Michigan State Athletics, MSUFCU Celebrate NIL Student-Athletes’ Accomplishments

Michigan State Athletics hosted its third annual EverGreen NIL Celebration presented by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) in the Tom Izzo Hall of History at the Breslin Student Events Center. MSU is believed to be the only Power 4 institution in the country to celebrate the Name, Image, and Likeness achievements of its student-athletes. More than 100 student-athletes, coaches, staff, and vendors attended the event.

“Through the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes to the NIL space, we have established ourselves as the industry leader,” said Darien Harris, MSU Assistant Athletics Director for Business Development and NIL Strategy.

In the last year, EverGreen successfully launched a first-of-its-kind elite student-athlete NIL program; hosted its third annual Business Summit with record attendance; onboarded its highest number of student-athletes to the group licensing program; and launched in-venue NIL apparel sales at football and hockey games among other accomplishments.

During 2024, MSUFCU has increased its NIL partnership with Spartan student-athletes through the groundbreaking “Women of Sparta” program.

“Women of Sparta expands MSUFCU’s NIL program to include ALL women’s sports teams at MSU along with offering student-athletes access to financial education, media training, mentorships, job shadowing, and leadership development,” said Betsy Young, MSUFCU Vice President of Marketing. “Through Women of Sparta and our support of this event and other initiatives, we want MSU student-athletes to know that they have a platform and an amazing opportunity to use their voice and a 365,000-member credit union with all of its resources has their back.”

The night began with an awards ceremony where Spartan student-athletes and others in the industry were recognized.

EverGreen Empower Award
Given to the student-athletes who have used their NIL to empower others.
Justina Gaynor, women’s soccer for her partnership with Walled Lake Consolidated Schools athletics
Jalen Thompson, football for establishing the Jalen Thompson Anti-Gun Violence Football Camp

EverGreen Content Creator of the Year Award
Given to the student-athletes who through consistency and performance on social media have curated a strong audience across multiple platforms.
Savannah Breitwiser, track and field
Coen Carr, men’s basketball 

EverGreen Ambassador of the Year Award
Presented to two Spartans who have best represented and promoted use of the EverGreen program through their all-encompassing NIL activations.
Ozan Baris, men’s tennis
Mia Rogan, track and field/cross country 

EverGreen Educator of the Year Award
Recognizes someone who has gone above and beyond to be a resource for student-athletes across the country.
Sam Green, CEO of NIL with Sam Green and Founder of Athlete Con

EverGreen NIL Activation of the Year Award
Thomas Nihra and the Spartan Fantasy Camp for facilitating NIL-driven experience camps for fans with the football and women’s golf teams

EverGreen Team of the Year
Presented to the team who individually and collectively have created meaningful and impactful opportunities in the NIL space together.

Track and field/cross country
Following the awards ceremony, attendees were able to meet and mingle with representatives from NIL activation partners and vendors.
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Note: More photos available upon request.

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