World No. 1 amateur golfer Rose Zhang of Stanford, has signed a multi-year deal with adidas to become the brand’s first NIL (name, image and likeness) student-athlete. 

 In a statement released by adidas, Zhang shared her excitement about the deal. “adidas has been a major part of some of my biggest wins as an amateur, so this is an exciting moment for me. I’m most comfortable wearing the 3-Stripes on the course and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Zhang will wear adidas in all non-university activities. Stanford is partnered with Nike, and the brand sponsors the university’s student-athlete gear.

Zhang, only 19 years old, recently won the NCAA D1 women’s golf individual title. She became the 10th freshman to win the title. She also helped Stanford win the NCAA D1 women’s golf championship.

In 2020, Zhang won the U.S. Women’s Amateur, a golf tournament in the United States for amateur female golfers, when she was just 17.

Rupert Campbell, the president of adidas North America, welcomed Zhang to the brand. “Rose embodies a winning Impossible is Nothing attitude on the golf course, and we’re excited to start this new chapter of working with student-athletes.”

In March, adidas announced it was launching an NIL network to allow more than 50,000 student-athletes to become paid ambassadors with the brand.

Zhang will look to continue her winning momentum as she heads to the U.S. Women’s Open for the fourth time in her career. She will be playing as an amateur. The Open runs from June 2 to 5 in North Carolina.