The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced an exclusive partnership with Influential Athlete, the nation’s leading NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) education and consulting company, to educate and support its 819 member schools as they prepare for an emergency vote on proposed NIL language that could redefine high school athletics in Ohio.
This partnership comes at a critical and time-sensitive moment for the OHSAA. Following a lawsuit filed by a student-athlete’s family, a temporary restraining order has been issued by the court, preventing the association from enforcing its current NIL rules. As a result, OHSAA member schools will soon vote on proposed NIL language that would allow high school athletes in Ohio to participate in NIL opportunities under a structured, education-first framework.
“OHSAA is taking proactive steps to ensure our member schools have the education, clarity, and support they need during this defining moment,” said Doug Ute, Executive Director of the OHSAA. “By partnering with Influential Athlete, we’re ensuring that school leaders and athletic directors are fully informed and prepared to make the best decisions for their athletes and communities.”
Influential Athlete brings a proven national track record in helping athletic associations, schools, and programs navigate the NIL landscape responsibly and effectively. The company recently partnered with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) following a failed NIL vote in that state. After months of comprehensive education and administrative support led by Influential Athlete, Wisconsin’s NIL proposal was brought back to vote and passed nearly 3 to 1 statewide in April 2025.
“Wisconsin is a perfect example of what happens when administrators are given the right tools and understanding,” said Stephanie Grady, CEO and Co-Founder of Influential Athlete. “We helped the WIAA create clarity, calm uncertainty, and prepare their schools to lead confidently in the NIL space. We’re honored to do the same now for OHSAA and its member schools during this pivotal time.”
Influential Athlete has now partnered with more than 50 institutions nationwide, providing unmatched NIL education, implementation support, and long-term strategic guidance. The company works with individual athletes, athletic associations, schools, club programs, and national and Olympic development organizations, helping them and their athletes succeed safely and confidently in the new NIL era.
“This partnership ensures that Ohio’s schools won’t face this alone,” Grady added. “We’re here to educate, guide, and provide the structure and resources schools need to manage NIL responsibly — protecting their athletes, their programs, and the integrity of high school sports across the state.”
About Influential Athlete: Influential Athlete, LLC, co-founded by Stephanie and Joe Grady, is a pioneering NIL coaching and consulting company dedicated to helping student-athletes and athletic organizations succeed in the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness era. The company equips athletes, coaches, and administrators with the skills, systems, and education needed to thrive both within and beyond sports.
About OHSAA: The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) serves 819-member high schools and more than 750 middle schools across the state of Ohio. The organization’s mission is to regulate and support interscholastic athletics while promoting education-based sportsmanship, integrity, and opportunity for student-athletes.
