at marisa.snee@richmond.edu.