Boise State Gymnast Blake Pascal is Preparing for the Perfect Landing
This Bronco student-athlete is making connections and maximizing NIL opportunities
Similar to what you’d expect to see while scrolling through any college student’s social media feed, Bronco gymnast Blake Pascal's Instagram features photos with friends, snapshots from her travels, and highlights of her visits to local Boise businesses such as Hotworx and TruFuel.
These first-person interactions or advertisements are a result of the house settlement, allowing student-athletes to receive compensation from third parties for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) such as social media posts, brand appearances or promoting products and services. Now, student-athletes can also be compensated by platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube through ads, commercials, and sponsored content of all kinds.
NIL deals can take many forms. Sometimes student-athletes are paid in cash, while other agreements offer compensation through goods or services. In today's marketplace, deals have become structured agreements with defined start and end dates and clear deliverables to be completed by the student-athlete.
Last fall I participated in the College Colors Day campaign, which encourages fans to wear their school colors on designated days to show school pride. That partnership included cash compensation and free merchandise for one single Instagram Story post.Blake Pascal
“I signed an agreement with Hotworx, a gym/sauna facility where members can choose from virtually instructed sessions, including hot yoga, hot pilates, and high-intensity interval training, all enhanced by infrared heat for faster results in less time,” said Pascal. “Through that endorsement, I received a free membership, a Hotworx yoga mat, and discounts on merchandise. In return, after sharing an initial post announcing the partnership, I committed to post one Instagram Reel each month and, on my Instagram Story, whenever I visited the facility.” Instagram Stories are temporary updates meant for real-time engagement, while Reels are permanent and designed for broader reach.
Pascal is one of 15 female student-athletes from Boise State that Hotworx is supporting through NIL, reinforcing their commitment to women in sport and wellness.
One of Pascal’s unique partnerships is with TruFuel, an acai superfood spot. In addition to creating a menu item, Blake Bowl, i.e., acai base, granola, peanut butter drizzle, bananas, blueberries, and honey drizzle, she receives gift cards to use throughout the partnership in return for a post on her Instagram Story.
To date, Pascal has worked with 16 different companies and has her own personalized merchandise line.
Pascal's NIL Partner Companies
- Braven Bar
- Cafe Zupas
- Cobblestone Carwash
- College Colors Day
- Hollister
- Hot Wheels Monster Truck
- Hotworx Boise
- LG
- My Player Collection Merch
- NIL Store
- Outback
- Palm Beach Tan
- Simmons Fine Jewelry
- TMN Events/Chobani
- Trufuel
- Voxn Clothing
Boise State Model
Pascal works in partnership with BroncoPRO, a centralized, turnkey NIL and revenue-sharing solution established for Bronco student-athletes. BroncoPRO aligns with Boise State's strategy to drive competitive excellence through a best-in-class revenue-sharing model focused on recruiting and retaining student-athletes while providing custom brand development services for each of Boise State’s 350+ student-athletes.
“Blake has taken full advantage of the opportunities and education offered via BroncoPRO to develop her own personal brand and set the stage for life after Boise State,” said Collin Stoecker, Assistant Athletic Director, BroncoPRO. "She is one of the top authentic NIL earners in the athletic department.”
Interested in learning more about partnering with Pascal and other Bronco student-athletes? Visit BroncoPRO.com.
How it Started
Born and raised right outside of Philadelphia, Blake embraced girlhood without any interest in sports until she attended a birthday party at Silvia's Gymnastics when she was six years old. Despite her above-average height and relatively late start compared to other gymnasts, Pascal would dedicate the next 12 years to the sport, progressing through each level while prioritizing family, school, friends and developing essential life skills.
The hard work paid off. Pascal was a regional champion on floor and a Level Nine Nationals qualifier in 2019 and a Level 10 Nationals qualifier in 2021. Pascal’s success in the sport laid the groundwork for a scholarship with Boise State gymnastics.
In addition to excelling in the sport and in the classroom, Pascal would use all those learned life skills to make connections, gain experience and make her mark in the Treasure Valley all in order to achieve her long-term goal to work in the TV/media industry.
Pascal describes herself as persistent and relentless to meet her goals. For example, during BroncoLife’s annual CONNECT event with local businesses, she introduced herself to one of the panelists which led to an introduction to Don Day, BoiseDev Co-founder & Publisher.
Months later, Pascal received an email from Day about an internship that would include supporting BoiseDev staff with multiple projects.The internship has turned into a part-time job as a reporter and content producer for BoiseDev.
“Blake is fantastic," said Kara Jackson, Managing Partner/Editor of BoiseDev Eats. “Since her first day at BoiseDev, Blake has always been willing to jump in and tackle any task or story assigned to her. Over the past year and a half, she has grown tremendously and become a great reporter. She's a go-getter, and I can't wait to see where her career takes her.”
Pascal even contributed to the book, Incredible Idaho Women, writing four features highlighted in the book.
How it is Going
Last year’s All-MW First Team (Floor) selection, returns for a fifth year after graduating in the spring with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary professional studies and a minor in communication and is excited about her expanded role within the gymnastics team.
“I remember being in their shoes,” said Pascal. “I want to lead by example and also be available to offer support whenever it is needed."
By taking full advantage of her fifth year, Blake has intentionally grown into a stronger leader within the gymnastics team. Stepping into that role has not only elevated those around her, but also strengthened her own confidence, empowering her to seek out and embrace new opportunities for growth through BroncoPRO.Bronco gymnastics head coach Tina Bird
What's Next
Shortly after the announcement of Bronco Studios Live last June, Pascal reached out to Chris Kutz, Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, to share her interest and inquire about opportunities to support the new project, including offering a few examples of programming.
"Blake is a true self-starter,” said Kutz. “From the moment we announced Bronco Studios Live, she was quick to reach out, and her enthusiasm and persistence in pursuing every opportunity have been remarkable."
The conversation led to an opportunity to serve as a social correspondent at a few home football games.
Blake has embraced every opportunity to gain experience and build her personal brand while preparing for what's next, beyond Boise State. Her Instagram takeovers during football games were a new initiative that helped us reach new audiences and tell our story in a fresh way. She has a bright future ahead.Colby Harms, Sr. Director, Creative Solutions
“I am doing everything that I can to have great connections and embracing as many opportunities as possible to make sure that I'm set up for life after athletics,” said Pascal. “Boise State always preaches there is life after your sport and they do a very good job of preparing us for that.”
Pascal is well on her way to scoring a perfect 10.
Join Pascal and the 2026 Boise State Gymnastics team this season at ExtraMile Arena. Tickets are available here.
Pascal shares more insights on her NIL journey via the BoiseDev Podcast hosted by Don Day, BoiseDev Co-founder & Publisher.
