Grand Rapids native Heaven Hamling strikes deal under NIL rule

Grand Rapids native Heaven Hamling has become North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) first female athlete to benefit from the NCAA’s new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) ruling.

Hamling, a junior guard for Bison basketball, has signed an endorsement deal with Silverstar Car Wash in Fargo.

Silverstar reached out to Hamling via social media to set up the partnership. She will use her platforms to promote and help brand the company.

"I wasn’t really looking for anything, I definitely didn’t think that I would be the one chosen or picked to do this. I would have thought that it would have been a Power Five [conference athlete], a male athlete maybe," Hamling said. "It’s just really a blessing and an honor, and I hope a lot of other female athletes get the opportunity to do this as well."

She added that as a full time athlete it’s difficult to make money, so she’s honored for this opportunity. Plus, she’ll get free car washes.