How Athletes Can Prepare for Fall Opportunities Over the Summer

Summer Isn’t the Off-Season, It’s the Setup Season

For serious athletes, summer isn’t a time off; it’s a time to get ahead. While others slow down, smart athletes are working on the skills and strategies that will shape their fall season and their NIL opportunities.

In 2025, fall is when deals are finalized, scouts start watching closely, and brands finalize their ambassador lists for the upcoming year. So, what you do now matters a lot.

Whether you’re a high school student, a college freshman, or a future agent or parent guiding someone through this process, here’s how to use summer wisely to maximize your shot at fall success.

Training Smart, Not Just Hard

Sure, workouts are a given. But in 2025, training isn’t just about conditioning; it’s about intentional preparation. Think about:

• Refining your highlight-worthy moments
• Working on weak spots (especially those that affect performance metrics)
• Training for leadership, not just athleticism

College coaches are looking at more than stats. They seek athletes who excel both on and off the field.

Are you showing up early? Staying late? Helping others get better? Those are the habits that separate prospects from leaders.

Build Your Digital Presence While the Spotlight’s Off

Summer gives you space to create content that builds your brand, without the pressure of game-day coverage. And let’s be real: in the NIL era, visibility is currency.

Here’s what high-earning athletes are doing online this summer:

• Posting workouts, routines, or recovery tips
• Sharing personal insights or behind-the-scenes moments
• Collaborating with local businesses for practice partnerships

If you’re not telling your story, someone else will. And if you’re only posting game clips, you’re missing a huge part of your value.

Remember: brands don’t just sponsor stats, they sponsor stories.

Study the Game Behind the Game

Athletes who understand NIL deals are the ones who sign them. Use this time to study:

• How top athletes are structuring their NIL partnerships
• The language of contracts, licensing, and brand expectations
• What agencies and collectives are looking for

Take an online course. Follow NIL news. Ask questions. The fall brings opportunities, but only for those who are ready to navigate the business side.

If you’re a parent or coach, this is your window to help your athlete build NIL literacy. It’s not just about protecting them, it’s about preparing them.

Update Your Media Kit and Brand Materials

Your Instagram is nice, but if a brand emails you tomorrow, are you ready?

Every athlete eyeing NIL deals should use the summer to refresh their:

• Bio (short and brand-aligned)
• Updated highlight reel (keep it under 90 seconds)
• Contact info (with a professional email, not your high school username)
• A simple brand sheet that says what you stand for

Your materials should reflect the athlete you are and the kind of partnerships you want.

Reconnect With Coaches and Mentors

Reach out to your coach, your trainer, your athletic director. Ask them:

• What do you see as my biggest strength right now?
• What should I focus on this summer to be better in the fall?
• Who do you know that I should be talking to?

Too many athletes wait for doors to open. Summer is the time to knock politely, professionally, and with purpose.

Fall Success Starts With Summer Intention

If you want to compete for playing time, scholarships, and NIL deals this fall, it starts right now.

This summer is your runway. Use it to:

• Train smart
• Post with purpose
• Build your story
• Learn the business
• Connect with your team on and off the field

The athletes who win NIL deals in 2025 aren’t just talented. They’re prepared, strategic, and visible.

Her Court, Her Agent Is Built for This

We created Her Court, Her Agent to help athletes and the people who support them navigate the NIL world with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re building your first media kit or trying to land a deal with a brand that fits your values, we walk you through it all.

Summer prep isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things. If you’re ready to take your athlete’s future seriously, join us.

The fall season starts now.