Bridged: Natalia Bowles Starts Company in Hopes of Changing the NIL Game

When Natalia Bowles transferred to Trevecca, she wasn't just looking for a place to play soccer. She was seeking a school that would support her as more than an athlete.

"Trevecca, even beyond the soccer team, offers a lot of support," said Bowles, a senior communications and journalism major from San Diego. "Our athletic department really cares. They've always focused on helping athletes transition to being more than just a player on the field."

That holistic approach has been key to Bowles' development-not only as a player and student, but also as the co-founder and CEO of Bridged, a growing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) startup that connects NCAA athletic teams with companies for brand partnerships and internship experiences.

Co-founded with San Diego entrepreneur Grayson Barber, Bridged began for Bowles as a calling. "It all started as an idea I felt like God put on my heart," she said. "To be an entrepreneur, it's very important that you're focused on solving a problem."

The problem Bowles has set out to solve is the lack of NIL opportunities for Division II athletes. Most NIL deals are with an individual. But many athletes, especially in D2 and D3 programs, don't have the time, resources or guidance to pursue those deals. Her company Bridged flips the model by focusing on teams.

"What we do is connect college athletes as a team. It's not all about 'me'-it's how we can work together," she said.

Here's how it works: A company chooses a college team to sponsor. Then, instead of just a product placement deal, Bridged helps build short-term internships for select athletes on that roster-typically based on their major or career goals. These internships provide valuable résumé experience and professional connections that athletes often miss due to demanding schedules.

"You're not going to be an athlete forever," said Bowles. "A lot of athletes get to their senior year and realize they don't have anything on their résumé. It's about knowing how to capitalize on the opportunity."

Bowles has paired that perspective with deep networking experience. She's interned with News 2 Nashville, and she's had conversations with athletic leadership and even Trevecca's president to help shape the school's approach to NIL. "In the past five years, NIL has grown so much. We have to grow with it," Bowles said.

While Bowles brings the drive, she credits Trevecca with giving her the tools.

"Trevecca always offers opportunity," she said. "There are incredible professors here with real experience-and they want to help. But at the end of the day if you want success, you need to go find it."

That mindset shaped her approach to Bridged and to her work on campus. "Every teacher, every person in the athletic department I've approached with this idea has been on board. They want to see you succeed."

Her major in communications and journalism has also given her a strong foundation for her business ventures-and for what's next.

"I always wanted to do a talk show," she said. "That's still a dream-maybe in the sports world. But right now, my focus is on entrepreneurship."

Bowles has learned that with whatever is in front of her, it takes community and perseverance to achieve your goals. "I just know that if you're willing to network and find the right people, you're going to succeed."