Jordan Horston has no shortage of accolades.
She was a McDonald’s All-American, Naismith first team All- American, and Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year. A decorated high school career landed her as the No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2019 per Prospects Nation and ESPN HoopGurlz.
The success carried into the start of her career at Tennessee, where she helped the Lady Vols to a 38-18 record in the first two seasons.
When student-athletes became eligible to capitalize on their NIL in July 2021, navigating the newfound waters of endorsement deals proved to be a tough task for anyone.
Horston was no exception.
“It made me grow up,” Horston said. “I had to fill out a W-9 and W-2 — I didn’t even know what those were. I had to prepare myself to file taxes and do all these adult things. It’s helping me see what the world is going to be like after college because it’s coming.”
Horston, a senior guard from Columbus, Ohio, is far from the only student-athlete with those feelings.
During 32 Opendorse on-site education visits this year (July- November), student-athletes that attended a session were given a survey asking to rank their level of confidence (on a scale of 1-5
with 5 being extremely confident) in pursuing NIL opportunities. The average answer before the session was a 2.6. Post education session, the average answer on the survey was a 4.6 – a result that proves student-athletes want to and will put in the effort to learn about NIL.
NIL can be complicated but student-athletes that embrace the growing pains, like Horston, have found success.
“Honestly, it was a struggle,” she said. “When NIL fist came around it was a lot to juggle. What I do when I feel like I’m stressed out or things are overwhelming is I have to take a break – take a pause and meditate, talk to God and just clear my mind.”
Horston has completed deals with Current, Orange Mountain Designs and The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, among others.
The Volunteer Club, an NIL collective managed and facilitated by Spyre Sports in Knoxville, Tenn., has hosted several community events with kids and fans that Horston has been a part of.
“I’m just a regular person playing basketball and there are people out here that look up to me like I’m inspiring, so it’s a very moving situation when you’re in it,” she said. “People care about me as human being off the court, so it’s just been pretty cool being able to connect with people off the court.”
