Jewish Student-Athletes Take Center Stage Through Blue Square NIL Program – Jewish Press

 

In a groundbreaking move that blends athleticism, identity and advocacy, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) has launched the Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program — one of the first initiatives of its kind to support Jewish college athletes through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. FCAS created the program in collaboration with Tribe NIL, an initiative focused on Jewish student-athletes that provides participants with financial backing, opportunities for brand development and leadership training founded on Jewish values.

The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program seeks to elevate the stories of Jewish student-athletes by providing them with platforms to express their heritage, challenge stereotypes and build bridges across campus communities. Through public appearances, digital storytelling and community engagement, these athletes are helping to redefine what it means to be Jewish in college athletics today.

“The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program will increase the visibility of Jewish athletes at the collegiate level, promoting their multifaceted identities and advancing Jewish pride. We hope that this program will deepen our ties with universities and engage an even wider audience of college-aged Americans,” said FCAS President Adam Katz.

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), is a nonprofit organization that regulates student athletics at approximately 1,100 schools across the United States and Canada, classifies collegiate athletic programs and supports more than 500,000 student athletes each year. In 2021, NCAA rule changes and state laws restored NIL rights to college athletes, allowing student athletes to sign commercial deals, represent organizations and gain financial support while still enrolled in school.

Since then, NIL deals have flooded college sports, often dominated by high-profile football and basketball players. In 2024, three years into the NCAA’s NIL initiative, Jewish food brand Manischewitz engaged Jake Retzlaff, quarterback of Brigham Young University’s football team, as a sponsor. Retzlaff’s face graced special-edition boxes of the brand’s matzah and potato latke mix.

The Blue Square initiative breaks barriers and emphasizes dialogue across diverse campus groups, helping to reduce division and foster mutual understanding. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, the program serves as both a support network and a public declaration of pride.

“With this groundbreaking initiative, we’re aiming to increase the profile of these dedicated Jewish student-athletes to bridge divides and begin an overdue dialogue,” said Katz. “By championing each athlete’s unique story, we aim to show that we have more in common than what makes us different. We look forward to seeing these athletes don the Blue Square this offseason as we work toward our shared goal of eradicating antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

Ethan Hott is a Division I baseball player and MLB prospect at Stanford University. Growing up, Ethan attended Hebrew and Sunday school, where he learned the values of togetherness and high achievement – values he carries with him today. As a standout high school player in Arizona, Ethan was named 2x All-State First Team and the No. 22 player in the state. At Stanford, Ethan reconnected with his Jewish faith following the October 7 attack, following which he “unapologetically” donned his Star of David and joined the Hillel community.

Alan Mashensky is a Division III basketball player at New York University. Alan’s journey began with his parents emigrating from the Soviet Union, where religion was ostracized. Despite this, his family maintained their Jewish faith, and the values of the religion were instilled in Alan from an early age. His passion for basketball stems from playing at various JCCs and the Maccabi Summer Games. This passion drove him to compete at a higher level, leading him to NYU, where he made the All-Academic Team in 2025.

“Being a Jewish athlete comes with the responsibility to set an example and help others believe in themselves,” said Mashensky.

Meyer Shapiro is a Division I wrestler at Cornell University. Over his two seasons wrestling for the Big Red, he has finished fifth and third in the NCAA Championships. As a high school wrestler, he claimed a cadet world title in 2021, wrestling at 143lb. Meyer also won a state championship during his freshman year in Maryland and eventually became the top recruit in his class. After facing medical challenges earlier this year, Meyer is back in training and ready to compete.

Liv Shumbres is a Division I track and field athlete at the College of Charleston. Liv was born and raised in a Jewish household, where the importance of community connection was instilled in her. Entering college, Liv had three goals: connect with her roots, her community and use that to find Jewish friends at the University. As a mental health advocate, Liv continues to make a difference in her community while serving on the executive board of the mental health club at the College of Charleston.

Riley Weiss is a Division I basketball player at Columbia University. From playing high school basketball in 7th grade to her career at Columbia, Riley’s work ethic stems from her Jewish identity. While growing up and celebrating Jewish holidays, her family taught her the values of perseverance, hard work, humility and standing up for others, which helped propel her athletic career. She credits a meeting with Sue Bird, another Jewish female basketball player, with inspiring her journey.

“I think being a Jewish athlete is super special because representation matters and in women’s basketball, there are not that many,” shared Weiss.

Ze’ev Remer is a Division III basketball player at Cal Lutheran University. As a collegiate basketball athlete that keeps kosher, he has to make minor changes to his schedule to fit the team’s program, which often means leaving on Thursday for a Saturday night game or making deli sandwiches in his hotel room. Ze’ev’s teammates have embraced Ze’ev and the Jewish faith, with the team opting to walk back to the hotel as a team on Shabbat and even venturing to the Remer household for team Shabbat dinners.

“The Blue Square Athlete Ambassadors are sharing their pride in their teams, their sports and their own identities and we are thrilled to support them. Keep an eye out for more from these athletes on FCAS social channels like @StandUpToJewishHate on Instagram and TikTok as they take us along in the incredible journey of being a proud Jewish athlete on campus,” said Katz.

As FCAS continues to grow the Blue Square initiative, it aims to expand its reach to more campuses across the country. In doing so, the organization hopes to not only empower Jewish student-athletes but also to foster a more inclusive and informed public conversation about Jewish life in America — through the powerful lens of sports.

The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program is recruiting the next group of student athletes who want to join. Visit www.fcas.org/blue-square-athlete-ambassadors for more information.