MyAngel Ross made history at Lithia Springs High School by becoming their first student-athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. The senior flag football standout scored seven touchdowns last season while playing both safety and wide receiver for the Lions.
The entire school gathered on Tuesday, March 25 to celebrate Ross’s groundbreaking achievement. The Alternative Careers in Sports Academy (ACSA), an organization that helps young athletes with career and financial planning, sponsored the NIL deal.
Historic NIL Signing Breaks New Ground for Georgia High School Athletics
MyAngel Ross’s signing represents a significant milestone for Lithia Springs High School. The talented multi-position player attracted attention for her exceptional performance on the field and her disciplined approach off it.
“She’s opening the door for other students to see what’s possible,” said Roderick Liptrot, CEO of ACSA, in an interview with 11Alive. This pioneering deal follows the Georgia High School Association’s 2022 decision to allow NIL opportunities for high school athletes.
Seven-Touchdown Season Showcases Ross’s Athletic Talents
Ross dominated the flag football field last season with an impressive seven touchdowns for the Lithia Springs Lions. Her versatility allowed her to excel at both safety and wide receiver positions throughout the campaign.
Athletic Director Mikey Jones expressed his pride in Ross’s achievement, stating, “She’s worked so hard, and this is well-deserved.” Her dedication to improvement and game preparation set her apart from other student-athletes.
School-Wide Celebration Honors Trailblazing Student-Athlete
The entire Lithia Springs High School community turned out to celebrate Ross’s historic accomplishment. Students, faculty, and staff packed the event on March 25 to show their support for the flag football star.
Former coach Kendra Pleasants and Principal Felicia Jones both took time during the celebration to praise Ross. They highlighted her exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to both athletics and academics.
ACSA Partnership Focuses on Long-Term Athlete Development
The Alternative Careers in Sports Academy specializes in preparing young athletes for successful futures. Their partnership with Ross extends beyond financial compensation to include career and financial planning guidance.
According to ACSA CEO Roderick Liptrot, Ross’s attention to detail and disciplined approach made her an ideal candidate for their support. The organization recognized her potential to succeed both on and off the field.
Georgia NIL Rules Create New Opportunities for High School Athletes
The Georgia High School Association first permitted NIL deals in 2022, opening new doors for talented student-athletes across the state. However, strict regulations govern how these arrangements function at the high school level.
While students can now profit from their name, image, and likeness, important restrictions remain in place. The rules specifically prohibit students from joining collectives or clubs associated with NIL arrangements, maintaining certain amateur standards.
Ross Credits Team Support for Individual Success
Despite the individual nature of her NIL deal, Ross emphasized the role her community played in her achievement. During the celebration, she expressed sincere gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and family.
Her humble approach highlighted the collaborative environment that fostered her success. Ross recognized that her individual accomplishment would not have been possible without the support system surrounding her at Lithia Springs.
Flag Football Growth Creates New Opportunities for Female Athletes
Ross’s NIL deal represents the growing prominence of flag football as a competitive sport for female athletes. The non-contact version of football has seen rapid expansion in Georgia high schools in recent years.
Her success demonstrates the increasing visibility and commercial potential of women’s flag football. As the sport continues to grow, more opportunities for female athletes like Ross will likely emerge across the country.
