As only a sophomore, Ellery Lincoln from Lincoln High School is making history as one of the few Oregon high school athletes to sign a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal. While NIL deals have become more common in college athletics, they still remain fairly rare among high school athletes. With her strong work ethic and impressive results, Lincoln is quickly becoming a name to watch in the sport.
Though Lincoln says she’s been running all her life and started competing in middle school, it wasn’t her plan.
“I was never going to run because [my parents] did it and it was their thing,” said Lincoln.
Lincoln’s parents Daniel Lincoln and Sarah Schwald were both nationally recognized track and field athletes.
When Lincoln joined the Cardinal team last year as a freshman, she made a name for herself, winning the Oregon 6A 1500-meter race and second place in the 800-meter race at the State finals.
Lincoln’s impressive performances at meets earned her an NIL deal with Nike. A Nike NIL is focused on supporting athletes with a commission and unlimited athletic wear.
Lincoln was surprised when it happened.
“To [secure a NIL deal] in high school as one of the youngest Nike athletes was definitely not something I knew I could do,” she said.
Earlier this year Lincoln was chosen to be a part of Nike’s elite program of 2024 which is designed to support the best of the best high school track and field athletes. Lincoln points out why she thinks Nike is signing more NIL deals with student-athletes.
“Other footwear brands will reach out and they might try to take kids out of the program [away from Nike],” said Lincoln.
Lincoln plans to use the money from her NIL in a very specific way.
“Setting myself up for the future is the goal,” said Lincoln, adding that she felt honored and relieved to have this deal with Nike. “[The NIL] gives me something to fall back on … This NIL might be the best thing to happen to me.”
Lincoln is looking forward to her 2025 track and field season with a few specific goals in mind including a goal for the upcoming Oregon State tournament.
“I want to break the state record in the mile,” said Lincoln.