18 Year Old Becomes the First College Athlete to Sign a Deal With New Balance Ahead of US Championships

Jul 4, 2023 | 6:30 AM EDT

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In the world of sports, young talents have always captivated everyone’s attention. Roisin Willis is one such athlete who has an inspiring story of her rise in the U-20 track and field realm. At just 18 years of age, Willis is the NCAA champion in the indoor 800m event, and she has become the first college athlete to ink a significant endorsement deal with the renowned sportswear brand, New Balance.

This groundbreaking move comes right before the highly anticipated USATF Championship, where Willis is set to showcase her incredible potential. This deal came as a reward for her fantastic freshman season this year, and the news of her deal has been shared on Twitter.

A Game-Changing Deal and an Impressive Season

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Oluwadare shared a post on his Twitter handle about Willis’ New Balance deal and wrote, “World U-20 800m Champion, Roisin Willis, has signed a NIL deal with New Balance! The 18-year-old who has a PB of 1:59.13 over 800m will be competing this week at the US Championships.” Hailing from Stanford University, Willis has caught the attention of New Balance, which recognized her exceptional talent and potential. Following a successful freshman season that saw her claim victory in the NCAA indoor 800m championship with a best of 1:59.93, Willis also announced on her Instagram account that she has officially joined forces with the iconic sportswear brand.

World U-20 800m Champion, Roisin Willis 🇺🇲 has signed a NIL deal with New Balance!
The 18-year-old who has a PB of 1:59.13 over 800m will be competing this week at the US Championships. pic.twitter.com/KYZPjMzkmm
— Oluwadare (@Track_Gazette) July 3, 2023

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The significance of this partnership cannot be understated, as it marks the first time a college athlete has secured a major name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with New Balance. This landmark agreement showcases the trust and belief New Balance has in Willis’ abilities and future prospects. Willis’ importance is increased by this agreement and her great Stanford season following all of her prior setbacks.

A Rising Track and Field Star’s Journey to Success

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Despite facing challenges along the way, Roisin Willis has demonstrated unwavering determination and a passion for her sport. Prior to her triumphs at Stanford, Willis had already amassed an impressive track record in the U-20 category. In 2022, she clinched the under-20 championship title in the highly competitive 800-meter event. Additionally, her exceptional abilities as a member of the 4×400 relay team played a pivotal role in their success.

This year, she continued to shine, securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the outdoor season’s 800-meter competition. Willis’ dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have undoubtedly set her apart as a rising star in the world of track and field.

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As the anticipation builds for the upcoming USATF Championship, all eyes will be on Roisin Willis as she takes her extraordinary talent to the track. The groundbreaking deal with New Balance is not only evident proof of her exceptional abilities but also a sign of the changing landscape in the world of college athletics and NIL opportunities.

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