What Athletes Build Inside The Warm-Up

nil womens sports May 27, 2025
From Invisible to Intentional: What Athletes Actually Build Inside The Warm-Up

From Invisible to Intentional: A lot of athletes are told to "build their brand."

But no one really tells them how. They hear things like "post more," "be yourself," and "get your name out there."

That sounds good on paper. Until you open Instagram and realize you have no idea what to say, what makes you different, or why anyone would care. This is the gap The Warm-Up was built to close.

Her Court, Her Agent: The Warm-Up is a free, narrated course created to help athletes and the people who represent them. It’s built for athletes, yes, but also for aspiring reps, coaches, parents, mentors, and those looking for sports agent courses that actually reflect how today’s world works.

This course isn’t about fame. It’s about clarity.

By the end, athletes walk away with:

  • A clear brand identity rooted in their story and values

  • Clarity on what a digital homebase should include (story, links, email capture)

  • A consistent, intentional publishing habit

  • A practical understanding of NIL and how to move strategically

  • Direction on what kind of offer they can shape around their experience

  • Momentum from starting real outreach, based on who they are, not just what they do

This blog post breaks down what that transformation actually looks like.

BEFORE: WHAT MOST ATHLETES STRUGGLE WITH

Before taking The Warm-Up, many athletes are caught in one of two mindsets:

  1. "I’ll figure it out when I get the deal."
  2. "This doesn’t apply to me because I’m not famous."

But here’s the truth: NIL is not just about top-tier athletes or high-visibility sports. It’s about leverage. It’s about building something around who you are, so when opportunity shows up, you’re ready.

Common Struggles Before The Warm-Up:

  • Posting randomly or not at all
  • A bio that lists their school or position, but says nothing about who they are.
  • No email list or digital homebase to link to
  • Unsure how to talk about themselves outside of stats
  • Waiting for a brand or agent to come to them

That’s not a strategy. That’s wishful thinking.

DURING: BUILDING WITH INTENTION

The Warm-Up teaches a framework athletes can actually follow. It starts with identity. Athletes work through guided worksheets, and real-world examples to uncover their story, define their values, and articulate what makes them different.

They learn how to:

  • Show up online in a way that reflects who they are, not just what they do
  • They'll know what a digital homebase should include, how to share their story, what to link, and how to start capturing emails.
  • Post content consistently that aligns with their message and direction
  • Understand what NIL really means, and how to move smart
  • Develop a simple offer they can share or pitch based on their experiences

This isn’t just talk. It’s built for action, with steps you can actually take.

AFTER: WHAT ATHLETES WALK AWAY WITH

By the end of The Warm-Up, athletes know how to:

  • Speak clearly about who they are and what they stand for
  • Post with purpose instead of pressure
  • Build trust online with a consistent presence
  • Stop waiting for NIL deals and start creating visibility
  • Begin outreach with a real offer that reflects their journey

And no, they don’t need thousands of followers to do it. The focus is on credibility, not clout.

EXAMPLES OF THIS TRANSFORMATION

Take Aliyah Gayles.

Her story was shaped by surviving being shot. But what followed was more than survival, it was intentional branding. The brands that partnered with her didn’t just want an athlete. They wanted her story, her resilience, and her perspective.

 

That’s identity at work.

Or Olivia Dunne, who became one of the most talked-about athletes in NIL, not just because of gymnastics, but because of how she structured her presence across platforms.

And then there’s Mia Hamm, before NIL was even a concept. Mia’s influence came not just from being one of the greatest to ever play the game, but from how she carried herself, what she stood for, and how she inspired a generation. She wasn’t trying to build a brand—but she did, through clarity, consistency, and a message bigger than herself.

Different eras. Different sports. Different platforms.
But the same thread connects them:

  • They knew who they were.
  • They showed up with purpose.
  • And they built something others could rally behind.

These are all different athletes, in different sports, with different stories. But the thread is the same: they were clear, consistent, and intentional.

That’s what The Warm-Up teaches.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FAMOUS TO BE VALUABLE

The biggest myth in NIL is that you need a massive following to matter. You don’t. You need clarity. You need a message. You need to show up like what you say about yourself is already true.

Brands, schools, and audiences respond to that. So do future opportunities. The Warm-Up helps athletes build that foundation, for free. No agent required. No deal neededJust the decision to stop waiting and start building.

READY TO MOVE?

The Warm-Up is free, narrated, and built for athletes at any level. You’ll go from guessing to moving with purpose. From just a jersey… to a voice, a message, and something real to offer.

Start the course now!