College athletics are always changing, but lately, something new has been catching people’s attention—an initiative that’s blending sports with Jewish identity in a fresh way. Tribe NIL, the first Jewish-focused NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) collective in the U.S., is trying to give Jewish student-athletes a leg up with brand-building, financial help, and a sense of community.
Wesleyan University basketball guard Aviva Schnitzer stands out as someone who’s really embraced what Tribe NIL is about. Her story shows how this initiative is helping Jewish athletes find both community and a stronger sense of themselves.
The Genesis of Tribe NIL
Back in 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that college athletes could finally make money from their name, image, and likeness. The big stars at Division I schools saw the most benefit, but for smaller programs—like those in Division III—not much changed.
Seeing this gap, Jeremy Moses and Eitan Levine stepped in and launched Tribe NIL to connect and support Jewish athletes all over the country. They wanted to fill a void that bigger schools and collectives just weren’t addressing.
Uniting Jewish Athletes
The main goal? Bring Jewish athletes together and give them chances to grow as leaders and professionals, all while staying close to their roots. Tribe NIL works a bit like other NIL collectives, but with a Jewish twist—think brand deals and fan engagement that actually mean something to the athletes involved.
Right now, Tribe NIL has about 180 Jewish athletes. Out of those, 50 get monthly stipends to represent the group, attend events, and post on social media. It’s not just about the money—it’s about building brands that actually reflect who these athletes are.
Aviva Schnitzer: A Beacon of Jewish Identity
Aviva Schnitzer, a sophomore guard for the Wesleyan Cardinals, really embodies what Tribe NIL is trying to do. She grew up in the Valley and is part of Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale, so her Jewish identity has always been important to her.
Through Tribe NIL, she’s found new ways to connect with other Jewish athletes and keep her identity front and center, even as she juggles a demanding schedule.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Schnitzer picked Wesleyan because she wanted a real balance between academics and sports. Division III schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, but Wesleyan’s strong academics and competitive sports were a good fit for her.
She’s double majoring in neuroscience and education, plus minoring in Jewish studies. Her goal? To become an occupational therapist working with kids. Not exactly a simple path, but she seems to thrive on challenge.
HerWay Recruiting: Empowering Young Female Athletes
Basketball isn’t Schnitzer’s only focus. She also co-founded HerWay Recruiting, a mentorship program for young female athletes trying to figure out the college recruiting maze. They offer one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and tailored recruiting plans.
It’s a hands-on approach, and honestly, it sounds like something a lot of student-athletes probably wish they’d had.
A Vision for the Future
Schnitzer wants HerWay Recruiting to help high school and middle school girls take charge of their recruiting journey. Having current college athletes as mentors is a big part of it, and she hopes that model will stick around even after she moves on.
Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors
Right now, Schnitzer is working on a brand partnership with an Israeli company and getting ready to play for Team USA in the 2026 Maccabi Games. She’s balancing all this with her campus leadership roles and her commitment to Tribe NIL.
It’s a lot, but she seems determined to keep her Jewish identity at the core of everything she does.
Tribe NIL: A Comprehensive Support System
Tribe NIL does more than just hand out stipends. It’s about helping athletes build brands that actually line up with their values and what they care about long-term.
By showing up at events, representing the organization, and engaging with the broader community, athletes like Schnitzer aren’t just building their own profiles—they’re contributing to something bigger in the Jewish community.
Conclusion: The Impact of Tribe NIL
The impact of Tribe NIL shows up in the stories of athletes like Aviva Schnitzer. It’s a platform that brings together sports and Jewish identity, creating a community that feels both supportive and empowering for Jewish student-athletes.
This isn’t just about money. Tribe NIL aims to help build leaders who carry their Jewish values into both their work and personal lives—something that feels pretty meaningful, honestly.
Curious to dig deeper? You can check out the full article on Jewish News.
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