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Press + writing
In the news. On the mic. In our own words.
Articles, podcast appearances, and LinkedIn writing about NxtLevel NIL, the athletes coaching on the platform, and the women's collegiate NIL ecosystem we're building for.
- LinkedInAbout NxtLevel NILFeatured
Leeds School of Business spotlights NxtLevel NIL
The University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business (42,000+ followers) featured NxtLevel NIL to its network: "Founded by Leeds student Owen Ooms, NxtLevel NIL connects local families with verified collegiate women athletes for youth training sessions and mentorship" — sharing the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship's founder profile.
University of Colorado Leeds School of BusinessMay 17, 2026Read → 
ArticleAbout NxtLevel NILFeaturedOwen Ooms Is Building What Women Athletes Have Been Missing
In-depth founder profile by CU Leeds' Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. Features Lexi Meyer, Jordan Whiteaker, and Jamie Campbell on why women's collegiate athletes still work side jobs to make ends meet — and how NxtLevel NIL turns local fandom into meaningful coaching income while putting D-I women in the mentorship roles young girls are missing.
CU Leeds · Deming Center for EntrepreneurshipApril 30, 2026Read →- LinkedInAbout one of our athletes
Meet Ayianna Johnson
Athlete intro: Big Ten, Big 12, and now the SEC — Ayianna has competed in three of college sports' power conferences across four programs (Minnesota → Colorado → UCCS → Arkansas). Two-time Wisconsin state discus champion, lettered in five high-school sports, majoring in Supply Chain Management. Heading into the SEC "feeling a responsibility to step up as a leader" — the kind of mentality NxtLevel exists to put in front of young athletes.
LinkedIn — NxtLevel NILMay 27, 2026Read → - LinkedInAbout one of our athletes
Meet Emma Thielbahr
Athlete intro: Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, All-Tournament Team. Started all 37 matches across two seasons at Denver before transferring to CU. Trained at IMG Academy, placed first in Girls Academy League back-to-back. Economics major on the Dean's List — elite on the field and in the classroom.
LinkedIn — NxtLevel NILMay 20, 2026Read → - LinkedInAbout one of our athletes
Meet Jordan Whiteaker
Athlete intro: 1,832 minutes and 24 starts on a Sweet Sixteen backline at CU. Transferred from TCU after a true-freshman season. Dakota Ridge state champion, USC All-American, 3× U.S. Youth National Team ID invitee. Works 9-15 hours a week of side jobs on top of D-I athletics + double major — the inequity NxtLevel NIL is built to fix.
LinkedIn — NxtLevel NILMay 13, 2026Read → - LinkedInAbout one of our athletes
Meet Lexi Meyer
Athlete intro: 2× ECNL All-American, ranked No. 37 nationally by Top Drawer Soccer. Highlands Ranch native, played in 20 SEC matches at Alabama as a true freshman, then transferred to CU for the 2025 season. "For the girls she coaches, it's not just a training session — it's proof that the path from Colorado club soccer to the SEC to the Big 12 is real."
LinkedIn — NxtLevel NILMay 7, 2026Read → - LinkedInAbout NxtLevel NIL
What's my why?
Founder manifesto from Owen Ooms — a year on the CU women's soccer sideline, the 90% NIL imbalance, and why girls drop out of sports at 2× the rate of boys. Lays out the thesis behind NxtLevel NIL in his own words. Highest-engagement post on the company page (1,575 impressions, 30 reactions, 4 reposts).
LinkedIn — NxtLevel NILApril 30, 2026Read → 
ArticleAbout one of our athletesAyianna Johnson is a Razorback
Arkansas welcomes Ayianna Johnson to the women's basketball program for her final year of eligibility — her third power-conference program after Minnesota (Big Ten) and Colorado (Big 12). At UCCS she shot 61.2% from the field and earned RMAC Honorable Mention. A multi-sport athlete (two-time Wisconsin state discus champion) who keeps elevating at every stop.
Arkansas Razorbacks · AthleticsApril 25, 2026Read →
ArticleAbout one of our athletesFive Buffs Earn Academic All-District Honors
Jordan Nytes, Reagan Kotschau, Jordan Whiteaker, Jace Holley, and Lexi Meyer each earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District recognition — eligibility requires a 3.5+ GPA plus starting in 66% of matches. Several of CU's Academic All-District honorees coach on NxtLevel NIL.
CU Buffs · AthleticsNovember 25, 2025Read →
ArticleAbout one of our athletesKotschau Lifts Buffs in Double OT
Reagan Kotschau headed in the game-winner in double overtime against Utah Valley in CU's first-round NCAA Tournament win — one of two NCAA Tournament game-winners she scored as the junior midfielder finished the season tied for a team-high six game-winning goals.
CU Buffs · AthleticsNovember 14, 2025Read →
For journalists + podcasters
Writing about NIL, women's collegiate sports, or youth-coaching marketplaces?
Reach out — Owen Ooms (founder) is happy to chat on the record. Same for athletes on the platform when their stories fit. We can usually turn a request around within 48 hours.