ZIONSVILLE — In a significant development for Indiana high school athletics, Carsyn Comer, a prominent volleyball player from Westfield, has become one of the first athletes in Central Indiana to capitalize on the recent ruling by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) that permits athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This week, Comer signed a personal branding deal with MyPlayer Next, marking a historic moment in the evolving landscape of high school sports.
Comer, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and is currently ranked as the top player in her class, is collaborating with MyPlayer Next to launch a limited-edition apparel line. This collection will feature t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies emblazoned with her name, image, and signature, allowing her to connect with fans and supporters in a new way.
MyPlayer Next is a team merchandise and fundraising platform designed to help schools create customized apparel collections for individual athletes. Founded by a former college wrestler, the company focuses on empowering athletes by providing them with the tools to promote their personal brand. This partnership is particularly timely, as it coincides with the IHSAA's recent changes that allow high school athletes to monetize their personal brands, as long as they do not use school facilities or property in the process.
Comer was already familiar with MyPlayer Next and had considered reaching out to them earlier this summer. However, it was only a few weeks ago that the company contacted her via Instagram to explore a potential collaboration. "That was pretty cool," Comer remarked about the unexpected outreach.
The deal with MyPlayer Next was finalized after Comer and her family took the time to review the contract and seek approval from Westfield's athletic directors. They also consulted with Randy Fisher, a local football agent, to better understand the implications of the deal. "We had a meeting with him, because I don’t really know what’s going on. It’s all so new," Comer said, reflecting on the learning curve associated with her new venture.
After signing the contract about a week ago, Comer began the process of designing her apparel collection, selecting styles and designs that align with the red-and-black colors of her future college team, the University of Louisville. While she had the option to make changes to the initial designs, she found that she loved the first proposal and decided to stick with it. "They’re amazing at making sure it’s what I want," Comer stated, expressing her satisfaction with the collaborative process.
MyPlayer Next officially launched Comer’s collection on Instagram and their website, allowing fans to purchase her merchandise. The collection is not only a significant milestone for Comer but also sets a precedent for other high school athletes in Indiana who may wish to explore similar opportunities.
Comer's pioneering deal highlights the shifting dynamics in high school sports, where athletes are increasingly able to leverage their personal brands in ways that were previously unavailable. As she navigates this new territory, her journey could inspire many young athletes to explore their own branding opportunities.
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