Two golfers selected for the NCAA x Meta NIL Empower Program

September 10, 2024

Boise State's Brooke Patterson and Ashland University's Maggie Fleck have been selected to participate in the NCAA x Meta Empowerment Program, a mentorship series designed to help female student-athletes maximize their opportunities with NIL.

For more than three years, Meta has supported college athletes through Empower. This season, the NCAA has partnered with Meta to ramp efforts, investing in 100 female student-athletes over two semesters—up from just 30 last year.

Patterson and Fleck were the only golfers named among the 50 athletes participating in the fall cohort, which launches September 10th. The selection criteria included application submissions plus considerations like marketability, diversity, and potential impact on and off the field.

The program aims to provide athletes with resources to expand their audience, build valuable brand partnerships, and create lasting connections that will benefit them beyond their sports careers—ultimately helping them earn money now and in the future.

Following the announcement, Patterson posted on Instagram that she was honored to be selected and excited to work with amazing female athletes. Fleck echoed similar sentiments, saying she was excited for the opportunity to "level up" her NIL game.

Past participants have spoken highly about the program's role in improving their content and building connections within the sports industry. The most recent group saw a significant boost in followers, and everyone landed at least one NIL deal.

Former LSU gymnast Savannah Schoenherr reflected on her time in Meta's NIL Empower program, stating, "My experience was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about NIL, personal branding, and my future beyond collegiate athletics."

Student-athletes interested in joining the spring cohort can apply online until January 1, 2025.