Mexican American UCLA Soccer Star Reilyn Turner Earns Nike's First Student Athlete Sponsorship
Image: whereisthebuzz
Remember the name: this girl is going places.
University of California Los Angeles sophomore and soccer forward Reilyn Turner has accepted Nike’s first name, image, and likeness (NIL) student sponsorship. A 19-year-old afrolatina from Lakewood, California, Turner earned the coveted title of Pac-12 Freshman of the Year for the 2020-2021 season. Sporting #66, he’s one of the top scorers for the Bruins, landing 10 goals last season alone.
Turner has had her eyes set on UCLA for over a decade. She attended a soccer camp on campus at 8 years old, sparking her love for the school and feeding her fire for the sport. Cultural heritage and appreciation for women who have preceded her in the soccer game are paramount for Turner.
“As a Black woman and Mexican American, I think about those who have paved the way for me and how they used their platforms to create so much change, even beyond sport,” says Turner.
Check out her UCLA freshman introduction down below.
Image: Nike, @reilynturner
“As a Black woman and Mexican American, I think about those who have paved the way for me and how they used their platforms to create so much change, even beyond sport.”
Image: UCLA athletics
“As an athlete, you’re in a position to be a role model, to have a platform to speak up for what you believe in. I hope to be a role model for those around me and those after me.”
Nike says that NIL deals like these will help bridge a relationship between student athletes and the communities they represent. The sponsorship, apart from compensation, will have Turner and Nike working together in LA communities to support boys and girls who have the same dreams Turner once had.
“As an athlete, you're in a position to be a role model, to have a platform to speak up for what you believe in,” says Turner. "I hope to be a role model for those around me and those after me. I want to inspire little girls and little boys to pursue their dreams too."
For Turner, Nike’s focus on women in sport was another important reason to sign with the brand.
“What Nike is bringing to the future of women’s sports is why I am most excited about being a part of the family,” says Turner of the NIL deal. "Picking up a ball opened so many doors for me. Playing sports has allowed me to build relationships with people around the world, to go to an amazing school, to be part of a community that means everything.”
Swoosh on, superstar!
Be sure to follow Reilyn on her journey as Nike’s first sponsored student athlete. You can stay up to date on her soccer goings-on by following her on instagram.