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.

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"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."

Reilyn Turner

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