Thessa Malau’ulu – UCLA NIL Amount, Net Worth, Player Information
Thessa Malau’ulu has left an indelible mark on college softball.
As a standout player at UCLA, she showcased her athletic skills with unmatched prowess.
Known for her fast reflexes and strong arm, Thessa consistently delivered stellar performances at third base, participating in 51 games during her senior season.
Originally hailing from Long Beach, California, Thessa has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout her career.
Her stats, including a .294 batting average and .377 on-base percentage, highlight her contributions to the team. Thessa’s journey from St. Anthony High School to UCLA speaks volumes about her dedication and talent.
Off the field, Thessa has a wide array of interests. She enjoys sushi and poke, and she finds inspiration in music by artists like Frank Ocean and Maverick City Music.
The multifaceted sportswoman also appreciates the narratives in films like “The Chosen” and “Creed,” mirroring her own journey of perseverance and triumph.
Who Is Thessa Malau’ulu?
Table of Contents
- 1 Who Is Thessa Malau’ulu?
- 2 How Much Is Thessa Malau’ulu Making In NIL Money?
- 3 What Is Thessa Malau’ulu Net Worth?
- 4 Who Manages Thessa Malau’ulu?
- 5 What Are Thessa Malau’ulu’s Business Prospects Post College?
- 6 What Is Thessa Malau’ulu’s Social Media Following?
- 7 Player Comparison
- 8 What Are Thessa Malau’ulu’s Prospects For Going Professional?
Thessa Malau’ulu is a standout softball player known for her time with the UCLA Bruins.
She attended St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, California, where she built a strong foundation in the sport. Malau’ulu played club softball for the Firecrackers – Rico/Weil team, gaining valuable experience and honing her skills.
At UCLA, she played as an infielder, mainly at third base. In her senior season, Malau’ulu played 51 games and made 46 starts, finishing with a .294 batting average, 15 RBIs, and 28 runs scored.
Malau’ulu also battled a right arm injury in her career but showed resilience and determination to return to the field.
She was recognized with honors like All-CIF and All-League and served as a varsity captain and PGF All-American.
Thessa Malau’ulu’s background is rich in cultural diversity, with ties to Polynesia. Off the field, she pursued a degree in psychology, showcasing her commitment to academics alongside her athletic career.
How Much Is Thessa Malau’ulu Making In NIL Money?
Thessa Malau’ulu, a standout infielder for the UCLA Bruins, is navigating the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals effectively.
Through platforms like Opendorse, Thessa offers personalized videos and shoutouts, starting at $10. Such services allow her to engage with fans and monetize her popularity.
While the exact amount she makes from NIL deals isn’t disclosed, the number of engagements and followers on her profile indicates a steady income stream. Malau’ulu’s presence across platforms signifies broader marketability.
Additionally, affiliations with high-profile schools like UCLA enhance her earning potential. This level of exposure provides more opportunities for endorsement deals and collaborations.
Her participation in softball, combined with her strong social media presence, contributes significantly to her NIL earnings. This balanced approach enables her to maximize her financial gains while focusing on her athletic career.
What Is Thessa Malau’ulu Net Worth?
Thessa Malau’ulu, a standout college softball player, has drawn attention for her impressive performances on the field. As of now, specific figures on her net worth are not available from public records.
College athletes typically do not earn salaries. However, recent changes to the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules allow college players to make money through endorsements, sponsorships, and social media.
Given Malau’ulu’s prominence in softball, she could have potential opportunities in these areas. While playing for UCLA, she was a consistent and highly valued player, starting in 46 games in her senior season.
Moving to Duke University, she continues to build her athletic career. Details about her financial arrangements or endorsements at Duke have not been disclosed. Thessa’s long-term financial potential looks promising with her skill set and visibility in college sports.
Estimating her net worth involves considering possible income sources:
- Scholarships: Full or partial athletic scholarships cover tuition and living costs.
- Endorsements: Potential earnings from local or national brands.
- Social Media: Earnings from sponsored posts on platforms like Instagram.
Although it’s challenging to pinpoint Thessa Malau’ulu’s net worth currently, her trajectory suggests future financial growth through sports and related opportunities.
Who Manages Thessa Malau’ulu?
Thessa Malau’ulu is currently managed by a dedicated team at UCLA, where she plays on the softball team. Key figures include her head coach, assistants, and support staff.
Coaches
- Head Coach: Kelly Inouye-Perez, a former UCLA star, guides the team with experience and expertise.
- Assistant Coaches: Lisa Fernandez, known for her pitching, and Kirk Walker, focusing on hitters, are crucial to player development.
Support Staff
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Ensures Thessa maintains peak physical fitness.
- Team Physicians: Handle injuries and health issues, important for athletes like Thessa.
Academic Advisors
UCLA offers academic advisors to help Thessa balance her studies and sports commitments. This helps her maintain high performance both on the field and in class.
Family and Personal Management
Thessa’s family, especially her father with full Samoan roots, also plays a role in her personal management. They provide emotional and logistical support which is vital for her success.
Future Plans
Thessa plans to continue her career at Duke University in 2025. Moving to Duke, she will join a new team with different management but similar goals and support systems in place to help her succeed.
What Are Thessa Malau’ulu’s Business Prospects Post College?
Thessa Malau’ulu’s varied experiences on and off the softball field position her well for diverse business prospects after college.
One clear route is sports management. Her time at UCLA and Duke, combined with her presence on social media, could allow her to manage other athletes’ careers, helping them navigate the complexities of endorsements and contracts.
Marketing and brand collaborations are another avenue. With a significant following on platforms like Instagram, she could partner with brands focusing on sports, health, and wellness. Helping businesses reach new audiences through her influence is a viable path.
Exploring the realm of sports psychology could also be beneficial. Drawing from her own athletic experiences, she might help young athletes manage stress and improve their mental game. This career would leverage her deep insights into the athlete’s mindset.
Lastly, Malau’ulu could dive into entrepreneurship. Establishing her own line of sports gear or health products, backed by her athletic background and personal brand, would be a logical step. She has the potential to transform her sports knowledge and fan base into a profitable business venture.
What Is Thessa Malau’ulu’s Social Media Following?
Thessa Malau’ulu maintains an active presence on Instagram. Known for her engaging posts, she connects with fans and followers through updates about her athletic journey and personal life.
As of now, her Instagram account, @thessa.malauulu, boasts 7,579 followers.
She has shared 65 posts so far, covering various aspects of her life, from softball games to moments with family and friends.
Her following includes a mix of softball enthusiasts, students, and supporters from her time at UCLA and now Duke University.
This strong following showcases her influence and popularity on social media.
Player Comparison
Thessa Malau’ulu’s versatility makes her a notable player in college softball. Comparing her stats with others highlights her strengths.
Player | Team | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thessa Malau’ulu | UCLA/Duke | .294 (2024) | 5 | 15 |
Sharlize Palacios | Arizona | .320 | 12 | 45 |
Maya Brady | UCLA | .346 | 14 | 55 |
Taylor Tinsley | Oklahoma | .289 | 6 | 20 |
Malau’ulu’s 2024 batting average of .294 places her as a strong competitor, though not at the top compared to Maya Brady’s .346 average.
She’s shown consistency in her fielding percentage and versatility with positions, often comparing well with other players in top programs like the University of Arizona and Oklahoma.
Her offensive achievements include multiple multi-hit games and key plays such as a sacrifice fly and an RBI single, especially notable during the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
In crucial matches like those against Fresno State and Texas A&M, she solidified her offensive presence.
Comparing fielding, Malau’ulu also excels. She maintains a high fielding percentage, essential for a utility player. Her agility and quick reflexes are comparable to top-tier players such as Maya Brady and Sharlize Palacios.
Thessa’s flexibility and performance in tight games, like securing a comeback victory, demonstrate her value on the field. Her adaptability is evident from playing against strong teams like Oregon State and Stanford.
What Are Thessa Malau’ulu’s Prospects For Going Professional?
Thessa Malau’ulu has shown significant promise during her time at UCLA. Her senior season saw her participate in 51 games, making 46 starts at third base. She recorded a .294 batting average and a .377 on-base percentage. These stats indicate a strong, consistent performance on the field.
Achievements at UCLA:
- 2024 Season: .294 batting average, 35-for-119, .377 on-base percentage, 15 RBIs, 28 runs scored, 5 doubles.
- 2022 Season: .290 batting average, 20-for-69, 5 RBI, 3 runs scored, 3 doubles.
During her college career, Malau’ulu has shown her skill and reliability, making her a valuable player in postseason games. Her experience in NCAA Regionals and the super regional rounds has prepared her well for high-pressure situations.
Her involvement in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) demonstrates her ability to perform on a national stage. This exposure is crucial for scouts evaluating her potential for the professional level.
Drafting Process
The drafting process in professional softball is highly competitive.
Malau’ulu’s solid stats and experience in critical games like the championship game will weigh heavily in her favor. Teams look for players who have shown they can handle the stress of high-stakes matches.
Her versatility as a utility player also adds to her attractiveness as a draft pick. Being able to play multiple positions gives her an edge over more specialized players.