Parker Valby’s 2024? Totally one for the books. She smashed two collegiate records in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters and made the U.S. Olympic team, all before turning 23. Six-time NCAA champ, NCAA records for indoor and outdoor 5,000m and 10,000m, she was on fire. And with all that success, of course, big brands like Nike were quick to get in the game. They signed her in 2023 before she even bagged her first NCAA title. Track and field star became the first female college runner to sign with Nike, and the deal came with a “right-of-first-refusal” clause, meaning if any other brand came calling, Nike had the first chance to match that offer when it came time for Valby to go pro.

But here’s where it gets interesting: even with all that Nike love, things didn’t exactly go as planned. After her college season ended, her NIL deal with Nike continued, but because of that clause, she wasn’t just free to sign with whoever she wanted. Nike had the first shot at matching offers from other brands—no matter how big those offers were. A lot of brands came knocking, like Puma, On, and a few others. So Valby and her dad, Kyle, who’s also her manager, had to play it smart. They weren’t just going to jump into the first deal that came their way. They took their time, thought it through, and really weighed their options.

By 2024, Parker Valby made the decision to move away from Nike and sign a professional deal with New Balance. After officially inking the contract, the track and field star relocated to Boston to train at their coaching facility. It’s pretty rare for track and field athletes to openly discuss sponsorship contracts, so the details of her deal are mostly under wraps. However, it seems like months after signing with New Balance, Valby indirectly revealed why she made the switch.

In an interview with Runners World when asked whether she would opt for ‘data or vibes?’ She took the Vibes. Reason? Well, she said, “There’s something powerful about tuning in to your body and going with what feels right in the moment. Sure, data has its place but sometimes overthinking can throw off your rhythm. Trusting my instincts is what gets me across the finish line.”

The most obvious thing is that Valby did not leave Nike because she was unhappy with Nike; she chose to do what was best for her in the long run. She required an investment that is associated with her values and her profession. In the end, she was able to figure out all the possibilities and New Balance has proved to be the type for her. So, what is next for her?

Track and field star’s journey from NCAA dominance to Olympic dreams and beyond

Parker Valby’s 2024 started off by breaking NCAA records and qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials at just 22. Even though she didn’t take home a medal in Paris, she made it to the finals for the 10,000m run, and running against Olympic track and field athletes like Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is no easy feat. To finish 11th on that sort of form was an achievement in its own right, and it proved she had the ability to race at the elite level.

But if that was not enough, Valby ended 2024 by being named the Bowerman, which is the biggest award in college track and field. She competed against some of the stiffest competition of the year, Jaida Ross and Maia Ramsden, to clinch the prize, which has only been achieved by three Gators to date. So, with everything she’s already achieved, people are starting to wonder: could the 2028 Olympics be her year? Well, seems so!