Florida State Commit Harlie Chism lands NIL Deal

Harlie Chism from Weatherford High School (OK) has signed a Name Image Likeness (NIL) deal with The Collective Engine (TCE).  Chism, a 2025 Florida State commit, plays for the Oklahoma Athletics National 2024 team coached by Brian Madden and Terry Clemmer.

“It’s a great way to market yourself and get your name out there for when softball does end” said Chism.

TCE offers a full suite of marketing and branding services focused on the athlete’s success off the field.  It is run by Tony Wyllie who has more than 27-years of experience in sports management including serving as the Senior Vice President of Communications for the Washington Redskins football organization.  In August of 2023, Top Gun Events and The Collective Engine announced a partnership in supporting student-athletes in achieving their NIL goals.

Chism’s NIL deal came about through her club coaches.  “Brian Madden reached out to my dad and I and said it would be a great opportunity,” she said.  It was an opportunity that was too good to pass up for the future Seminole.  Part of what sold Chism on signing with The Collective Engine is the athletes they represent. 

Two-time NCAA D1 championship pitcher, Jordy Bahl signed a deal with The Collective Engine earlier this year.  “It stood out to me that TCE had just signed Jordy Bahl,” said Chrism when asked about why she went with TCE.

Not all states allow high school athletes to sign NIL deals.  Unlike college athletics, there is no national governing body for high school sports.  As of April 2023, 25 states allow some form of NIL monetization at the high school level.  The Oklahoma Secondary Activities Association approved NIL guidelines in October of 2022.  Thus, allowing Chism to sign NIL deals while she is in still in high school.

Chism has taken full advantage and has signed multiple NIL deals.  She has another NIL deal with a local gym where she works out.  She said she wasn’t proactively looking for deals. They have come from her marketing her passions on social media and with other people in the town. 

What is Chism’s advice for other athletes that might be looking for NIL deals?  “Don’t be intimidated by big things coming at you.  Don’t be scared to get right into it.  You have to learn how to be outgoing and communicate,” said Chism.