U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky "chose to pass up millions of dollars in potential endorsement contracts" in order to accept a scholarship at Stanford, and while there are "just a handful of swimmers who have made life-changing money from the sport ... for those who do, most notably [Michael] Phelps, it can be a lot," according to Michael Sokolove of N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE. Arizona State swimming coach Bob Bowman, who also coaches Phelps, said of the 19-year-old Ledecky, "She would have had the earnings potential that no one but Michael has had, if she wanted it." NPD Group Sports Industry Analyst Matt Powell said, "She has a terrific personality -- great kid, great smile, she’s excelling at a really high level. The endorsement side could be worth millions to her, as much as $10 to $15 million per year." Sokolove writes Ledecky's parents "zealously protect her time and have rejected requests from the late-night shows -- and even NBC Sports and USA Swimming -- when they felt it would interfere with her preparation." The family "discussed whether she should turn pro, but it was never seriously considered, they say, nor did they really endeavor to attach a number to how much money she might be passing up" (N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE, 7/31 issue).
