Anna Frey never expected a passing resemblance to an NFL quarterback to redefine her career path, yet the Brock Purdy comparisons have helped elevate the North Carolina freshman into one of the most recognisable names in college athletics.
What began as a playful social media moment has grown into a personal brand valued at roughly $680,000 in name, image, and likeness deals, while simultaneously boosting visibility for the Tar Heels women’s tennis programme.
Frey entered UNC as one of the nation’s top recruits, but her digital presence quickly became the headline. She now commands more than 800,000 followers on Instagram and approximately 2.2 million on TikTok, a reach that rivals many professional athletes.
That audience has attracted partnerships with brands such as American Eagle, Nerds, FILA, and Head USA, deals secured before she even played a collegiate match.
The ripple effect has been immediate. During UNC’s season opening sweep of Campbell, the programme shared multiple updates across social platforms. A routine final score graphic generated modest engagement.
short clip featuring Frey’s first collegiate win surged toward nearly 80,000 likes, dwarfing the traction of any other post.
A previous signing announcement featuring her had already passed the 200,000 like mark, offering a clear example of how one athlete can amplify an entire programme’s reach.
How a viral moment turned into real value
Frey’s rise began in 2023, when users online noticed her uncanny similarity to Purdy and began tagging her in viral comparisons. Instead of ignoring the attention, Frey leaned into the moment with humour and authenticity, creating short videos that quickly spread across platforms.
During the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl run that season, one playful clip joking about waiting for an invitation captured widespread attention and ultimately led to a sponsored trip to the game.
That exposure accelerated her following and, in turn, her marketability. Industry valuations place her NIL worth at approximately $681,000, ranking her sixth among women’s college athletes across all sports.
Only a handful of elite stars in basketball, softball, and golf sit ahead of her, an extraordinary position for a freshman tennis player.
None of it has distracted from her development on the court. Frey was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in her recruiting class and built a decorated junior résumé, including deep runs at major national tournaments.
She has also logged early professional success, earning a career high WTA ranking inside the top 1,000 and defeating a top 150 opponent last season.
UNC believes that combination of competitive upside and digital influence can elevate the programme both competitively and commercially.
The Tar Heels opened the year ranked among the nation’s best and hope Frey’s presence can help push them toward a national title while introducing the sport to new audiences.
In a college sports landscape increasingly shaped by visibility and personal branding, Frey’s story reflects a broader shift.
A simple viral connection has evolved into a sustainable business platform, proving that modern athletic success is measured not only in wins and rankings, but also in reach, relevance, and opportunity.
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