Photo by: Matthew Mitchell
Michigan State Athletics Hosts Second Annual EverGreen NIL Celebration
11/28/2023 11:24:00 AM | General
Spartan Student-Athletes Recognized for NIL Achievements
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics hosted the second-ever EverGreen NIL Celebration presented by MSUFCU in the Tom Izzo Hall of History on Monday night. MSU continues to be the only Power 5 institution in the country to celebrate the name, Image and likeness achievements of its student-athletes.
"We are proud of how our student-athletes have immersed themselves in the NIL space," Assistant Athletics Director for NIL Darien Harris said. "MSU Athletics continues to be a leader in the NIL space exemplified by our EverGreen program's recognition at the 2023 NIL Summit as the best institutional program."
Over 100 student-athletes, coaches and staff attended the event that was emceed by Sam Green, a digital content creator and NIL content advisor.
"I travel from university-to-university teaching student-athletes how to create content for their NIL partnerships, and I get a close look at how universities are navigating the NIL space and providing resources for their student-athletes," Green said. "When I think of innovation in this space, I immediately think of Michigan State."
The night culminated with the awards ceremony, where 10 individual Spartan student-athletes were recognized.
Women's golf was recognized with the EverGreen Team of the Year award, presented to the team who individually and collectively created meaningful and impactful opportunities in the NIL space together. The team earned the honor for their partnership with Spartan Fantasy Camp and the fan golf camp that took place over the summer.
Volleyball's Kaya Hood and football's Tyrell Henry were awarded the EverGreen Brand Award, given to the student-athletes who have developed their personal brand and best used their influence and reach for NIL opportunities.
Men's basketball's Mady Sissoko and women's soccer's Jordyn Wickes were presented the EverGreen Empower award, given to the student-athletes who have used their NIL to empower others. Through his NIL efforts, Sissoko was able to establish a school, basketball court and drinking well in his home village in Mali, West Africa. Wickes hosts a podcast to help athletes though open and honest conversations and brings awareness to different causes such as the Katie's Save Foundation.
Field hockey's Gracie Burns and men's track and field's Heath Baldwin earned the EverGreen Educate Award, given to the student-athletes who have best utilized the EverGreen program's educational resources and sought out their own guidance to enhance their NIL journey.
Wrestling's Chase Saldate and gymnastics' Skyla Schulte were awarded the EverGreen Innovator of the Year award, presented to student-athletes who best exemplified creativity through innovative use of their name, image and likeness to generate value for both them and their partners. It's the second consecutive year that Saldate has brought home an award at the EverGreen NIL Celebration.
Volleyball's Aliyah Moore and football's Maverick Hansen took the EverGreen Ambassador of the Year award, presented to two Spartans who have best represented and promoted use of the EverGreen program through their all-encompassing NIL activations.
"We are proud of how our student-athletes have immersed themselves in the NIL space," Assistant Athletics Director for NIL Darien Harris said. "MSU Athletics continues to be a leader in the NIL space exemplified by our EverGreen program's recognition at the 2023 NIL Summit as the best institutional program."
Over 100 student-athletes, coaches and staff attended the event that was emceed by Sam Green, a digital content creator and NIL content advisor.
"I travel from university-to-university teaching student-athletes how to create content for their NIL partnerships, and I get a close look at how universities are navigating the NIL space and providing resources for their student-athletes," Green said. "When I think of innovation in this space, I immediately think of Michigan State."
The night culminated with the awards ceremony, where 10 individual Spartan student-athletes were recognized.
Women's golf was recognized with the EverGreen Team of the Year award, presented to the team who individually and collectively created meaningful and impactful opportunities in the NIL space together. The team earned the honor for their partnership with Spartan Fantasy Camp and the fan golf camp that took place over the summer.
Volleyball's Kaya Hood and football's Tyrell Henry were awarded the EverGreen Brand Award, given to the student-athletes who have developed their personal brand and best used their influence and reach for NIL opportunities.
Men's basketball's Mady Sissoko and women's soccer's Jordyn Wickes were presented the EverGreen Empower award, given to the student-athletes who have used their NIL to empower others. Through his NIL efforts, Sissoko was able to establish a school, basketball court and drinking well in his home village in Mali, West Africa. Wickes hosts a podcast to help athletes though open and honest conversations and brings awareness to different causes such as the Katie's Save Foundation.
Field hockey's Gracie Burns and men's track and field's Heath Baldwin earned the EverGreen Educate Award, given to the student-athletes who have best utilized the EverGreen program's educational resources and sought out their own guidance to enhance their NIL journey.
Wrestling's Chase Saldate and gymnastics' Skyla Schulte were awarded the EverGreen Innovator of the Year award, presented to student-athletes who best exemplified creativity through innovative use of their name, image and likeness to generate value for both them and their partners. It's the second consecutive year that Saldate has brought home an award at the EverGreen NIL Celebration.
Volleyball's Aliyah Moore and football's Maverick Hansen took the EverGreen Ambassador of the Year award, presented to two Spartans who have best represented and promoted use of the EverGreen program through their all-encompassing NIL activations.
2025 Varsity S Awards
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Caroline Powers Induction
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Kori Moster Induction
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Nick Simmons Induction
Monday, September 15