For many, running is simply a New Year’s resolution that never comes to fruition. But for senior Abby Hennessy, her life revolves around it. After winning countless state titles and being named a captain of the WA Girls’ Cross Country team, Hennessy is achieving what many athletes dream of: a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with one of the world’s most renowned sportswear brands, New Balance. She has also been recruited onto the company’s national high school team.
To Hennessy, this partnership was a surprise. Ever since she was a child, she enjoyed the running aspect of the many sports she took part in, specifically the arduous workouts and sprints her fellow teammates despised. It was not until a Stony Brook Middle School nurse saw her talent that she was convinced to join their school’s cross country team. Having always preferred individual sports, she stuck with running throughout her middle and high school years, and a passion for the sport overtook her.
“[Hennessey] was very tentative and shy when I first met her when she was a freshman. She ran decent, and I could see that she was getting better each week,” WA cross country head coach Philip Archambault said. “Each year, she made improvements that were leaps and bounds above the last [year’s struggles]. [Her improvements are] off the charts, and emotionally, she’s much more confident.”
Hennessy first caught the eye of New Balance when she raced in their Indoor Nationals competition in March 2025, where she was placed in an unseeded heat. She was then assigned a first-place ranking before the meet began due to a lack of competition. The company took an interest in her talent during the race, where she beat her previous personal record and led with ease. From that day on, New Balance was certain they wanted to offer Hennessy the NIL deal.
However, this partnership did not come without its fair share of hurdles to overcome. After some health concerns, Hennessy and her family were nervous that they would be committing to something they couldn’t fulfill, all dependant on how her season progressed. But with careful review and compromise, they were able to draw up a contract that both parties were satisfied with, a few months later, in April.
Along with the constant exposure she earns by being associated with New Balance, Hennessey also receives merchandise and can be seen frequently sporting their clothing and shoes. This deal additionally enables her to treat her friends, family, and teammates to a wide selection of new gear to elevate their performance.
“Whenever brands and money are involved, people instinctively think that puts more pressure on people. But for me, I’ve tried to separate myself from that and see this as a reward for my work that I’ve done in the past,” Hennessy said. “It’s not being driven by what I’m doing right now, so I’m just trying to be the best I can be without added stress or fear.”
As a part of her NIL with New Balance, Hennessey must also attend a variety of the brand’s races throughout the year, ranging from their dubbed “Trials and Miles” meet to the company’s Indoor and Outdoor National competitions. However this offer is not limiting, as she can still attend other competitions that are not New Balance affiliated, allowing her freedom and flexibility over her races.
As such, Hennessy is an active participant in the track and cross country teams at Westford Academy, often dedicating hours out of her busy schedule to keep up with her training. She tends to stray away from the more traditional training of running six days a week, and instead follows a curated routine that gives her both strength and rest. This includes running five days a week and engaging in different cross-training workouts, biking, and active recovery days.
Within this deal is a newfound, tight-knit community full of like-minded people that Hennessy is excited to be a part of. Although she has not been able to personally meet any of her fellow NIL athletes, she is looking forward to attending post-meet dinners and fun afternoons with the group.
“It’s really special and it’s such a fun experience because I get to meet so many amazing athletes my age and I get to interact with pro athletes and people higher up on the chain at New Balance,” Hennessy said.
Looking to the future, Hennessy’s next big goal is to get onto a competitive college team where she is surrounded by other female athletes who share a common passion to constantly improve and push one another to their fullest potential.
“[Hennessy] has done what a lot of student athletes haven’t done, and going to the national level is very amazing and inspiring.” sophomore Diya Shrestha said. “She’s such a major role model to me and my teammates.”
