Investing In Student Athletes Takes More Than A Check

By Ven Johnson

I’ve been a personal injury trial lawyer for nearly four decades. I’ve stood in countless courtrooms, fought hard for justice and built a firm that refuses to back down. But long before I ever set foot in a courtroom, I learned on a tennis court what it meant to dig deep, to compete with heart and to keep showing up.

I picked up a racket at age five – and I was hooked. Tennis didn’t just teach me discipline; it taught me how to win with humility, lose with grit and keep pushing when everything’s on the line. It gave me the foundation for who I am today.

When I played for Kalamazoo College, I wasn’t thinking about sponsorships or social media – neither existed. I was focused on improving my game, my grades and myself. That’s what being a student athlete was all about. But let’s be real: things have changed.

Today’s college athletes aren’t just students juggling practices and exams. They’re navigating the national spotlight, demanding travel schedules and the high-pressure world of NIL (name, image and likeness) deals. That visibility brings opportunity, but it also brings enormous pressure to make big decisions early, and to figure out who you can really trust.

Here’s the bottom line for those looking to sponsor with an NIL deal: writing a check is easy. Supporting student athletes financially is important, but it’s not enough. Showing up as mentors, advocates and human beings? That’s the move that matters. If student athletes are to thrive, they need support that addresses their academic success, mental health, personal growth and future beyond tennis.

That’s why I’ve chosen to support athletes like Ozan Baris and Matthew Forbes, two of Michigan State University’s (MSU) top tennis stars, not just with NIL deals but with mentorship and a meaningful relationship built on mutual respect, shared values and relentless hustle.

Ozan’s story speaks for itself. A top-ranked junior from Okemos, Michigan, he was raised by a single mom who gave everything so he could chase his dream , driving him to tournaments across the country starting at age nine. Even after winning a junior U.S. Open doubles title, Ozan chose to stay close to home and attend MSU, because for him, family comes first. That’s character.

Matthew’s story is equally inspiring. As one of the few African Americans players to win the prestigious Kalamazoo Nationals – a tournament that’s launched many pro careers – he’s already ranked among the top 40 national college players as a freshman at MSU. But what sets him apart is his clarity, work ethic and drive to be great. Not just on the court, but in life.

These young men are fierce competitors. But more than that, they’re grounded, focused and eager to grow. That’s who I want to align myself with and invest in.

Sure, NIL deals help with travel costs and training expenses, but for me it goes deeper. It’s about telling these athletes: I see you. I believe in you. I’ve got your back. I’m proud to be a mentor and friend to Ozan and Matthew, and talk to them about setbacks, big decisions and everything in-between. I share lessons from tennis, law and life, and I remind them that their worth goes far beyond rankings or match results.

So to the next generation of tennis players, and any student athlete weighing an NIL deal, here’s what I’d say:

• Do your research. Don’t just look at the money. Look into the person or company offering the deal. What do they stand for? Do their values align with yours?
• Value the relationships over the revenue. The best partnerships go beyond financial support. Find someone who will mentor you and advocate for you.
• Be selective. Not every NIL deal will be the right fit. Prioritize the ones that resonate with who you are at your core.
• Think long-term. Your athletic career is a chapter of your story, not the whole book. Surround yourself with good people who will help you write the rest of it.

This isn’t just about business for me; it’s about legacy. And legacy is built by lifting up the next generation of leaders, on and off the court. To Ozan, Matthew and student athletes everywhere: Keep going. Keep fighting. You’ve got what it takes and I’m proud to be in your corner.