During her sophomore year of college, Terra McGowan, a catcher for the University of Oregon Softball team, created a TikTok account. Only about a year and a half after creating her account she reached 50 thousand followers. Her first video blew up and now as a graduate student, she has 371.1 thousand views on it with 90.8 thousand followers. McGowan embodies what it means to be a student-athlete in this day and age by using social media to give a glimpse into what her everyday life is like while also cultivating her brand and image.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How has your social media presence helped you as a student-athlete to create your personal brand?
TM: My social media presence has helped me as a student-athlete in multiple ways. It has allowed me to single-handedly curate my personal brand and who I am on and off the field. Through TikTok, I have been able to show my values and things I am passionate about such as athletes’ mental health and women in sport. My social media pretense has also allowed me to connect with athletes all over the country and help them tell their own stories.
How can you see the personal brand you built on TikTok evolving after you graduate?
TM: Post-graduation I want to continue to grow my brand in different avenues. Up to this point, I have curated my personal brand to represent; women in sport, advocacy, honesty, comedy, and keeping sports fun. Once I graduate I want to show people other sides of myself such as my career path, hobbies, and even fashion sense.
Do you think going to the University of Oregon has impacted the interest people have in your social media account and if so, why?
TM: Going to the University of Oregon is what single-handedly allowed me to have a platform and continue to grow it. First and foremost Oregon is a national brand, so wearing the O across your chest gets you national attention right off the bat. Additionally, this university allows its athletes to be themselves and express themselves how they want. This has allowed me to post content about subjects I am passionate about while also having support from the University.
What has been the biggest challenge for you when using TikTok as a student-athlete?
TM: Being a content creator and student-athlete has its challenges. Firstly, finding time to scroll through TikTok and find inspiration for content has been a challenge, especially when in season. Secondly, as a student-athlete, you really have to censor your content in some ways. We represent the university and have young audiences, this means that we can’t do every fun or funny trend out there which can be tough. Lastly, navigating NIL has had its ups and downs; just finding time to meet brand timelines and even finding brands that align with my values can be hard.
Finally, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give to other student-athletes trying to use TikTok to grow their personal brand?
TM: The biggest piece of advice I would give other student-athletes trying to use TikTok to grow their personal brand is to just go for it. If you have things you’re passionate about, speak up. Curate your platform to become a space where people can see past your identity as an athlete. The coolest thing about social media is that you can make it your own.