When the scoreboard goes dark, top athletes don’t hit pause—they pivot. This summer, two rising stars—KK Arnold of UConn Women’s Basketball and Makenna Reid of FSU Softball—have taken the offseason and turned it into a marketing masterclass. Whether it's hoops or fastpitch, these athletes are proving that the offseason is prime time for brand-building.

KK Arnold: Turning Offseason Into Overtime

KK Arnold isn’t just working on her game—she’s working with the game. Coming off a strong sophomore season at UConn where she averaged 5.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in just over 21 minutes per game, Arnold has been just as active off the court.

Her Out2Win Score of 95 is one of the highest in college basketball, driven by 920.5K followers, a 18.92% engagement rate, and a staggering 83.8% engagement on sponsored posts. This summer, she’s teamed up with ProFeel, spotlighting a protein pudding that “keeps her going strong” during offseason workouts. It’s a campaign that leans into the idea of leveling up when the lights are off—making her content not only relatable but aspirational.

Arnold also partnered with State Farm to promote an Overtime Select Women’s Basketball event, signaling her growing role as both a player and ambassador in the women’s hoops space. She’s not just maintaining momentum—she’s building a brand that thrives when the cameras aren’t on.

Makenna Reid: Summer’s Softball Star

Down in Tallahassee, Makenna Reid has taken the offseason and made it hers. After a strong showing on the mound with a 1.81 ERA across 27 innings, she’s now pitching a different kind of message—one for brands that want more than just visibility.

Reid, who holds a 62 Out2Win Score, has become one of the most sponsored athletes in softball this summer. With partnerships that span from M&M’s to CVS, she’s showcased a level of off-field versatility that mirrors her on-field poise.

Her BOB Hotels campaign played into local pride—promoting affordable travel options in Tallahassee, right in the heart of Seminole country. Meanwhile, her CVS spot featured SunBum sun protection, a timely nod to staying safe under the Florida sun while keeping her training consistent. And her M&M’s collaboration tapped into the emotional side of branding—highlighting how fans can personalize their favorite treat to “make memories” their own.

Why KK & Makenna Own the Offseason

Authenticity in the Offseason

From pudding-fueled workouts to sun-safe training routines, both athletes are giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into how they stay game-ready—even when games aren’t being played. These aren’t just ads—they’re extensions of their routine.

Alignment With Brand Identity

Arnold’s partnership with Overtime and State Farm aligns with her role as a high-energy, community-driven athlete. Reid’s balance of local (BOB Hotels), lifestyle (M&M’s), and wellness (CVS) partnerships reflects the holistic story she’s telling.

Influence Meets Intentionality

These campaigns aren’t just about getting posts up—they’re about sustaining connection. With 83.8% and rising sponsored engagement, brands clearly trust these athletes to deliver value, not just exposure.

The Summer Strategy Is Real

Arnold and Reid are redefining what the offseason looks like. Instead of disappearing from the spotlight, they’re seizing the quiet months as a moment to double down on influence and identity. In doing so, they’re showing how elite athletes can build year-round value—not just with stats, but with stories.