Marley Washenitz considers herself “just a girl from small-town West Virginia.” However, with Desert Financial Credit Union’s support, the former ASU basketball player and soon-to-be graduate can share her mission with the world. The credit union’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Changemakers program partners with college athletes who excel in their sport and in their communities.
Desert Financial Credit Union’s Changemakers program focuses on college athletes who excel in sports and community involvement. They participate in Desert Financial community outreach efforts, including Random Acts of Kindness, teacher appreciation and financial well-being events, and will receive complimentary financial education.
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The NIL emerged after years of pressure on the NCAA’s amateurism model, which barred athletes from earning anything from their name, image or likeness.
The landscape changed when states — beginning with California in 2019 — started passing laws that challenged existing restrictions and sparked a national debate. In 2021, the Supreme Court’s Alston ruling opened the system, prompting the NCAA to implement an interim policy allowing athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
This year’s cohort is three women — Washenitz, fellow Sun Devil Faith Frame, a volleyball player, and NAU basketball star Audrey Taylor. In the summer of 2025, they were offered contracts to promote their brands. The athletes are referred by word of mouth or through extensive research.
“We found these three incredible ladies,” says Amy Steele, the credit union’s director, strategic partnerships.
“They’re leaders. They’re mentors and involved in the community. They go above and beyond to represent themselves and us well. [Changemakers] is also part of our culture. We’re a credit union — a not-for-profit — in the community. Our CEO has young daughters who are really involved in sports. This comes from the top down. It doesn’t just happen. It’s important all around for us.”
Steele says the athletes are not only paid, but the credit union staff ensures the partnerships are “meaningful.”
“It’s a great way for a local business like us to support these micro influencers.”
The 22-year-old Washenitz says being a Changemaker further enhances her profile, the public’s love of women’s sports, and her pursuit of professional basketball.
“There are so many fans who are engaged,” she says. “There are so many more young girls who are coming to the games, following us on social media, or coming up for autographs. I aim to inspire young people by being present, showing the value of hard work, and staying committed to goals.”
“Having a group of people in my corner to help me navigate finances has been really awesome — especially with Desert Financial,” Washenitz says.
Washenitz’s community engagement efforts have included signing cards for hospitalized children and teaching Boys & Girls Clubs members how to shoot hoops.
“I really love how Desert Financial Credit Union keeps me engaged,” she says.
“They’re really active in the community. I love being a part of that. Obviously, they have strong ties to ASU. Representing both daily is really awesome. I’m super proud to be able to do that.”
Guided by her faith, Washenitz has built a successful basketball career through the ups and downs. She transferred from Pitt to ASU, a university she feels lucky to have found.
“I’m obviously a firm believer in God,” she says. “I’m very faithful as an athlete. I let that be known with my platforms. I’m just a little girl from a small town in West Virginia. A lot of people probably don’t know that much about me. I’ve definitely had my fair share of ‘grinding it out’ moments. To be that role model for girls and any young kid who loves basketball — and life outside of sports — is great. Sports have brought so many life lessons to me, and turned me into the person I am today.”
“Person” is the operative word here.
“I’m a person outside of women’s basketball,” she says. “I’ve become at peace with my sport and my role in my sport. I have siblings, I have parents, grandparents, cousins and friends who love me. Outside of that, I’m still a daughter, a sister, a friend and a firm believer in God.”
Washenitz hopes her visibility will entice the WNBA to offer her a tryout. She is also eyeing overseas basketball, coaching or sideline reporting.
“I think I’m going to start overseas and continue my basketball journey for as long as I can,” she says. “Like someone told me once before, I’ll know when I’m done playing, and when it’s time to hang up the ball. We’ll see what the future holds.”
