Former D1 Twin Sisters Weigh in on Softball’s Exciting NIL Era: At Extra Inning Softball, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on just how much the game has evolved—and for me, it’s personal.
My twin sister and I played Division I softball together at Southern Utah University, and we graduated one year before the NIL era. Looking back now, it’s hard not to think about the opportunities we missed and how different our experience could have been.
At the same time, I see what today’s athletes are gaining—and the new pressures that come with it. It’s a completely different landscape, and one that’s still unfolding.
Watch the full interview below as twin sisters, Skyler Ball and Makenzie Ball discuss the NIL era!
Twin Sisters: Playing Before NIL
When my sister and I were in college, the rules were simple—but restrictive.
We weren’t allowed to profit off who we were as athletes. Even something as basic as giving lessons came with limitations. We couldn’t promote ourselves using our university name or fully lean into our identity as Division I softball players.
At the time, it was just the norm. We didn’t question it—we just followed it.
But now, looking back, it’s impossible not to think about what that really meant.
There were so many opportunities that simply didn’t exist for us.
Missed Opportunities
Even coming from a smaller program, I truly believe there was value we couldn’t tap into.
We were known in our community. We had connections. We had influence—especially with younger athletes who looked up to us.
Today, that could translate into lessons, camps, brand deals, or even local partnerships. Something as simple as working with a dealership, training facility, or local business could have created both income and long-term relationships.
Instead, all of that potential stayed on the table.
That’s probably the biggest difference I see now—athletes today are finally allowed to step into the value they’ve always had.
What NIL Changed
The NIL era has completely shifted the landscape of college softball.
Athletes today have the freedom to build their personal brand, monetize their platform, and take advantage of opportunities that simply weren’t available before.
And it’s not just for the biggest names.
Yes, players like Nijaree Canady have shown what’s possible at the highest level, but NIL reaches far beyond that. Athletes across all divisions now have the ability to create income through lessons, social media, camps, and partnerships.
That kind of access is powerful.
It gives athletes ownership—not just of their performance, but of their future.
The Pressure That Comes With It
At the same time, I don’t think people fully understand the trade-offs.
College softball used to feel like an escape—a place to compete, grow, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Now, in many ways, it can feel like a job. When money is involved, expectations change.
Performance isn’t just about your team anymore—it’s tied to your brand, your value, and how others perceive you. There’s pressure to perform, to stay relevant, and to consistently prove yourself.
That’s a lot for any athlete, especially at a young age.
A New Reality for Athletes
If I could describe the difference in one word, it would be: responsibility.
Today’s athletes have more opportunity than ever—but they also have more to manage.
They’re balancing performance, branding, academics, and personal expectations all at once. It’s no longer just about playing the game—it’s about navigating everything that comes with it.
From my perspective, that’s both exciting and challenging.
Looking Ahead
If my sister and I had played in the NIL era, our experience would have been completely different.
There’s no question about that. But at the same time, I have a lot of respect for what today’s athletes are handling. The opportunities are real—but so is the pressure.
My advice?
Take advantage of what’s in front of you—but don’t lose sight of why you started playing in the first place.
Because at the end of the day, the game still matters.
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