Mustang elevates her future with NIL brand deals

For many prospective student-athletes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities are often associated with NCAA Division I athletics. But Mount Mercy University All-American bowler Savannah Dickson '28 is proving that student-athletes at the NAIA level can also build successful personal brands, partner with nationally recognized companies, and gain valuable professional experience while competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.

A marketing major and standout member of Mount Mercy's nationally ranked bowling team, Savannah has partnered with brands including Dr. Scholl's, iHerb, and others through NIL opportunities. By combining her passion for bowling with content creation, she's turtning athletic success into a foundation for her future career.

"NIL has allowed me to combine my love for bowling, content creation, and marketing, while also opening doors I never imagined possible," Savannah said.

Savannah's journey began in Round Lake, Illinois, where her father introduced her to bowling at just eight years old. What started as a youth league quickly became a lifelong passion.

"My dad introduced me to bowling at a young age and coached me throughout my life," she said. "None of this would be possible without him always pushing me to become the best version of myself both on and off the lanes."

Over the years, bowling became much more than a sport. It gave Savannah lifelong friendships, taught her discipline, and ultimately led her to compete at the collegiate level.

"I've always wanted to push myself to become the best athlete and person I can be," she said.

When it came time to choose a college, Mount Mercy stood out for more than its successful bowling program.

"I wanted to attend a school where I could have one-on-one interactions with professors and truly build relationships instead of feeling like just another number at a larger university," she said.