North Carolina

ACC Now podcast: Deja Kelly on expectations UNC enters next season with, her NIL deals

North Carolina’s Deja Kelly (25), poses for a portrait on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina’s Deja Kelly (25), poses for a portrait on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, N.C. rwillett@newsobserver.com

Deja Kelly, who led the UNC women’s basketball team in scoring last season and continues to secure name, imagine and likeness (NIL) deals, joins the N&O’s C.L. Brown to discuss her success and development on the court and in the NIL space along with the expectations for next season’s Carolina team that is projected to be ranked among the top 10 when preseason polls are released. The junior guard talks about what it’s been like to juggle basketball, school and the obligations that have come from her NIL deals, how she’s put herself in position to thrive during the first year of NIL and what the future may have in store for her, as a face of women’s college basketball, and other athletes as the college sports landscape continues to evolve.

You can also listen to this episode of the ACC Now podcast, and others, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, TuneIn and Stitcher.

North Carolina’s Deja Kelly (25), poses for a portrait on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina’s Deja Kelly (25), poses for a portrait on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
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Natalie Pierre
The News & Observer
Natalie Pierre is the sports editor at The News & Observer. Over the last 15 years, she has covered some of college football’s most successful programs extensively, served in top leadership roles for basketball coverage across the Southeast and reported on NCAA business, policies and legislation. A native of Lake Mary, Florida, her career includes stops at AL.com/The Birmingham News and the Tallahassee Democrat. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and Delta State University.
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