Earlier today, NC State superstar and recent 2022 cross country individual national champion, Katelyn Tuohy, announced via Instagram that she has signed a "Name Image and Likeness" deal with Adidas. The partnership appears to be the first major NIL sponsor agreement in the collegiate distance running world.
Based on the language used in her announcement, Tuohy is expected to remain in the NCAA and at NC State. It should also be noted that the Wolfpack athletic department already has an official sponsorship deal with Adidas.
Over the last year, Tuohy has become one of the most dominant distance running talents of this era. On the track, the Wolfpack star has run times of 4:06 (1500), 8:54 (3k) and 15:14 (5k). She has also collected a national title in the 5k at the 2022 outdoor national meet as well as the cross country individual national title this past weekend.
Tuohy is one of numerous young track and field athletes who Adidas has invested in over the last couple of years. Names such as Hobbs Kessler, Drew Hunter, Noah Lyles, Erriyon Knighton and Tamari Davis have all signed pro deals with Adidas either immediately after finishing high school, or while still in high school.
Meanwhile, top collegiate women such as Whittni Orton, Elly Henes and Gabrielle Jennings (to name a few) have recently signed with the Three Stripe brand following the conclusion of their NCAA eligibility.