In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln sophomore Kelsie Belquist is making waves both on and off the track.
Known for her impressive track and field achievements, Belquist has recently taken on a new role as a mentor through the SheSports NIL platform.
This unique opportunity lets her connect with young female athletes, sharing her journey and offering guidance.
From setting state records in North Dakota to overcoming some tough injuries, Belquist’s story is about resilience and the power of giving back.
Kelsie Belquist’s Athletic Journey
Belquist’s journey started in the tiny town of New Rockford, North Dakota.
Even without fancy facilities, she excelled in track and field, winning 10 state titles and earning the 2022-23 North Dakota Gatorade Girls’ Track and Field Player of the Year award.
Her high school days were filled with training in hallways and beating the odds—seriously, that takes some grit.
Transition to College Athletics
When she moved up to college athletics, Belquist joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and wasted no time making her mark.
At the Big 10 Indoor Track and Field Championships, she showed real improvement.
In 2025, she ran the 400-meter dash in 54.86 seconds and finished 15th.
The next year, she set a personal best of 52.47 seconds in the prelims and 53.37 seconds in the finals, grabbing seventh place.
Overcoming Adversity
Belquist knows all about adversity.
During her senior year of high school, she tore her ACL playing basketball, which benched her for a whole season.
That injury tested her physically and mentally.
She spent that time learning to support her teammates and gaining a deeper sense of her role in sports.
Rehabilitation and Mental Health
Rehab wasn’t just about her knee—it was a mental slog, too.
She found herself questioning her place in sports, which is honestly pretty relatable.
Through all of that, she realized just how important mental health is, and how much it matters to be there for others.
This perspective now shapes her work with SheSports, where she mentors young athletes dealing with their own setbacks.
Joining the SheSports Platform
SheSports is a digital platform connecting girls ages 8-18 with female collegiate athletes through short-form video and written stories.
The focus is on confidence, identity, sports, and life—offering a safe space for young athletes to ask questions and get support.
Belquist’s involvement means she gets to share her journey and offer mentorship, helping young athletes navigate the ups and downs of sports and life.
Impact and Mentorship
Belquist answers questions about confidence, performance pressure, training, academics, and personal growth.
The platform also features content from mental health and sports psychology experts, so it’s not just about athletics—it’s about well-being, too.
Her honest insights really seem to resonate, and she’s become a relatable voice for many young athletes.
NIL Partnerships and Giving Back
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships now let college athletes like Belquist get paid for promoting causes and endorsing products or services.
Through SheSports, Belquist is turning her journey into something meaningful for others, putting a real emphasis on giving back and lifting up the next generation.
Expanding Opportunities for Women
SheSports co-founder Lexi Rodriguez, a four-time All-American volleyball player at Nebraska, launched the platform in November 2025.
Rodriguez wants to expand NIL opportunities for women as their sports get more attention.
The platform helps bridge the gap by offering ways for athletes to earn while giving back, supporting the continued growth of women’s sports.
Belquist’s Advice to Young Athletes
For young athletes hoping to compete at the next level, Belquist has some advice: go for it.
She doesn’t hide the fact that it’s tough, but she’s quick to point out the rewards.
Her journey from a small town in North Dakota to competing at the top of collegiate sports? It’s proof that it can be done—and maybe, just maybe, it’s worth the risk.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Belquist is genuinely excited about where SheSports is heading. She feels strongly that girls deserve to be seen, supported, and really understood.
Belquist’s commitment goes beyond her own growth—she wants to make a real difference in the lives of young athletes. It’s not just a job for her; it’s personal.
If you’re curious about Kelsie Belquist’s journey and her work with SheSports, check out the source article.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
