Real Recognizes Real
Years ago, a quote in The New York Times swept through my home state of Vermont and quickly made its way onto the early Facebook profiles of teens and college students:
“In Vermont, authenticity is all; they do not try to keep it real; they are real.”
It struck a nerve, especially in a digital world just beginning to take shape. Long before TikTok trends and follower counts, this quote served as a reminder of the power of being grounded in who you are. Fast forward twenty years, and the message is just as relevant, especially for today’s high school student athletes.
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities now a reality in college athletics, many student athletes are wondering how they can prepare. The truth? Success in the NIL space doesn’t come from copying trends. It comes from building a personal brand rooted in authenticity.
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we work with student athletes to help them connect the dots between who they are, where they’re going, and how to present that journey with purpose. Here’s what we tell families:
1. Master Your Craft First
Before NIL opportunities, before followers or partnerships—focus on the fundamentals.
Be committed to your sport and show that you're serious about growth.
Prioritize academics, because brands (and colleges) value student athletes who are dependable and well-rounded.
Be coachable, consistent, and resilient. These are the traits that build not just athletes—but leaders.
NIL doesn’t replace the need to perform; it adds another layer to how you represent yourself. And credibility always starts with work ethic.
2. Identify Your Interests and Strengths
Ask yourself: What do I enjoy? What am I good at? And how do those things show up in my daily life as a student athlete?
If you’re passionate about health and nutrition, start sharing your pregame meals or recovery tips.
If you love mentoring younger athletes, show clips of team leadership or volunteering at youth clinics.
If your strength is your mindset, reflect on what helps you stay focused under pressure.
These moments are more than content—they're windows into who you are. Start small, be honest, and stay consistent.
3. Connect the Dots to Long-Term Goals
If your current interests line up with your future goals, you're in a great position to start building your personal narrative.
For example:
If you dream of becoming a physical therapist, post about your rehab routines and injury prevention.
If you're interested in journalism, create short recaps of your team’s performances.
If you want to pursue business, share what you're learning from building your brand as an athlete.
But what if your goals don’t seem to connect with your sport? That’s okay, too. Reflect on how being a student athlete is preparing you for what’s next.
Maybe you’re developing time management, discipline, or public speaking skills. Maybe you're learning how to handle pressure or work as part of a team. These are transferable strengths, and NIL success often comes from showing how sport has shaped you beyond the game.
Real Recognizes Real
You don’t have to be viral to be valuable. You don’t need a million followers to build a meaningful platform. What you do need is clarity about who you are, what you stand for, and where you’re headed.
Just like that Vermont quote reminded us years ago—it’s not about trying to appear authentic. It’s about being authentic. And in the world of NIL, real stories resonate.
At POLARIS, We Help Student Athletes Prepare with Purpose
From college counseling and academic planning to NIL readiness and personal brand coaching, we help student athletes align their goals with strategy. Whether you’re aiming for Division I or exploring opportunities at smaller schools, your story matters.
And it starts with being real.