The 1926 Collective Becomes the first female-focused NIL collective in Division III sports with first signed deal.
Under the lights of the Centre College Soccer Stadium, and after Centre’s 2 to 1 victory in its season opener against Mt. St. Joseph, senior soccer player Maggie Corbett became the first female Centre College athlete to sign an NIL deal on Friday night with Lexington boutique accounting firm Besten and Dieruf, PLLC. This deal was arranged by "The 1926 Collective,” which also announced its formation the same night.
“I'm absolutely thrilled to be the first recipient of an NIL deal arranged by The 1926 Collective,” said Corbett, a Lexington native. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Besten and Dieruf for making this incredible opportunity possible. Thank you so much for believing in me and my potential.”
Centre College's commitment to trailblazing reached new heights with the introduction of The 1926 Collective, which was founded by a group of dedicated Centre College alumni student-athletes and supporters of Centre College athletics. The 1926 Collective proudly asserts its position as the first female-focused Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective in Division III sports. This initiative empowers female student-athletes at Centre College to seize the opportunities of the NIL era, while supporting their academic and athletic pursuits.
Named in honor of the transformative year Centre College welcomed its first female students, The 1926 Collective embodies the institution's enduring dedication to progress and equality. By focusing on the distinctive needs and aspirations of female student-athletes, the collective strives to foster an environment that nurtures personal and professional growth for athletes who are all too often unfairly overlooked and undervalued.
"We are thrilled to announce The 1926 Collective. As mostly former Centre College student-athletes, the founders of The 1926 Collective are proud to bring this opportunity to the next generation of women athletes, most of whom will graduate and start careers outside of sports,” said Kate (Anderson) Dieruf (’09), former Centre women’s soccer player and co-founder of The 1926 Collective. “This initiative strives to empower female student-athletes, to foster their confidence, enhance their potential, and set them up to be successful in their careers once they graduate.”
The 1926 Collective will offer a wide range of resources tailored to female student-athletes:
Brand Partnerships: The 1926 Collective will seek to match businesses and student-athletes in promotional agreements, providing guidance through the intricacies of NIL agreements, and ensuring their financial well-being and long-term success.
Educational Workshops: The 1926 Collective will offer workshops covering topics such as personal branding, financial literacy, and digital presence management to the student-athletes who receive NIL deals, scholarships, or otherwise participate in supporting its efforts.
Community and Networking: The 1926 Collective is comprised of an elite community of alumni, mentors, and industry professionals; connection through and events organized by The 1926 Collective will foster networking opportunities and collaborative ventures.
"The 1926 Collective reflects Centre College's commitment to providing transformative experiences for our student-athletes," expressed Aly Lilley, Deputy Athletic Director at Centre College. "Our alumni have taken the lead in creating an environment that celebrates female achievements both on and off the field."
The 1926 Collective is poised to reshape the experiences of female student-athletes at Centre College, while setting a precedent for other Division III institutions to prioritize gender equity and empowerment.
If you are a business looking to partner with a Centre College athlete to promote your brand, email us at info@the1926collective.com
