NIL headlines have largely been dominated by consumer packaged goods, luxury car brands and apparel companies.
But purpose-driven brands aren’t exempt from the value that student-athletes can bring to their organization’s missions.
Youth on Course, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the golf course, has figured that out.
Youth on Course supporting program alumni
- YOC Athlete signs NIL deals with 18 high school and collegiate athletes
- Athletes to post to social media encouraging people to join YOC
The new initiative, YOC Athlete, partnered with Opendorse to sign NIL deals with 18 high school and collegiate athletes and former YOC members to use their platforms to highlight the importance of affordable access to golf for young people.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome these tremendous young men and women as our first group of YOC Athletes,” says Moe Melhart, YOC’s Director of Alumni Relations. “Their platform as college student athletes allows them to share so much about their experience as former YOC members and now their journey as YOC Alumni. I know their impact will be significant as we continue to build our culture of alumni within Youth on Course.”
With more than 140,000 members from ages 5 to 19 in North America, the YOC alumni base is vast and features numerous student-athletes across the country.
YOC believes that partnering with student-athletes who are former members will help spread the organization’s message and purpose to reach an even wider audience with the intent to help with both membership and alumni network growth.
Golf at every level
- YOC athletes come from various sports at Division I,II and III levels across 10 conferences
Athletes shared an Instagram reel speaking on their involvement with YOC, how it aided in their development as a young golfer and encouraged others to click the link their bio and sign up for YOC.
The first group of YOC athletes includes both men and women competing in various sports at the Division I, II and III levels and spans 10 conferences. Student-athletes come from various backgrounds and experiences while competing at the highest levels, all with the shared experience of being/have been a YOC member and now an integral part of YOC’s growing alumni base.
@kailabwitz I am beyond to be teaming up with @yocgolf as a YOC Athlete! Check out the Youth on Course link in my bio to see how you can play at nearly 2,000 golf courses across the US and Canada for just $5 or less! #ad #YOCAthlete ♬ Royalty Free – Freestyle Beats
“Becoming a YOC Athlete has been nothing short of an exceedingly positive experience for me,” said YOC athlete and Puget Sound golfer Kaila Bonawitz. “YOC has provided me with the resources necessary to achieve my longtime goal of becoming a collegiate athlete. I want my partnership with YOC and Opendorse to inspire young golfers and provide them with the same opportunities I was given.”
Cal football player JT Byrne spent many years learning golf through YOC.
“I am honored to be a YOC Athlete and work with Youth on Course,” said Byrne. “I was a member for many years growing up and loved the opportunities that it provided, and I want to do whatever I can to help inspire kids to go out on the golf course the same way that I did.”
YOC Athletes 2023
Daniela Andrade – California State University Los Angeles, Women’s Golf*
Owen Avrit – University of Oregon, Men’s Golf
Kaila Bonawitz – University of Puget Sound, Women’s Golf
JT Byrne – University of California, Berkeley, Football
Jack Deaner – California State University Monterey Bay, Men’s Golf
Jayden Ford – Pinehurst, North Carolina, Women’s Golf
Maleyna Gregorio – University of California, Riverside, Women’s Golf
Matthew Kress – University of Florida, Men’s Golf
Antonia Malate – San Jose State University, Women’s Golf
Graham Moody – University of Wisconsin, Men’s Golf
Anton Ouyang – Stanford University, Men’s Golf
Brenna Preap – Grand Canyon University, Women’s Golf*
Kaleyia Romero – Pepperdine, Women’s Golf
Kiara Romero – University of Oregon, Women’s Golf*
Kyreece Romero – University of Oregon, Men’s Golf*
Elizabeth Scholtes – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Women’s Golf
Brady Siravo – Pepperdine, Men’s Golf
Caleb Shetler – San Jose State University, Men’s Golf
*incoming Freshman
