In December 2023, local jewelry brand M + H Beads — who is also a part of our Six & Main storefront — signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Centre soccer player Emma Bryant.

So, how did a unique partnership like this come to be? Enter: The 1926 Collective, a first-of-its-kind initiative focused on connecting female athletes at Centre College to NIL opportunities.

The 1926 Collective is completely volunteer led, founded by teammates + alumni of the Centre College soccer program.

"We were adamant that this was a female-driven + female-focused NIL collective, because we're proud female professionals, mothers, and support female-owned businesses," said co-founder Kate Dieruf. "We also believe that our college careers in the athletic department helped mold us into who we are today."

Fun fact: Centre College was an all-male school when it was originally founded in 1820. The school became co-ed in 1926, becoming inspiration for the collective's name.

It's a win-win when small businesses partner with hometown celebrities. | Photo provided by The 1926 Collective

Current deals + future hopes

The collective is also unique through its career-centric approach. Not only do they pair athletes with brands or businesses in a field they might be interested in, they also host brand awareness training + workshops.

The majority of the deals at this level are focused on brand awareness through social media or event appearances. Some of the current deals with Centre athletes include:

- Besten and Dieruf, PLLC
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass
- Finn's Ice Cream Shop
- M&H Beads
- The Centre Field Lofts
- The Hearing & Speech Center

Get involved

The 1926 Collective welcomes businesses interested partnering with Centre athletes to email the organization. The community can also become members of the collective via financial contributions. The contributions will go towards operational costs + to fund NIL deals between The 1926 Collective and the athletes.