Collegiate Athlete Leadership Recognition Program
In today’s college athletics landscape, student-athletes are incentivized to transfer schools in pursuit of the most lucrative NIL deals and national exposure. While CEEK Next supports student-athletes maximizing opportunities available to them, we also recognize that this trend can come at a cost — the erosion of team culture, long-term commitment, and personal growth through adversity.
Recognizing True Leadership
In contrast to prevailing trends, CEEK Next created the Collegiate Athlete Leadership Recognition program to celebrate senior student-athletes who embody perseverance and other-oriented leadership, demonstrated through four years of commitment to the same college and team—regardless of division, sport, or school size.
We especially seek to uplift stories that often go untold of student-athletes whose contributions reflect character over visibility. CEEK Next aims to honor their journey, amplify their voice, and inspire a new generation of other-oriented, values-based leadership.
How to Nominate a Student-Athlete
In contrast to prevailing trends, CEEK Next created the Collegiate Athlete Leadership Recognition program to celebrate senior student-athletes who embody perseverance and other-oriented leadership, demonstrated through four years of commitment to the same college and team—regardless of division, sport, or school size.
We especially seek to uplift stories that often go untold of student-athletes whose contributions reflect character over visibility. CEEK Next aims to honor their journey, amplify their voice, and inspire a new generation of other-oriented, values-based leadership.
Submission Deadlines
CEEK Next accepts rolling nominations on an annual basis with the following deadlines:
CEEK Next will notify all nominators and nominees of award decisions within two weeks of the deadlines noted above.
Honor an Exceptional Student-Athlete
If you’d like to nominate a deserving student athlete, complete this nomination form.
$500 Honorarium
Provided as a simple NIL agreement from CEEK LLC. In exchange, we ask the student athlete to engage in an interview, to permit sharing their story on social media, and to assist with delivery of the honorary leadership event as described below.
Storytelling & Visibility
Promotion of the student athlete’s story across CEEK Next and CEEK LLC’s digital platforms, including social media and our website.
Honorary Leadership Event
In partnership with the honoree and their school, CEEK Next will offer a team workshop, leadership development event, or community activity held in honor of the awarded student athlete.
CEEK Next has collaborated with and vetted this program with the athletic administration and compliance staff at schools representing Division 1, 2, and 3 of collegiate athletics. Please email ceeknext@ceekllc.com if you have any questions or unique requirements to address before submitting a nomination.
What Honorees Receive
Selected student-athletes will participate in a meaningful, values-based recognition experience, including: