STANFORD, Calif. - Nike and Stanford University are announcing the addition of 11 top Cardinal athletes to Nike’s decorated Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, empowering a new generation while expanding a partnership that spans more than a quarter century.
Blue Ribbon Elite, a first-of-its-kind initiative, represents a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing leading athletes and universities an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.
The announcement reflects the depth of partnership between Nike, a brand born from college sport, and Stanford, a premier academic and athletic institution that has won more championships in more sports than any other university.
“The future of sport will be shaped by athletes who think differently, lead boldly and pursue excellence without limits. Stanford has a remarkable history of developing exactly those kinds of leaders,” says Ann Miller, EVP, Global Sports Marketing, NIKE, Inc. “These student-athletes embody the curiosity, ambition and drive that have long defined Stanford, and through Blue Ribbon Elite, they’ll have new opportunities to build on that legacy and shape what’s next.”
Joining Nike’s growing roster of more than 100 elite NIL athletes are:
- Lizzy Andrew (volleyball)
- Jade Berry (softball)
- Caroline Birkel (soccer)
- Lizzie Boamah (soccer)
- Caroline Bricker (swimming)
- Nico Brown (football)
- Micah Ford (football)
- Jay Green (football)
- Levi Jung-Ruivivar (gymnastics)
- Tatum Marsh (baseball)
- Hailee Swain (basketball)
What they’re saying:
- Lizzy Andrew: “Nike has always been more than just a brand to me. It represents what it means to be an athlete, and every time I put on my shoes and jersey, I’m proud to wear the Swoosh. Now, when I step onto the court representing Nike, I know I’m playing for something bigger than myself. I’m playing for the younger version of me who never could have imagined being here today.”
- Caroline Birkel: “Being a part of the Nike community is really special to me because they are worn and trusted by some of the best athletes in the world. Growing up in a household full of sports, I consider Nike a brand that has always been a part of some of my biggest moments. I’m proud and grateful to represent a culture that pushes people to believe in themselves, work toward their goals and never settle for where they are.”
- Lizzie Boamah: “Joining Nike has always been a dream of mine, and I am so grateful to be part of such an elite group of athletes. Nike has always been a part of my life in both sports and in everyday fashion, so being able to represent them now is such an honor. Nike is truly built for those who want the best for their performance, and I am excited to continue growing with Nike.”
- Jay Green: “I'm super excited to join the Nike family because it’s something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a kid. Growing up, all the great athletes I watched had one thing in common: their partnership with the Nike brand. To be seen by Nike means a lot to me, and I’m more than grateful to join the Swoosh.”
- Levi Jung-Ruivivar: “What excites me most about this partnership is Nike’s ability to highlight the authentic journeys of athletes pursuing excellence. I can’t wait to bring my own personality to the platform and share my story as a student-athlete training for the biggest stage in sports. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been motivated by all the legendary athletes who represent this global brand. Now, a Nike ‘WHO SAID WOMAN WAS NOT MEANT TO FLY’ poster hangs in my dorm, motivating me every day to pursue my dreams — and as a gymnast, I kinda do fly every day.”
About Blue Ribbon Elite
The Blue Ribbon Elite program, named after Nike’s humble beginnings, reflects the brand’s long-held leading position in sport, college and NIL partnership, as well as an enduring commitment to making athletes better — from pioneering the first truly comprehensive “all-sports” partnership in the 1980s to today’s creative, career-building collaborations with top NIL athletes.
Nike’s partnership with each Blue Ribbon Elite athlete goes beyond brand representation, inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.
In short: When programs and athletes sign with Nike, they don’t just rep the Swoosh — they help shape it.
Nike’s commitment to listening to the voices of its NIL athletes takes shape in individual, personalized support, both in their performance and training and in their most important moments away from the game. From product and styling to support with media and content, Nike leverages the full weight of the brand to provide a best-in-class partnership to athletes across its NIL roster — giving them tools for long-term success across sport, business and culture.