IMG Academy Apr 6, 2025 Over recent years we have seen a shift in the value of sports education as student-athletes increasingly have financial opportunities extending well beyond the historical scholarship model. We have seen three important shifts to the governing rules of college and high school sports: (1) Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) becoming […]
Over recent years we have seen a shift in the value of sports education as student-athletes increasingly have financial opportunities extending well beyond the historical scholarship model.
We have seen three important shifts to the governing rules of college and high school sports: (1) Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) becoming a viable revenue stream for college student-athletes, and to a lesser degree, high-school student-athletes; (2) Historical college sport-by-sport caps/limits on scholarships being removed or significantly increased; and now (3) A potential House v. NCAA settlement ruling tomorrow providing significant payments to former student-athletes, including up to 22% or c. $22 million of college sports revenue being shared with current and future student-athletes.
Complementing these shifts in regulation are the realities of the technology and social dynamics of this generation of student-athletes. We are living in a world where student-athletes have a direct ability to reach and influence their own audiences via social media, a dynamic that adds fuel to this moment. These student-athletes are undoubtedly able, unlike any prior generation, to directly drive engagement for the brands they represent, including their colleges.
Lastly, colleges are increasingly seeing sports on campus as having clear and direct impact to student experience and on enrollment funnels. Sports is among the few investments a college can make that (1) positively impacts student experience and builds community for all students at the school, (2) positively and broadly impacts alumni relations and donor activation, and (3) serves as a high-quality brand platform in a highly competitive environment, driving the volume and quality of college applications.
The upshot of these converging trends? A simple reality: the value of sports education and the value of a roster spot are increasing for student-athletes.
Historically, the benefits of being excellent academically and athletically were limited to a college scholarship. A scholarship is a game-changing opportunity for so many families around the country. Today and increasingly in the future, the opportunity will be even bigger.
Big seven-figure NIL deals may seem mainstream due to the press coverage, but in truth, a very small portion of college student-athletes receive significant six or seven figure NIL compensation. While I expect the size and breadth of NIL compensation to grow, as or more interesting to me is the impact of the elimination of historical scholarship caps, combined with the impact of collegiate revenue sharing for student-athletes.
We are still in the very early days of understanding the new allocations and size of this expanding value proposition, but my prediction is we will see significant, five and six figure, financial opportunities for many of the 400,000+ college student-athletes around the country.
Critically, these opportunities are not without challenges. I see too many stories and focus on the “deals” and the “money.” While those storylines are good for clicks and advertising, they are not helping our families. We need to be talking more and doing more in education and preparation. As high school and middle school educators, our job is to prepare students for all aspects of college and life.
This evolving opportunity for student-athletes means we have a new obligation to teach, support and prepare our families to meet the moment. We see four focus areas:
College matriculation education: The shifting value proposition in college is evolving and confusing, and it has a big impact on student decisions related to college matriculation. College counseling and sports recruiting need to evolve to create more clarity for families.
Character development: Identity, personal values and confidence are more important now than ever. Social media has its benefits, but it also comes with big challenges for teenage students. These challenges are heightened in sports, when factoring in NIL. The baseline question a student must answer is: who am I? Attaching personal identity to third party brands for money and agreeing to post on social media are a big decision. A student should first think hard and define their personal values and goals. Students need confidence in their “who am I?” and their personal values in a sometimes unforgiving social media world.
NIL and social media education: Rules and regulations can vary state by state and are a moving target right now. Families need to understand those rules, and they need support on the basics of contracts, key terms, and where to turn for help. Beyond those building blocks, students are asking about personal brand building and appropriate and strategic use of social media. As educators, our job is not to find or facilitate financial transactions for students; however, it is our job to make sure the students are prepared and confident to handle those opportunities.
Financial education: With more money being distributed more broadly and earlier than ever before in sports education, our students increasingly need a strong baseline of financial education in high school; from opening bank accounts to budgeting, saving and investing. These are critical skills to develop. There are money-related emotional skills to develop, too. As a college student athlete, having an income comes with social pressures and new social dynamics related to money. That challenge is trickling down to college and high school now.
These four critical education areas for student-athletes and their families need attention. I would venture that nearly every high-school has student-athletes dealing with this evolving landscape, and I hope that as an IMG Academy community we can surround our students with the resources required to be successful.
Illinois State Transfer Sara Wabi Signs with Mizzou Gymnastics
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri gymnastics has signed graduate transfer Sara Wabi from Illinois State, head coach Shannon Welker announced on Friday. The Chicago native joins the Tigers after four seasons with the Redbirds, helping lead the team win the 2023 and 2025 Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) Championship and a […]
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri gymnastics has signed graduate transfer Sara Wabi from Illinois State, head coach Shannon Welker announced on Friday.
The Chicago native joins the Tigers after four seasons with the Redbirds, helping lead the team win the 2023 and 2025 Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) Championship and a trio of All-MIC First Team recognitions during her senior season. Wabi’s performance earned her a bid to compete on bars as an individual in the Seattle Regional of the 2025 NCAA Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome another high-level transfer to our program,” Welker said. “Sara is an elite competitor and brings great experience after competing at Illinois State for the last four years. She is a huge addition to our uneven bars squad – we cannot wait to begin working with her.”
In 2024, Wabi saw action on floor and bars in every meet and was named to the All-MIC Second Team on both bars and floor at the MIC Championship. She scored 9.875 or better nine times during the season.
Wabi’s first collegiate meet came in 2023, where she competed on floor for the entirety of her sophomore year. She earned All-Midwest Independent Conference First Team honors on beam and bars that season as well.
Before college, Wabi competed for Aspire Gymnastics Academy. During the 2021 Illinois State Meet, she placed second on bars, fourth on beam, seventh on floor, eighth on vault and fourth in the all-around.
Daughter to Steve and Sheryl Wabi, Sara was born on November 20, 2002.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For all the latest on Mizzou gymnastics, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Santa Monica College student arrested by ICE, according to the school
Santa Monica College student arrested by ICE agents near his West LA home Santa Monica College student arrested by ICE agents near his West LA home 01:19 A Santa Monica College student was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to the school. The arrest happened near the student’s West Los Angeles home […]
Santa Monica College student arrested by ICE agents near his West LA home
Santa Monica College student arrested by ICE agents near his West LA home
01:19
A Santa Monica College student was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to the school.
The arrest happened near the student’s West Los Angeles home on May 5, according to SMC. School officials said he was deported but is physically safe and seeking legal aid.
The community college said federal agents have not been on their campuses.
“We recognize the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty many in the college community may be feeling, especially—at this time—undocumented/immigrant students, and those from mixed-status families,” the community college wrote. “Santa Monica College remains committed to upholding an inclusive teaching-learning environment where all students may pursue their educational goals, irrespective of immigration status.”
The school also released the administration’s process if federal immigration agents enter the campus. Resources for immigrants can be found on their website here.
Matthew Rodriguez
Matthew Rodriguez is a digital producer for CBS Los Angeles. He’s previously reported for local outlets like the Argonaut and Pasadena Weekly. Matt typically covers breaking news and crime.
Forward Jack Ohlund is going to New England College, while defenceman Luke Russell will be attending Liberty University NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
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The Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) have announced two more players from their 2024-25 squad have committed to attend schools and play college hockey […]
Forward Jack Ohlund is going to New England College, while defenceman Luke Russell will be attending Liberty University
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
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The Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) have announced two more players from their 2024-25 squad have committed to attend schools and play college hockey in the United States this fall.
Forward Jack Ohlund will be off to NCAA Division III New England College, while defenceman Luke Russell will be attending Liberty University of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
The 20-year-old Russell spent two seasons with the Eagles, appearing in 79 career games.
A native of Lakeville, Minn., he scored 16 times and dished out 23 assists for 39 points.
On pace to set personal bests in all offensive categories, his 2024-25 campaign was cut short due to injury.
Of his tally total, four of his markers came on the power play and he also notched one game-winner.
“Jack was the definition of a power forward,” said Eagles head coach Jeremy Rebek.
“He’s was a strong skater who was hard to play against and was good along the wall, while bringing strength, speed and scoring ability,” added Rebek. “Despite losing him to injury in November, he recovered nicely and was a great character individual on and off the ice.”
Based out of Henniker, New Hampshire, the NEC Pilgrims are members of the 11-school New England Hockey Conference.
As for Russell, the 20-year-old Alexandria, Minn., product was a solid stay-at-home type of defender for the Eagles over the course of his two seasons in the NOJHL. He also served as an assistant captain with the Eagles.
In his time with the club, he appeared in 100 career contests, including six in the playoffs.
He went on to score three times and dole out 27 assists.
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the Liberty Flames compete out of the ACHA’s D-I conference.
Yale Athletics In a 2021 preseason poll, Yale’s gymnastics team was slated to be the second best team in the Gymnastics East Conference. The Bulldogs opened their season with individual first place victories over West Chester, Long Island and Brown — by Lindsay Chia ’22 on beam and by Sherry Wang ’24 SPH ’25 on […]
In a 2021 preseason poll, Yale’s gymnastics team was slated to be the second best team in the Gymnastics East Conference. The Bulldogs opened their season with individual first place victories over West Chester, Long Island and Brown — by Lindsay Chia ’22 on beam and by Sherry Wang ’24 SPH ’25 on bars.
They capped off the season by placing first in the Ivy League championship and fourth at the GEC championship, with Chia taking home the all-around gold medal. At the end of a remarkable season, Head Coach Andrew Leis was named Women’s Coach of the Year by USA Gymnastics and Raegan Walker ’23 was crowned vault champion at the USA Collegiate Championships.
Building off the previous year’s momentum, the Bulldogs placed third at the 2023 Ivy championship and took second in the GEC championship. Walker and Sarah Wilson ’24 won multiple GEC Gymnast of the Week honors, and Riley Meeks ’23 placed second in the USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Individual Finals on the balance beam.
In 2024, the Bulldogs secured the second-highest team score in program history at the Tonry Invitational meet, where Gigi Sabatini ’26 won first place all-around. That season, the Bulldogs took home second place again at the GEC championship, and Wilson and Ella Tashjian ’27 won individual championships in bars and floor, respectively.
To round out a record-breaking four years, the Bulldogs posted a season-high score at the 2025 Ivy championship and finished in third place behind Penn and Brown. The team earned second place at the GEC championship for the third straight year.
LILY BELLE POLING
Lily Belle Poling is the Managing Editor of the Yale Daily News. She previously covered housing and homelessness and was a production and design editor. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, she is a junior in Branford College majoring in English.
Physics Professor Honored for Efforts to Improve Learning, Retention — Syracuse University News
STEM Jenny Ross The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) has made some big changes lately. The department just added an astronomy major approved by New York State and recently overhauled the undergraduate curriculum to replace traditional labs with innovative “Experiencing Physics” labs—inquiry-based Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) targeted at improving both […]
The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) has made some big changes lately.
The department just added an astronomy major approved by New York State and recently overhauled the undergraduate curriculum to replace traditional labs with innovative “Experiencing Physics” labs—inquiry-based Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) targeted at improving both teaching outcomes and student retention in the physics major.
Current A&S Associate Dean for Creativity, Scholarship and Research Jenny Ross served as department chair when these initiatives were started.
For these notable initiatives, as well as her groundbreaking explorations in biophysics and active matter, Ross was awarded the prestigious 2025 STAR Award from Research Corporation for Science Advancement. The STAR (Science Teaching And Research) Award recognizes outstanding achievements in both research and education.
A 2010 Cottrell Scholar, Ross’s research explores how cells organize themselves using fundamental physics principles, with the goal of designing next-generation materials inspired by biology.
The award includes a $5,000 prize and will be presented at the 2025 Cottrell Scholar Conference in Tucson, Arizona, this July. As a recipient, Ross will provide mentoring to early career Cottrell Scholar colleagues throughout the coming year.
Gira, Kalis, Kotak, Molargik, Brossoit, Borio named SOTW
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — We’re back with another excellent group of local students. Each week, high school principals and staffers in Livingston County share their nominees for Students of the Week. We share those honorees online Fridays and in print Sundays. This week’s students were nominated for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, kindness and service to their […]
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — We’re back with another excellent group of local students.
Each week, high school principals and staffers in Livingston County share their nominees for Students of the Week. We share those honorees online Fridays and in print Sundays.
This week’s students were nominated for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, kindness and service to their school community.
Class of 5/16:
John Gira, Brighton High School
This week, Brighton High School recognizes John, a standout senior with a 4.135 GPA and a passion for both computer science and music. A dedicated member of the Brighton High School Marching Band all four years, he also participated in Guitar Club during his freshman and sophomore years, formed his own “Wonderband” and works hard at Qdoba.
While he plans to pursue computer science after graduation, John said joining his father’s band has been the most meaningful experience of his high school career. “Being a musician is the most important thing to me in life,” he shared. BHS is proud to celebrate John for his academic excellence, strong work ethic and artistic dedication.
Salene Kalis, Fowlerville High School
Salene, a distinguished senior in the Class of 2025, has earned the title of salutatorian through her unwavering dedication and academic excellence. A hardworking and kind individual, Salene has excelled in a demanding college preparatory schedule, including multiple AP courses such as AP Language, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Literature, AP Biology and AP U.S. History.
In addition to her coursework, Salene has taken advantage of dual enrollment opportunities to further challenge herself and prepare for college. She also serves as an officer in the National Honor Society, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to service. Outside the classroom, she brings the same level of determination and teamwork to the ice as a dedicated ice hockey player. Salene is a shining example of what it means to be a true Gladiator.
Cristian Kotak, Hartland High School
Cristian, a sophomore, has a huge presence at Hartland High School — he is always smiling and positive. Cristian is supportive of all his peers and someone who lifts people up on a daily basis. He works hard in all his classes, always striving to do the best he can. He has a true talent for Engineering and Computer Aided Design and hopes to pursue that as a career path in the future.
Carly Molargik, Howell High School
Carly is an exceptional student whose positivity and kindness brighten the halls of Howell High School. Always wearing a smile, Carly is a friendly face to everyone she meets and a true pleasure to be around. A dedicated and high-achieving student, Carly excels in AP classes and maintains an impressive GPA.
Her involvement matches her commitment to academics in school activities. She is an active member of the Leadership Program, contributes to the Yearbook and serves on the Student Council. Carly’s enthusiasm, hard work and school spirit make her a role model for her peers. HHS is proud to recognize Carly as this week’s Student of the Week for the energy, effort and excellence she brings to Highlander Nation.
Spencer Brossoit, Pinckney Community High School
Spencer is the definition of a well-rounded student — excelling in advanced academic courses, performing with dedication in orchestra and leading with integrity on the football field. As a scholar-athlete-musician, he balances his many commitments with humility and grace, always giving his best without seeking the spotlight. Spencer is a great leader to both his peers and underclassmen, many of whom look up to him for guidance and inspiration.
Known for his kindness, leadership and social intelligence, Spencer is quick to help others, answer questions and approach situations with thoughtful perspectives. He demonstrates a genuine love of learning and an appreciation for the small things in life. Next year, he will attend Eastern Michigan University to pursue a degree in health sciences, and PCHS has no doubt he will continue to lead and excel in all he does. PCHS is proud to celebrate Spencer and the positive impact he’s made on the school community.
Mox Borio, Kensington Woods Schools
Mox, a sophomore, recently completed her AP Studio Art Portfolio, a significant accomplishment that showcases not only her artistic talent but also her profound insight. Her portfolio thoughtfully explores the experience of trying to navigate societal norms while you don’t feel like you fit within them, demonstrating both courage and deep reflection. This dedication is characteristic of Mox, who is a diligent, cheerful and cooperative student, consistently contributing positively to the school environment.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Mox is a valued member of the Kensington Woods Volleyball Team and is known for her willingness to embrace new challenges. She possesses an excellent work ethic and a wonderful sense of humor that enriches our school community. Her teachers describe her as exceptionally creative, profoundly kind and maintaining a great attitude in all her endeavors. Her positive energy and respect for others is admired by her peers and the staff and Kensington Woods.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
