I was always the kid who knew what I wanted to be when I grew up,.
But the things I thought I wanted have been replaced by opportunities that make my life better than I could've ever imagined!
And honestly, NIL wasn’t really on my radar at first.
I didn’t start thinking about building my brand or exploring NIL opportunities until right before I started college.
And it’s completely changed my journey as a student-athlete.
Diving Into Content Creation
As a freshman at Howard University this past August, I started experimenting with content creation and social media.
My first video was at an Athletes Unlimited pro lacrosse game.
I recorded every single moment.
Not only was it a fun experience for our team, but it also gave me a way to create a memory from that quality time with my teammates.
After that, I kept my camera rolling.
I began doing "day in the life" vlogs on Instagram, and my friends loved them.
I also started sharing my experiences as a student-athlete—something I knew would be helpful for younger kids who dream of playing sports in college.
It became a way for me to act as a big sister of sorts, and that’s been such a cool experience.
As I kept creating, I realized how much fun I was having. It became a healthy outlet for me and opened the door to many opportunities.
Through content creation, I’ve been able to market myself, build a personal brand, and start exploring NIL deals.
My Earliest Memories
When I think about my early days playing lacrosse, I can’t help but smile.
I probably started around age four or five.
My dad ran a clinic in Boston called Wee Lax, which introduced young kids in the Boston and metro Massachusetts area to the sport.
We used mini sticks—“fiddle sticks,” we call them in the lacrosse community.
I had this regular white one with pink strings, and later, I got a hot pink one that I took everywhere.
I vividly remember running through a simple cone drill, dropping the ball constantly—but I didn’t care. I was just so excited to be playing.
Learning from my dad and being introduced to the game through him makes those memories even more meaningful.
I’m so grateful I had a stick in my hand from a young age, and I'm even more thankful for the support of both my parents along the way.
Mental Health
When I reflect on my lacrosse journey, I have many great memories—but I’ve also had my share of struggles.
I’ve dealt with anxiety since I was about 13, and learning how to manage my mental health under pressure has been one of the biggest lessons I’ve faced as both a student-athlete and a person.
College adds a different level of pressure.
As a freshman on a new and growing team, I’ve had to step up in various ways—as a player and a leader—and that hasn’t always been easy.
Maintaining a healthy headspace has taken work.
I’ve had to be intentional about staying grounded, practicing gratitude, and reminding myself of my “why.”
One of the biggest things that’s helped me is the community that sports has brought into my life.
Having a team, a coach, and a shared goal to work toward every day is a powerful and grounding force.
Along the way, I’ve developed a more positive, growth-focused mindset.
I’ve learned to recognize the difference between anxiety and everyday stress—and to regulate my emotions better when things feel overwhelming.
I’ve also learned how important it is to lean on my support system and be honest about what I’m going through.
Most of the time, someone else is going through something similar—and knowing I’m not alone and that I have a safe space to land means everything.
NIL Goals
As I continue to grow in content creation, social media, and personal branding, I’m excited to see where it takes me.
When it comes to social media, I’d love to work with brands I use every day and show how their products impact my life.
At the same time, I want to stay true to who I am and share my authentic self every step of the way.
Of course, it’d be cool to hit 10,000 followers on Instagram—but it’s so much more than that.
It’s about connection.
It’s about showing people who I am and what I have to offer.
The best part about content creation is that there’s no wrong way to do it.
There’s a space for everyone—and it’s such a powerful way to express yourself.
That’s why I’m excited to keep creating and see how this journey shapes my life, both on and off the lacrosse field.
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📷 Leah Croom and Howard Athletics
