When Bella LePore steps onto the volleyball court for the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), she's representing her team. But some of her most valuable experiences happen away from the game.
Through a partnership with Oak & Maple, LePore helps create social media content and promote the restaurant while gaining experience that extends beyond athletics. It's one example of how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships are creating opportunities for UNC student-athletes while helping local businesses and organizations strengthen their connection to the community.
For many people, NIL is associated with college athletes earning compensation. At UNC, many partnerships have become something more. They provide students with professional experience, leadership opportunities, and community connections that can last long after graduation.
Those opportunities look different for every athlete.
For football player Levi Johnson, NIL has become a way to serve the community. Through a partnership between Richmark and UNC Football, Johnson regularly participates in volunteer projects and community events with organizations including United Way, Special Olympics, and local schools. Whether helping at community events, reading to elementary students, or representing the university alongside local partners, he demonstrates how student-athletes can make an impact far beyond game day.
UNC Men's Basketball players have found opportunities in the business and marketing world. Brock Wisne and Quinn Denker partnered with Bank of Colorado, appearing in promotional campaigns that reached audiences through social media, athletics broadcasts, and in-arena advertising.
Teammate Zach Bloch gained similar experience through a partnership with Sears Real Estate. Wisne, Denker, and Bloch also joined teammate Vince Delano in a collaboration with AIMS Community College. Together, the four student-athletes helped promote programs including AIMS2UNC through social media and marketing campaigns. According to AIMS, content featuring the athletes consistently ranked among the institution's top-performing posts.
Wisne's NIL experience extended even further through a partnership with KFKA Radio personality Brady Hull. Together, they hosted The Brock Wisne Show, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at UNC Men's Basketball while showcasing another way businesses and organizations can connect with student-athletes.
Volleyball player Alayna Tessena found her own opportunity through a partnership with ServPro. Through social media content and promotional appearances, Tessena helps increase awareness of the business while building relationships within the local community.
The opportunities extend beyond traditional advertising and marketing partnerships as well. At Balanced Movement Yoga in downtown Greeley, owner Heather Berry works with UNC student-athletes who help promote classes and events through social media. In return, athletes receive access to wellness resources that support both their physical and mental health throughout the demands of collegiate athletics.
While every partnership looks different, the goal is often the same: creating meaningful opportunities for everyone involved.
Student-athletes gain confidence, professional connections, and real-world experience that complements what they learn in the classroom and in competition. Businesses gain authentic ambassadors with strong ties to the university and the community. Together, they're creating relationships that benefit far more than a single season.
For local business owners, the message is simple: there is no single model for success. Some partnerships focus on community service, others on marketing, social media, wellness, or outreach. What they share is the opportunity to invest in young adults while building stronger connections throughout Northern Colorado.
At its core, NIL isn't simply about a name, image, or likeness. It's about relationships. It's about helping student-athletes prepare for what's next while creating meaningful partnerships that strengthen the community.