Kenyan student athletes secure landmark NIL deals with Swiss sportswear giant On
Kenya's Doris Lemngole takes part in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the Diamond League, Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne, Switzerland on August 20, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Three Kenyan student athletes in the US sign landmark NIL deals, merging education, athletics, and opportunity.
- The NCAA runners are redefining possibilities by securing deals, blending sports performance with global recognition.
When Doris Lemngole, Marion Jepngetich, and Joy Naukot left Kenya to pursue education and athletics in the United States, they carried little more than their talent, ambition, and hope for a better future.
Today, the student athletes have crossed a new milestone, signing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with Swiss sportswear giant On—a groundbreaking and lucrative achievement that not only transforms their personal journeys but also redefines what is possible for young Kenyan athletes.
The trio, all standout performers in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) track and cross-country, are among the first Kenyan female athletes in US colleges to benefit from the new NIL model, which allows student athletes to earn commercial income while still competing at the institutional level.
Doris, a track and field powerhouse at the University of Alabama; Marion, a rising distance runner at the University of New Mexico; and Joy, a standout fresher at West Virginia University, have quickly become key figures in the competitive world of NCAA athletics. Their success on the track has now opened doors off it, with On recognising their potential not just as athletes, but also as ambassadors of performance, discipline, and resilience.
The NIL deals, which allow student athletes to earn income from their personal brand while competing at the collegiate level, mark a significant turning point—especially for African athletes, who have traditionally faced limited commercial opportunities during their early careers.
For Doris, Marion, and Joy, the partnership is more than a financial boost. It is a validation of their hard work and a platform to inspire others back home.
Doris, who hails from West Pokot County, has had a stellar academic career so far. At the University of Alabama, she has earned titles that few athletes achieve in a lifetime. She is a four-time national champion, seven-time All-American, and two-time finalist for the Bowerman Award, becoming a dominant force in collegiate athletics.
In 2024, she won the NCAA Cross-Country title and the NCAA Indoor 5,000m, and made headlines after winning the NCAA Outdoor 3,000m steeplechase title, setting a new collegiate record of 8:58.15. “This deal is a major milestone in my life. It gives me more reason to work hard,” she said.
But behind the medals and accolades lies a young woman focused on more than just winning. Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Sports Management, Doris believes her decision to study in the US while competing has transformed her career path. “Had I stayed in Kenya, I might still have been chasing a sponsor,” she said from her training base in Ngong', Kajiado County.
In a world where many athletes struggle to find support before they reach the elite professional ranks, these NIL agreements mark a turning point. “Going to school while running has opened many doors. It has given me purpose, stability, and now with this deal, a chance to build something long-term,” Doris said.
Her journey is not slowing down. She will represent Kenya at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in the 3,000m steeplechase, teaming up with Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich and Pamela Kosgei of the University of New Mexico—a rare blend of university excellence and national pride.
At the University of New Mexico, Marion has been steadily carving out her own legacy. Now in her second year, the soft-spoken runner from Kenya first made waves as a silver medallist in the 3,000m at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, a breakthrough that caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.
In the NCAA, she has continued to shine, finishing fourth in the 2025 Outdoor 5,000m final and second in both the 1,500m and 5,000m at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships. “It has been a long journey to get here. But this deal gives me hope. It proves that hard work pays off. I want to keep growing, both on the track and in the classroom,” she said.
Like her peers, Marion balances the pressure of competition with the demands of higher education, a dual path that is now yielding tangible rewards. “Signing this deal gives me motivation to push harder in both academics and athletics,” she said.
At West Virginia University, first-year student Joy has wasted no time in making her mark. In her debut year, she stunned many by finishing third in the NCAA Outdoor 10,000m final and earning First Team All-American honours, as well as the Big 12 Women’s Newcomer of the Year—testament to her rapid rise. She also took second in the 3,000m and 5,000m at the Big 12 Championships, showing both range and resilience.
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Joy, who is also studying sports management, sees the NIL deal as more than just a contract. It is a path to security, independence, and future opportunities. “I am just getting started. This support allows me to focus more, dream bigger, and give back later,” she said.
The deals, announced by Mr Libby Davidson, NIL Athlete Manager at On, highlight the growing recognition of Kenyan student athletes in global athletics and marketing circles. According to Mr Davidson, the deals are part of a broader strategy to invest in young, high-potential athletes.
“We are excited to announce that Doris, Marion, and Joy have signed NIL deals with On. This partnership is a testament to their exceptional talent and perfectly aligns with our commitment to innovation and performance. We're thrilled to welcome them to the On family and can't wait to support them on their journey ahead,” he said in a statement.
