University of Utah gymnast Abby Paulson is a student-athlete who wants to make a difference.
With over 26,000 Instagram followers and a spot on a nationally ranked team, Paulson has a larger platform than most students could imagine. She saw new opportunities when the NCAA approved a policy that allows student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Along with partnering with companies to promote products, Paulson is using her platform to tackle important issues. She has worked with foundations for women and girls in sports and participated in fundraising events for pediatric cancer research, with plans to continue these efforts in the future.
“Having this platform has given me these opportunities,” Paulson said. “I’m glad to have a voice and the ability to share things that are important to me while also working to build my brand.”
Additionally, Paulson is involved with Who Rocks the House, an NIL collective dedicated to Utah gymnastics and believed to be the first in the country just for female student-athletes. Who Rocks the House gives athletes opportunities to engage with fans and participate in philanthropic efforts in their community to create meaningful impact.
With NIL deals becoming more ubiquitous, new opportunities are surfacing in college athletics. A lot is changing for student-athletes, and Paulson believes it will only get more exciting.
More articles like this in ‘Student Innovation @ the U!’
Find this article and a lot more in the 2023 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.
