Start Early – Post highlights, fun workouts, and your journey.

Be Smart – Understand contracts and save for taxes. Ask for help!

Use Social Media – Post often, be real, and engage your fans.

Support Local – Small shops might be your first sponsor. Show love!

Think Bigger – NIL can build skills, businesses, and your future.

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Can They Handle It? School, sports, and deals take balance.
Do They Stand Out? Fun, active profiles attract brands.
Can They Share Their Story? Unique journeys open doors.
Got Backup? Contracts need trusted support.
Think Long-Term? NIL builds future success.
@baller_domain
@student.baller
@media_ysn
@skillsetsummit
@nilballers
@yournildeal

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Smart Money Moves: Help them track earnings with a “Money Jar Challenge”—one for spending, saving, and taxes!

Pick the Right Deals: Create a “Yes/No” checklist! Does the brand fit their style? Would they use it? If not, skip it!

Balance is Key: Use a “NIL Time Block” calendar—school, sports, then NIL time. No overload, just success!

@ballerdomain
@student.baller
@media_ysn
@skillsetsummit
@nilballers
@yoursportsnation

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A new sports documentary titled Zlatá cesta (The Path to Gold), directed by Petr Větrovský, opened in Czech cinemas on Thursday, offering fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the Czech national hockey team’s surprise gold medal victory at the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

The film traces the team’s journey from a shaky pre-tournament buildup to its dramatic win on home ice in Prague. Despite low expectations from fans and commentators, head coach Radim Rulík’s squad defied the odds to capture gold—Czechia’s first world title since 2010, and the first won at home since 1985.

“The things that didn’t come together for the golden generation in 2004, or again in 2015, somehow clicked for this underestimated group,” a voiceover in the film notes.

Structured around exclusive interviews and raw footage, Zlatá cesta features insights from key figures including Rulík, veteran captain Roman Červenka, and top goalie Lukáš Dostál. The film shows the emotional and physical toll of the tournament, highlighting not just athletic performance, but also the behind-the-scenes strain—jetlag, injuries, public pressure, and internal doubts.

Rulík’s unconventional strategy of testing a wide roster of players in the run-up to the championship, despite repeated pre-tournament losses, is framed as a methodical process aimed at clarity and fairness. “I wanted to be sure why each player deserved their spot,” he reflects in the film.

Yet the coach also admits he underestimated the emotional toll. “I thought I’d announce the lineup and that would be it. I wasn’t ready for the backlash,” he says, referencing the media scrutiny he faced.

Červenka adds a voice of calm in the storm, emphasizing the team’s need to shut out external noise and focus internally. Together, he and Rulík guide viewers through what Větrovský presents as both a sports triumph and a cultural moment. “Hockey in this country is something unique. For a brief moment, it unites the nation,” the director said in a statement.

The documentary also covers the physical limits pushed by players, including NHL stars like David Pastrňák, who arrived to the tournament visibly fatigued days after playing in the NHL playoffs. Rulík notes how even minor time differences affect “already exhausted bodies.”

Větrovský, known for documentaries on athletes Jan Koller and Gabriela Soukalová, once again blends action with emotion in the 101-minute film. Zlatá cesta is now screening in Czech cinemas courtesy distributor Bontonfilm ahead of this year’s IIHF World Championship, which begins May 9 in Sweden and Denmark. An English-subtitled version is not currently available.

Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss Rebels’ talented quarterback, has made headlines not only for his on-field abilities but also for his innovative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. As a Heisman Trophy contender, Dart’s marketability has skyrocketed, resulting in multiple high-profile endorsements that characterize him in the collegiate athletic space.

How Much Is Jaxson Dart’s NIL Worth?

Jaxson Dart’s NIL valuation is estimated at $1.8 million, according to On3, a leading platform for NIL valuations. This impressive figure places him among the top earners in college football, reflecting his marketability and performance.

Major NIL Deals and Sponsorships –

• C Spire: Dart signed a season-long partnership with Mississippi-based internet provider C Spire, valued at over $100,000. The deal includes social media promotions focusing on technology’s role in improving lives. ​
• Nicholas Air: In a first-of-its-kind NIL agreement, Dart partnered with private jet company Nicholas Air, granting him access to their fleet for travel, training, and philanthropic endeavors. This historic deal marks the first time a college athlete has secured a private aviation endorsement. ​
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Dart was featured in a back-to-school advertising campaign alongside sports commentator Kay Adams.
• EA Sports & The Grove Collective: Dart is also involved in partnerships with EA Sports and Ole Miss’s The Grove Collective, further enhancing his NIL portfolio.
• The Dairy Alliance: Dart endorsed The Dairy Alliance on October 24, 2024, and is a member of its Milk’s Got Game campaign, which informs consumers about the benefits of dairy milk in sports nutrition.
• Beats by Dre: Dart partnered with popular audio brand Beats by Dre for their Beats Elite campaign.

Dart’s Net Worth

Jaxson Dart’s net worth is estimated to be $1.8 million, considering his NIL deals and endorsements. His partnerships with prominent brands such as C Spire, Nicholas Air, and Dick’s Sporting Goods demonstrate his marketability and the financial opportunities accessible to top-tier college athletes in the NIL era.

Also Read: Wydett Williams Transfer Portal: 5 Landing Spots for the 100-Tackle, 3-INT UL-Monroe Safety

With his sustained success on the field and savvy collaborations off it, Dart defines the modern collegiate athlete navigating an evolving context of endorsements and personal branding.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Union High School has announced the Top Ten Graduates from the Class of 2025.

The following students have excelled both in and out of the classroom by maintaining a superb academic record, while also participating in numerous extracurricular activities and teams. Commencement will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Chris Taylor Alumni Field. This year, seven Chieftains earned 4.0 GPAs to achieve Valedictorian status.

Graduating as a Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 is Guadalupe Brito. Guadalupe is the daughter of Andres and Natalia Brito. Her high school activities include National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Humanities Club, Educational Talent Search, varsity soccer and wrestling.

Her Awards include academic Award of Excellence, Academic Achievement Award, Student of the Month, Honorable Mention for soccer from the Lakeland Conference, Honorable Mention all-conference wrestling and high honors. She plans to attend Ferris State University to pursue a degree in diagnostic medical sonography and she hopes to one day become an ultrasound technician.

Also graduating as Valedictorian is Rebecca Guernsey. Rebecca is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Guernsey. Her high school activities include golf, softball, basketball, National Honors Society, robotics and powerlifting. Her awards include National Rural Small Town Academic Award, a six-time first-team all-conference honoree – four times in golf, two for soccer – two-time first team All-State golf, three-time state qualifier.

She is also an individual regional champion in golf and is a five-time team MVP – three in golf, two in softball. She plans to attend Bethel University to get a bachelor’s degree in sports management and her career plan is to become a golf course manager and a PGA professional.

Nevaeh Hemminger is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Nevaeh is the daughter of Regina Hemminger and Chad Velthouse. Her High School activities include National Honor Society, Chieftain Heart, Humanities and National Society of High Schools. Her awards include student of the month and she was aNational Rural and Small Town Recognition Award winner. She has received High Honor Awards, First Generation Recognition Award, CTE Health and Therapeutic Awards, the Award of Academic Excellence, National Career Readiness Certificate and has been a CTE Outstanding Award recipient.

After graduation, Nevaeh plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for another year before entering the workforce or possibly transferring to the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, she plans to major in business and minor in entrepreneurship. Her goal is to become a successful entrepreneur and business owner by opening a bakery within five years of graduation.

Emerson Kruger is Dowagiac’s next Valedictorian. Emerson is the daughter of Andy and Jacqueline Krueger. Activities include being Vice President of the Rotary Interact Club, secretary of Student Senate, captain of the varsity volleyball team, member of National Honor Society and also a member of the Humanities Club and Environmental Club.

Her awards include receiving High Honors and the Academic Award of Excellence. She’s been Student of the Month and had a volleyball academic All-State award. Emerson plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in kinesiology and exercise science. Emerson hopes to become either a physical or occupational therapist or work for a sports team as an athletic trainer.

Brenna Mott is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Brenna is the daughter of Jason and Stephanie Mott. Her high school activities include Vice President of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Student Senate, chair of Rotary Interact Club and a member of Humanities Club and Environmental Club. Her awards include an Academic Award of Excellence, High Honors, individual, All-State basketball and individual All-State volleyball. 

Brenna plans to attend Michigan State University. In the future, she dreams of working for the Detroit Lions as a member of their managing and marketing team, where she can promote them on social media,

Graduating as a Dowagiac Valedictorian is Carlee Spagnoli. She is the daughter of Michael Spagnoli and Mickey Spagnoli. Her high school activities include softball, golf and National Honor Society. She is a member of the Career and Technical Education showcase team that represented the Dowagiac’s automotive class in Lansing.

Carlee Earned her ASE certification in maintenance, light repair and brakes. Her Awards include High honors, the Academic Award of Excellence, Academic all-state team and individual all-state for softball and golf and all-conference for golf. Carlee plans to attend Ferris State University for either radiography or nuclear medicine. She hopes to work in a hospital as a radiography tech or a nuclear medicine tech.

Dowagiac’s final Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 is Emma Stanger. She is the daughter of Mike and Melissa Stanger. Her school activities include Rotary Interact – where she was the treasurer last year and president this year – Environmental Club Leadership Team, Student Senate, National Honor Society. Humanities and Chieftain Heart.

She also represents Dowagiac in the Michigan Gateway Foundation Youth Advisory Council. Emma is a 14-year member and team captain of the Miss Michelle and Company dance team. Her Awards include High Honors, MVP, all-state and academic all-state for competitive cheer.

Emma plans to attend Purdue University and major in marketing. After graduating college, she aims to work in the sports industry being behind the scenes working on marketing.

Representing the Class of 2025 as Salutatorian is Markus Ottinger with a GPA of 3.952. He is the son of Brandon Ottinger and Sherry Chaline. Markus’ high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and Environmental Club. His awards include receiving an Academic Award of Excellence and being recognized for high honors. He was honorable mention at the 106 and 113-pound weight class and was first team all-conference in wrestling. He was also Academic All-State for four years, a four-year wrestling varsity starter and is ASE certified in maintenance and light repair and plans to attend Western Michigan University to study computer science, computer systems and information. He hopes to become a certified information technician.

Lauren Balsbaugh is ranked number 9 with a GPA of 3.95. She is the daughter of TJ and Kelly Balsbaugh.Her high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, Environmental Club, Student Senate, Chieftain Heart, varsity sideline cheer along with varsity competitive cheer and varsity tennis. Her awards include Certificates of Excellence all four years of high school, High honors and Academic All-State for competitive cheer. She’s been the MVP for tennis and has made all-conference in competitive cheer as well. Lauren plans to attend Saint Mary’s College and after graduation hopes to start as a registered nurse before returning to get a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.

Merrill Adams is ranked number 10, graduating with a GPA of 3.92. She is the daughter of John and Erin Adams. She is enrolled at Cassopolis Ross Beatty for agriculture classes and is dual-enrolled at Southwestern Michigan College. She is the Vice President of the Cassopolis FFA chapter, Michigan’s Region One FFA Reporter, is a member of Student Senate, Vice President of the Dowagiac National Honor Society and Rotary Interact Club.

She has received high honors all four years of high school and was the recipient of Green Hand, chapter and state degrees for FFA. She also received a state chapter award for FFA and placed sixth at the Michigan FFA State Convention in the prepared public speaking competition.

Merrill is currently Miss Cassopolis and Miss Congeniality 2025. She plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for agricultural business before getting her certificate in agricultural operations from Michigan State University. After graduating, she plans to get her bachelor’s in animal science from Kansas State University’s online program. She plans to be a MagnaWave practitioner and hopes to become an agricultural science teacher.