The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete

2026-01-06

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EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell✨ Episode SummaryWomen’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time.In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether.We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting...

EP# 99 The Rise of Women’s Sports, NIL Money, and the Power of the Everyday Athlete with Angela Hollowell

✨ Episode Summary

Women’s sports are having a moment — and it’s about time.

In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie Graham sits down with filmmaker, writer, and Melanin MVP founder Angela Hollowell to talk about the rise of women’s sports, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and why the idea of the “everyday athlete” might change how we think about movement altogether.

We get into how women athletes, especially women of color, are finally getting visibility, how branding and social media have reshaped college and pro sports, and why athleticism doesn’t have to look one specific way. From glam on the court to cycling for joy, this conversation explores how creativity, confidence, and culture show up in sports — and in life.

If you’ve ever thought “sports aren’t really for me,” this episode might change your mind.

🗣️ What We Get Into

Why women’s sports are finally getting real attention
How NIL money changed the game for college athletes
What an “everyday athlete” actually is — and why it matters
Glam, femininity, and breaking outdated ideas of athleticism
The pressure young athletes face in the age of social media
Filmmaking, creativity, and finding balance without burning out

⏱️ Chapters

00:11 — Welcome & setting the scene
00:35 — The rise of women’s sports + NIL money
11:22 — How Melanin MVP came to be
17:06 — Everyday athletes & redefining movement
23:19 — Reality TV, Alabama, and cultural detours
27:30 — Documentary filmmaking & creative process
37:14 — Balance, focus, and doing less better
46:03 — Sports relationships & team dynamics
48:24 — Melanin MVP Awards brainstorm 👀
55:54 — The yearbook idea & what’s next

🔗 Things We Mentioned

Melanin MVP – Newsletter + podcast spotlighting women athletes of color
The Melanin MVP Cross-Training Quiz (not for the weak, apparently 😭)
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation

🌟 All About Angela Hollowell

You’re gonna love Angela — she’s thoughtful, hilarious, deeply intentional, and casually changing how we think about sports and storytelling.

Angela Hollowell is the founder of Rootful Media, a creative documentary film production company based in Durham, North Carolina. She’s also the host of the video podcasts Honey & Hustle and Melanin MVP.

Her work centers Southern voices and explores the outdoors, health equity, environmental justice, and social impact — all through a thoughtful, culture-forward lens. Beyond filmmaking, Angela helps visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs grow their audience and build meaningful creative businesses.

When she’s not working, you can find her outside, on a bike, or enjoying a fruity beer or margarita with friends 🍹.

🔌 Connect with Angela