TUCSON, Ariz. – When it comes to her career as a college student, basketball student-athlete and future medical doctor, Arizona standout
Maya Nnaji wants to be an agent of change. She wants to impact lives. She wants to be a role model for future generations.
Representation matters in everything she does.
That also includes Name, Image and Likeness.
"People who look like me probably don't get as many marketing or sponsorship opportunities, but it's a blessing for me to help empower this change," Nnaji reflected. "Women's basketball is a sport full of diversity, and I think it's on all of us student-athletes to keep pushing things forward and empowering younger generations."
A McDonald's All-American in high school in Minnesota, Nnaji came to the University of Arizona because she could be a difference maker on and off the court. The Tucson community became an extension of home, and her foray into NIL was immediate after stepping foot on campus.
"One thing I learned immediately at Arizona is about the power of Marketing," she continued. "You don't have to be the best player in the world to have value to an advertiser. You can have a growing brand and still be a very visible figure in ads or commercials."
Being a key contributor on a team ranked in the top 20 nationally in front of thousands and thousands of fans every game in McKale helped grow Nnaji's brand. Her first endorsement deal as a Wildcat was a reflection of the national audience she commands; Dunkin' Donuts
"It was surreal when Dunkin' Donuts reached out to me. I couldn't believe this national brand wanted to work with me. The opportunities presented to me through this deal will set me up for future success, growth of my brand and more networking possibilities."
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By partnering with such a visible brand like Dunkin', Nnaji also believes her NIL agreements can help propel better representation of women of color in advertising. For a young woman who is dedicated to lifting up her community, the freshman takes her role as a trail blazer for future generations of young women who look like her very seriously.
"I grew up in Minnesota, and I didn't have a lot of role models that looked like me as a child," Nnaji noted. "I never would have thought that I would be able to do endorsements with national brands. For someone like me to grow up, overcome adversity and become a role model that others look up to is something I will never take for granted. To be seen and supported as a member of Arizona Women's Basketball reminds me that I have come a long way. Being a woman of color in the spotlight is an honor for me because of what I represent to other young girls around the world. They can see someone who has walked in their shoes go on to be successful and be inspired to reach their own dreams."
When representation is everything and you take on the responsibility for creating a positive change, one could see one national endorsement as enough. That is not the case with Nnaji who instead believes that road to empowerment is not a short journey.
"This is only the beginning for NIL. I am hoping we can grow opportunities for more women and people of color to take part in this new benefit. Empowering all women in sports is important to me. If being sponsored by a national company, like Dunkin', creates more awareness and opportunities for other women of color then that to me is the greatest success story I can create."
And when representation matters in everything you do, the 6-foot-4-inch star takes notice in how the visibility of her brand in all aspects can inspire. It's not lost on her the power of a banner outside McKale Center, with her likeness, can have for young girls. There's an impact on others to see a woman like
Maya Nnaji dive headfirst into biology classes as a freshman and begin her journey towards medical school. She's thinks about how Dr.
Maya Nnaji in the future can inspire future generations as a woman of color.
That is who
Maya Nnaji is as a Wildcat.
And in her own words that is what her brand stands for.
"NIL success to me means playing well on the court, connecting with the community, excelling in the classroom and combining all of that into a brand that represents
Maya Nnaji the person. A brand that is proud to represent my family and the University of Arizona that people feel a connection to. A brand that signifies representation, inspiration and change."
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You can support Arizona student-athletes through NIL opportunities by directly engaging with the organizations listed below.
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