UW-Madison Launches Next Level Prep for Athlete Branding

Student athletes at the University of Wisconsin Madison just got a new way to build their personal brands through Next Level Prep, a program launched in partnership with Twin Bridge Sports. This initiative, starting in November 2025, lets athletes share real stories to inspire others and grab name, image, and likeness opportunities.

Program Details and Goals

Next Level Prep kicked off at UW Madison with 17 student athletes from sports like football, volleyball, basketball, diving, rowing, and softball. The program creates video interviews where athletes talk about their journeys, challenges, and advice for young players.

Twin Bridge Sports designed this as a platform to empower athletes beyond basic NIL deals. It focuses on authentic storytelling to help them connect with fans and brands. The university worked with NIL experts to make sure it fits rules and boosts career skills.

One key goal is preparing athletes for life after sports. UW Madison leaders see it as a tool for real world experience in media and personal branding.

Featured Athlete Stories

Senior football kicker Nathanial Vakos shared how fast college sports fly by and the need to cherish moments. He talked about using school connections for future careers, right before his big game winning kick against a top team.

Volleyball star Aniya Warren, ranked number one as a libero, urged young athletes to believe in themselves. She described her path to the national team and ignoring doubters.

Basketball player Breauna Ware warned against chasing NIL money when picking schools. She reflected on moving from New York to Madison and adapting to new surroundings.

Diver Julia Herring advised committing to schools, not just coaches, after facing tough roster changes from recent NCAA rules. Her story highlights pushing through hard times with hard work.

Impact on NIL Landscape

This program comes as NIL rules evolve in 2025, with schools now able to share revenue up to 20.5 million dollars per year in big conferences. UW Madison has other NIL efforts, like partnerships with local companies for career coaching and community events.

Athletes gain from better branding, which can lead to more deals. For example, diver Lucas Daniels built an online following that opened NIL chances after switching from gymnastics.

Rowing athlete Riley Matz shared his walk on success after getting cut, showing how grit pays off. Softball pitcher Sydney Vitangcol stressed being yourself in recruiting to find the right fit.

Here are some key themes from the interviews:

• Perseverance in tough times
• Authentic self presentation
• Balancing sports with future planning
• Community and mentorship value

Broader Effects on College Sports

NIL has changed college athletics since 2021, and 2025 updates make it even bigger. Schools like UW Madison adapt by offering programs that mix education with earning potential.

This helps athletes handle transfers and roster limits better. Recent NCAA changes have caused shifts, but initiatives like Next Level Prep provide support and visibility.

Experts say such programs build stronger athlete brands, leading to long term success. They also inspire high school players dreaming of college sports.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Not all athletes face smooth paths. Some deal with emotional stress from rule changes or recruitment pressures. Next Level Prep addresses this by letting them share honest experiences.

Looking ahead, Twin Bridge Sports plans to expand similar programs to other schools. UW Madison might add more athletes or sports to the mix.

The program could influence how NIL works nationwide, focusing on stories over just money.

What do you think about this new NIL program? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow sports fans.