Power Moves & Owning the Narrative: Women Changing the Game
From record-breaking NIL deals to setting the record straight, women in sports are making sure their voices are heard.
Women’s sports are on fire, and this week’s newsletter proves just that. Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 high school girls’ basketball recruit, is redefining what’s possible with a seven-figure NIL package before she’s even chosen a college. Meanwhile, Angel Reese is setting the record straight and showing young athletes the power of owning their narrative in the media. And in the spirit of Women’s History Month, I had the chance to chat with Notes From Erin about my own journey as a founder and why the work I’m doing at The Gifted Collective matters so much. Let’s dive in!
Aaliyah Chavez: The Game Changer Women's College Sports Has Been Waiting For
Aaliyah Chavez isn’t just the No. 1 high school girls basketball recruit and the Naismith Player of the Year - she’s on the verge of shifting the entire landscape of women’s college sports. With a $1.5 million NIL package reportedly on the table, her decision between Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech isn’t just about basketball - it’s about business.
For years, women’s college sports have been undervalued in the NIL space compared to their male counterparts. But the tide is turning. We’ve already seen women’s basketball stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark cash in on major deals, proving that brands and audiences alike are paying attention. Aaliyah’s NIL valuation signals that top-tier high school athletes in women’s sports can demand serious compensation before they even step onto a college campus.
This is bigger than one player. It’s a moment that could set a new standard for the next generation of elite female athletes. The question now isn’t whether women’s sports can command these numbers, but rather, which brands and programs will invest accordingly.
The countdown to March 25th is on. Wherever Chavez lands, she’s already made history.
Read more: Top Girls Basketball Recruit Seeking Seven-Figure NIL Package Ahead of Signing
Angel Reese vs. Misinformation: A Lesson in Taking Control of Your Narrative
Angel Reese is no stranger to headlines, but this past week, she found herself at the center of a media firestorm—over words she never actually said. A misquote spread like wildfire, falsely claiming that she demanded WNBA players earn as much as NBA players and that they would sit out if they didn’t get what they wanted in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The truth? During a podcast interview with Dijonai Carrington, Angel mentioned that she had heard discussions about a possible lockout if WNBA players don’t get fair terms in the next CBA—not that she was leading the charge for it.
Instead of letting the false narrative spiral, she took control. She used her X account to shut down the misinformation and set the record straight.
For young athletes, this is a perfect example of how to handle misquotes and misinformation:
1️⃣ Correct the Record Quickly – When false information spreads, don’t wait. Address it as soon as possible on a platform where you have direct control.
2️⃣ Stay Calm & Clear – Avoid responding emotionally. Stick to the facts and make sure your correction is firm but professional.
3️⃣ Use Your Own Platform – Journalists and social media will always spin stories, but owning your narrative means using your voice to ensure the truth is out there.
In the NIL era, where athletes are more than just players—they’re brands—how you handle the media matters. Angel Reese just gave a masterclass in how to keep the story straight.
Women’s History Month Feature: Notes From Erin
My friend
featured me in her Women’s History Month series in Notes From Erin! We had a great conversation about my journey as a founder, why The Gifted Collective means so much to me, and the impact of women in sports. We covered everything from entrepreneurship to athlete empowerment—so whether you prefer to read, watch, or listen, you can check it out at the link below!