Marshall University Athletics
Four Marshall Student-Athletes Take Part In NCAA Legacy Lab
3/3/2026 2:12:00 PM | General, Buck Harless Student Athlete Program
Seminar helps build pathway to entrepreneurship through athletics
Photo Gallery – NCAA Legacy Lab | Contribute to Big Green Scholarship Fund
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Four Marshall student-athletes recently took part in the NCAA Legacy Lab – a unique invitation-only entrepreneurial seminar hosted by the NCAA in Indianapolis from Feb. 26 to March 1.
Marshall student-athletes selected to participate included Kylan Overstreet and Otenidi Omot of Marshall Track and Field and Maria Chaves and Fernanda Dantas of Marshall Women's Soccer.
The purpose of the seminar is to help select sophomore and junior student-athletes apply the disciplines of sports – resilience, teamwork and critical thinking – to become successful in entrepreneurship in the professional world.
"We are incredibly proud of that Marshall had four student-athletes selected to participate in the NCAA Legacy Lab," said Gerald Harrison, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics. "The NCAA Legacy Lab is more than just an opportunity; it's a launchpad for life outside of sports. The seminar empowers them to translate the leadership skills they've developed through sport into entrepreneurial success. Programs like this ensure they're not only prepared for life after athletics, but also equipped to build their own legacies in business and beyond as successful Sons and Daughters of Marshall University."
Overstreet was on the team whose project won best overall in the 'Brand In Motion' sector, which explored the use of name, image and likeness (NIL) responsibly and effectively.
"Our pitch focused on a problem we see all the time as athletes – the wear and tear (and safety risks) that come from walking in cleats or spikes on non-playing surfaces," Overstreet said. "We designed a product that protects both the athlete and the spike – helping prevent slips and injuries while also extending the life of the spikes, which ultimately saves athletes/parents/athletic directors money."
Not only did the project blow away the competition; it also piqued the interest of some of those in the business sector who were on-hand for the seminar.
"We built out the full concept and pitch, and I personally led the business analytics and revenue model side of things," Overstreet said. "By the end of the presentation, we had real co-signers and potential investors express interest in actually bringing the product to market. There was a lot of strong buy-in around the idea, which made the win even more meaningful for our team."
The idea of Overstreet's team expressly displays the meaning behind the NCAA Legacy Lab – to utilize the skills obtained within sports for applications that can help the athletes build their legacy as world leaders and difference-makers in a setting that promotes mentorship and confidence-building.
"Representing Marshall at the NCAA Legacy Lab was a blessing," Overstreet said. "The speakers were amazing, and their messages really hit home for me and where I am in my journey right now. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be part of the first-ever Legacy Lab and come away with the winning project. It also came with some great benefits I'm excited to take advantage of in the future. I'm thankful for the experience and everything it poured into me."
The 'Brand in Motion' learning sector was one of three avenues that the student-athletes could choose to explore at the NCAA Legacy Lab. The others were 'Blueprint to Breakthrough' which taught the essentials of starting, operating and owning a business and 'Built to Serve' which focused on ventures that prioritize social responsibility alongside profitability.
The ability to build a network of strong leaders within the business sector and take part in brainstorming sessions with leaders and peers alike in each of those areas are benefits that will prove profitable for years to come for the athletes.
"Having the chance to listen to their experiences and insights allow me to gain practical knowledge that goes far beyond theory," Chaves said. "I am especially excited to broaden my perspective, develop new skills and better understand how to apply what I learn academically to real-world business contexts. Connecting with professionals who have inspiring career paths certainly makes this experience even more meaningful. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the NCAA Legacy Lab."
The NCAA Legacy Lab was open to Division I sophomore and junior student-athletes in good academic standing. Participants had to be nominated by a coach or administrator within the athletic department.
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