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Benton Harbor Today
By the People, for the People
Teen Entrepreneur Signs Local Student Athletes to NIL Deals
Zo's Mini Donuts owner Zoey Heyn partners with 8 high school athletes in new endorsement agreements.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Zoey Heyn, a high school senior and owner of Zo's Mini Donuts in St. Joseph, Michigan, has signed eight local student-athletes to name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsement agreements following a recent rule change by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The athletes will serve as brand ambassadors for the youth-focused mini donut shop, posting about the business on social media and wearing Zo's merchandise.
Why it matters
This deal highlights how the new NIL rules are empowering high school athletes to profit from their personal brands, while also providing opportunities for local businesses to partner with rising stars in their communities. As one of the first such agreements in Michigan, Zo's Mini Donuts is positioning itself as an innovative youth-owned company that supports young talent.
The details
Heyn selected the eight athletes with assistance from the local high school basketball promotion platform Michiana Hoops. The athletes, who come from schools across the region, will be required to try Zo's donuts, post about the business on Instagram, and wear Zo's merchandise. In exchange, they will receive gift cards and other compensation.
- The Michigan High School Athletic Association approved NIL deals for high school athletes starting on January 28, 2026.
- Zo's Mini Donuts announced the new NIL partnerships on February 11, 2026.
The players
Zoey Heyn
A high school senior and the owner of Zo's Mini Donuts in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Michiana Hoops
A local high school basketball promotion platform that assisted Heyn in selecting the student-athletes for the NIL deals.
Brayden Holok
A student-athlete from Lakeshore High School who signed an NIL deal with Zo's Mini Donuts.
Sydney Thomas
A student-athlete from Lakeshore High School who signed an NIL deal with Zo's Mini Donuts.
Brayden Favors
A student-athlete from Niles High School who signed an NIL deal with Zo's Mini Donuts.
What they’re saying
“We let them try our donuts in front of the film, and then we also allowed them to post us and tagging us and all that. So that was their contract.”
— Zoey Heyn, Owner, Zo's Mini Donuts (moodyonthemarket.com)
“We were just excited to take advantage of this opportunity. At the end of the day, it was just something that we just thought was a great opportunity for local high school students, and we really just wanted to be a part of it.”
— Zoey Heyn, Owner, Zo's Mini Donuts (moodyonthemarket.com)
What’s next
Zo's Mini Donuts plans to continue signing additional student-athletes to NIL deals in the coming months as the company looks to expand its brand ambassador program.
The takeaway
This partnership between a youth-owned business and local high school athletes demonstrates the potential of NIL deals to create mutually beneficial opportunities for small companies and rising stars in their communities.
