The Chicago White Sox today announce 12 NCAA Division I student-athletes joining CHISOX Athlete, presented by United Airlines, the organization’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program designed to elevate participants’ platforms and careers across sports, marketing and business industries and beyond.
Now in its fifth season engaging student-athletes in organizationally supported community initiatives, content creation and brand-building opportunities, CHISOX Athlete continues to build upon the program’s sustained success with Chicago-based United Airlines joining as presenting sponsor for 2026. This year’s CHISOX Athlete Class welcomes a dynamic group of student-athletes representing top collegiate programs across the country, including:
- Nasir Bailey (University of Iowa Men’s Wrestling) – Park Forest, Illinois; Rich Township High School
- Lenee Beaumont (Indiana University Women’s Basketball) – Lisle, Illinois; Benet Academy
- Grace Egan (University of Wisconsin Women’s Volleyball) – Sterling, Illinois; Sterling High School
- Billy Gneiser (DePaul University Men’s Golf) – Darien, Illinois; Hinsdale South High School
- Destiny Jackson (University of Illinois Women’s Basketball) – Chicago; Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
- Gracie John (Marquette University Women’s Dance) – Des Plaines, Illinois; Maine West High School
- Morez Johnson Jr. (University of Michigan Men’s Basketball, *2026 NBA Draft Prospect) – Riverdale, Illinois; Thornton Township High School
- Cooper Koch (Iowa Men’s Basketball) – Peoria, Illinois; Metamora Township High School
- Cole McKinney (Michigan Men’s Ice Hockey) – Lake Forest, Illinois; Loyola Academy
- Alessio Milivojevic (Michigan State University Men’s Football) – Naperville, Illinois; St. Francis High School
- Gigi Navarrete (Northwestern University Women’s Volleyball) – Palos Heights, Illinois; Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
- John Nestor (University of Minnesota Men’s Football) – Chicago; Marist High School
“United’s support of the CHISOX Athlete program underscores how good leads the way with its ‘student-first approach’ to enhance these exceptional athletes’ platforms,” said Jennifer Entenman, Managing Director of Global Sponsorships at United. “We’re excited to work alongside the White Sox to create meaningful opportunities for professional growth, personal brand-building and the potential for relevant, collaborative content. We look forward to supporting this group as they prepare for success in their collegiate careers and beyond.”
The CHISOX Athlete program continues to feature some of the nation’s most elite student-athletes, with a track record defined by championship success and global achievement. Distinguished program alumni include two Olympians, four NCAA Division I national champions, 12 All-Americans across multiple sports and seven first-team all-conference selections.
The program has seen success on the international stage, highlighted by Abbey Murphy’s Olympic gold medal in women’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Games—adding to her silver medal with Team USA in 2022—and Kiki Van Zanten’s appearances with Team Jamaica in both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic competition.
CHISOX Athlete’s impact also extends to the professional ranks, with participants selected to compete at the next level across five major leagues. Recent draft selections include Carnell Tate (first round, 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans); Terrence Shannon Jr. (first round, 2024 NBA Draft, Minnesota Timberwolves); Bryan Dowd (first round, 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Chicago Fire); and Kiki Van Zanten (first round, 2024 NWSL Draft, Houston Dash). Additional selections include Cole McKinney (second round, 2024 NHL Draft, San Jose Sharks), Zack Sharp (fourth round, 2024 NHL Draft, San Jose Sharks), Rylie Mills (fifth round, 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks), and Pat Coogan (sixth round, 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans), among others who have signed professional contracts or declared for upcoming drafts.
At the collegiate level, national champions such as Morez Johnson Jr. (2026 Michigan Men’s Basketball), Pat Coogan (2025-‘26 Indiana Men’s Football), Maddy Vercelli (2026 Minnesota Women’s Dance), Sharp (2025 Western Michigan University Men’s Hockey), and Tate (2024-‘25 Ohio State Men’s Football) underscore the program’s championship pedigree and continued impact across NCAA competition.
CHISOX Athlete provides athletes with personalized career mentorship from leading sports executives, along with networking and professional development opportunities with leaders from United Airlines. Athletes are invited to Rate Field to throw a ceremonial first pitch and enjoy a VIP ballpark experience, while benefiting from top-tier marketing opportunities, including exclusive photoshoots, networking discussions and more.
For more information on CHISOX Athlete, presented by United Airlines, visit whitesox.com/nil.