‘Next in Line’: Tennessee thrower taking full advantage of NIL

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee thrower Chandler Hayden is taking full benefit of NIL, the NCAA ruling that enables school athletes to monetize their title, picture, and likeness.

NIL has not solely allowed the redshirt sophomore to construct her private model, but it surely has additionally opened doorways for the monitor and subject standout, together with a potential path to WWE stardom. Hayden is among the many newest crop of faculty athletes to signal with the WWE’s “Subsequent in Line” program.

Hayden works with the Hawker Household Sports activities & Leisure company. The Pittsfield, Illinois native was hesitant to throw her title into the ring however after a name with a consultant from the WWE, she modified her thoughts.

“They defined to me what this deal was going to be and I used to be like, “You already know, possibly that is one thing I can do!’” defined Hayden. “It may well assist me in a number of methods previous wrestling.”

Hayden attended the NIL Summit in Atlanta the place she acquired to attach with fellow school athletes and Corridor of Famer Triple H.

“We had been speaking about how I got here from a small city and the way I wished to make my title greater and present you could make it from a small city,” mentioned Hayden. “He was like I utterly respect that. He’s tremendous cool, and one of many nicest individuals I’ve ever met.”

Hayden is planning to attend a coaching camp in Orlando and he or she hopes to attach with former Tennessee monitor and subject standout Bianca Belair at Summer season Slam in Nashville.

“I really feel like I’ve taken full benefit of NIL right here (UT). I’ve finished a number of completely different offers with bigger firms. I really feel like this would possibly encourage different athletes to dip their toes in NIL and reap the benefits of it,” mentioned Hayden. “In the event that they see what I get to do throughout the WWE they could wish to try this as effectively.”

Since becoming a member of Tennessee’s monitor and subject program, Hayden has additionally been capable of develop her private model by social media.

The thrower remembers feedback being made about her taking part in the game in center college. Hayden desires to alter that narrative for youthful ladies who’re involved in changing into hammer throwers or weight throwers. She additionally goals to advertise physique positivity.

“I’ve simply at all times wished to be that individual for youthful ladies and perceive that being robust is so cool and discover ways to be comfy in your physique,” mentioned Hayden.