First Athlete To Bag NIL Deal, Chloe V. Mitchell Reminisces the Exact Moment That Changed Her Life

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a double-edged sword for many, but for 22-year-old athlete Chloe V. Mitchell, it unveiled a unique opportunity. Amidst the lockdown in April 2020, Chloe, then a high school senior, found herself confined at home with little to do. However, instead of succumbing to boredom, she decided to transform her family’s backyard storage shed into a cozy retreat, a project she documented on TikTok. However, today, Chloe shared her inspiring journey and experiences on the EssentiallySports Think Tank Podcast.

Chloe Mitchell’s influence on TikTok had been steadily rising, with her already earning through the platform. However, her journey took a significant turn when she received a life-changing call from her father—this pivotal moment marked her as the first college athlete to monetize her Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Reflecting on this transformative event in an exclusive podcast interview with Trey Holder on the Think Tank podcast, Chloe shared insights into the serendipitous sequence of events that quickly propelled her into the spotlight.

Chloe V. Mitchell’s journey from high school volleyball star to NIL sensation!

The Think Tank podcast series delves into the intricate dynamics of business and branding within the realm of sports. Led by seasoned thought leader and executive Trey Holder, who boasts a rich tapestry of experience spanning various roles in the sports world, including CEO, chief business officer, and president at Brand Innovators. As the discussion unfolds, Chloe reminisced about the pivotal First NIL deal.

Reflecting back to 2020, a year fraught with challenges, as a high school senior, Chloe embarked on a significant journey by committing to college on a scholarship for volleyball, a culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Amidst her excitement, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered her plans. Finding herself with ample time on her hands, Chloe Mitchell turned to documenting her experiences on the emerging platform, TikTok, in her backyard.

As the final days of Chloe’s senior summer faded away, she discovered herself at the forefront of change with a NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal. A groundbreaking moment emerged as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) implemented revolutionary legislation in collegiate sports. This historic stride bestowed upon student-athletes the remarkable chance to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness, signifying a profound shift in the landscape of collegiate athletics.

How legislation catapulted her to success

Fortune smiled upon Chloe Mitchell when, seemingly out of the blue, legislation shifted in her favor. In a moment of uncertainty, Chloe received a phone call from her father, a pivotal figure in her collegiate journey. He brought news of groundbreaking legislative success. However, in the aftermath, silence reigned for twenty-four hours following the legislation’s passage, casting doubt on its impact. For three days, no news outlets covered the development, and there was little interest in this seemingly random NIL athlete during the initial period without any deals. Then, suddenly, on the third day, the floodgates opened.

Calls poured in from Fox, Athletics, and various other media outlets. The once-overlooked athlete had become the center of attention, proving that the strategy had indeed worked. With the passage of legislation, Chloe’s prospects soared, opening doors to new opportunities. Seizing the moment, she, along with her father and business partner, swiftly capitalized on the newfound momentum, securing a lucrative deal.

With her inaugural endorsement deal with Smart Cups, Chloe Mitchell’s career soared to new heights. While boasting a respectable 132k followers on Instagram, it’s her staggering one million followers on TikTok that truly propels her earnings, allowing her to rake in over $20,000 for a single sponsored post. Mitchell, foreseeing the potential of NCAA endorsement opportunities, embarked on a venture alongside her father.

To know more about Chloe’s journey, do not forget to tune in esfancast.tv on Apr 9th and be a part of a wonderful Think Tank experience.

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