Nike has signed a NCAA "name, image, and likeness" (NIL) deal with a student from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The partnership with Reilyn Turner, a UCLA sophomore soccer player, was announced by Nike on Tuesday.

Turner, the first collegiate athlete to receive a NIL sponsorship from Nike, was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year for 2020-21, according to NBCLA. The 19-year-old was chosen for Nike's sponsorship due to her desire to give back by supporting nonprofit organizations that create opportunities for youth soccer players and other female athletes. 

"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," Turner said in a statement released by Nike. "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."

Nike's agreement with college student-athletes in the United States includes a component that connects back to their communities. 

"The impact of sport goes beyond competition and success – it's also about the changes you can make to give everyone an opportunity for a more level playing field," the statement reads. 

Born in Lakewood, California, and raised in Aliso Viejo, Turner set her sights to attend UCLA at 8 years old after visiting the campus for a soccer camp. The star player scored 10 goals during her sophomore season and led the UCLA team to a 16-1-3 record. Jackie Robinson, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams are among Turner's sports heroes.

"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 sports," Turner said. "I hope to be a role model for those around me and those after me."