UCLA Athletics announced that its women's basketball program has been honored with two of the 2026 NIL Store Awards, underscoring the department's growing influence in collegiate name, image and likeness initiatives.
A Dance That Captured the Nation
The award for 'Best School Activation' recognized a high‑energy routine that debuted during the final home men's basketball game on March 3. Featuring guard Charlisse Leger‑Walker, forward Lauren Betts and junior Gabriela Jaquez, the performance quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing praise for its creativity and school spirit.
Teri Hanneke, who oversees NIL strategy and roster management for UCLA, was named 'NIL Administrator of the Year.' In that role, she coordinates with the athletic compliance office and collective partners to ensure that student‑athletes' endorsement deals align with university policies while maximizing opportunities.
The twin recognitions reflect a broader trend of universities leveraging innovative fan experiences and streamlined NIL frameworks to enhance athlete visibility and marketability. UCLA's achievements set a benchmark for how athletic departments can blend entertainment with compliance in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.