Parker Valby, the 2023 NCAA 5000m champion from Florida, has signed an NIL deal with Nike. Valby will be the first female track and field athlete to sign an NIL deal with Nike and follows Charles Hicks (Nike/Stanford) and Katelyn Tuohy (Adidas/NC State) who have previously signed NIL deals with major shoe companies.

Valby finished second in the 5000m at the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships and at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships. She raced sparingly during the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2023 as she dealt with a lower leg injury that limited her ability to run. 

But it didn’t stop her from dominating in Austin earlier this month. Valby took command of the race and never was truly threatened, winning the 5000m in 15:30.57. 

In a Q & A with Kimbia Athletics (who represented Valby in the deal with Nike) Valby said, “This deal allows athletes like myself to earn an income while pursuing a college degree and competing in the NCAA. I love being part of a college team and representing my university, so for me it’s a real positive. Also, part of the agreement with Nike will allow me the opportunity to get involved with the local community, which is awesome.”

Valby has personal bests of 8:49.71 in the 3000m and 15:20.10 in the 5000m