Number 74
Pro Soccer Star Marlee Fray Launches NIL Program For College Athletes with Diabetes
Featured Focus:
Athlete-Driven Impact, Health & Wellness, Partnerships for Good
Scope of Impact: Nationwide
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at a young age, pro soccer player Marlee Fray leveraged a partnership with healthcare company Dexcom to launch Dexcom U, the first NIL program exclusively for athletes with diabetes. Here’s the breakdown:
Personal Struggle, Public Mission: Fray initially hid her T1D. She felt isolated and never had athletic role models with the condition. This experience fueled her drive to change the narrative for the next generation.
Tech as Turning Point: Discovering Dexcom's Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology was a "game-changer" for her. It enabled better management of her condition and prompted her to be more open about her diabetes. The tech allows real-time monitoring and data sharing, which is crucial for high-level athletics.
Pioneering NIL Program: Thanks to her own experience as a collegiate student-athlete at the University of Texas San Antonio, it was a no-brainer for Fray to partner with Dexcom to create the NIL program “Dexcom U”. It aims to provide community, resources, and visibility, proving T1D isn't a barrier to athletic dreams.
We absolutely love this initiative because, similarly to what we covered in DL 40 with Paige Bueckers, it continues to show a willingness from athletes to be creative within the brand partnership ecosystem, and think outside the box to create tangible impact for others, rather than only focusing on monetization.
We love the process Marlee Fray went through to connect this new initiative to her personal journey. By sharing her story and experience, she turned her new pro career into an NIL opportunity for others, and an advocacy platform for student-athletes with T1D.
Yes, there’s a clear brand benefit for Dexcom here, too (awareness, marketing sales, etc.). But this partnership makes so much sense that it’s the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Dexcom is seizing this opportunity to market their product, while also building a community and helping to provide the representation Fray wished she had growing up. This truly feels like a game changer.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
All we can hope is that this story inspires you to push the boundaries for yourself, the organizations you work for, and the athletes you partner with.
Of course, NIL and brand partnerships can be used solely for profit. But by using this opportunity to create impact for the community, Fray will provide reap more long-term benefits than if she’d opted for money alone.
Details on UT San Antonio alum Marlee Fray’s journey through soccer, and her latest move to German club FFC Wacker München.
The official Dexcom U program page, with info and resources for student-athletes to join their NIL Ambassador program while managing their diabetes.
A website dedicated to sharing stories of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, including Marlee Fray, to inspire and empower members of the community,
Profiles of other famous athletes managing Type 1 Diabetes, including NFL players, gymnasts, and Olympians.
W|W Download #40 covers how the former UConn and current WNBA star only partnered with brands with who gave back.
An article exploring how healthcare brands engaging in NIL partnerships, and why these types of sponsorship deals can be compelling for everyone.
