Maine's Capital Area

AUGUSTA, Maine - On Dec. 12, Greg Glynn and Kelsey Glynn announced the official release of their children's book "The Magic Cleats." The children's book is written and illustrated by Glynn and his daughter to share the true story of college softball players, Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank, the first college athletes in the country to use their name, image and likeness (NIL), to design cleats and raise funds for childhood cancer research.

The book was published by BookBaby and is available online now at Store.bookbaby.com. and also is available for pre-order through online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more. The book is also currently available in-store from Oliver Friends Bookshop in Waterville, Maine through Dec. 25. The book is also available online. The retail cost of the hardcover book is $24.99 and portions of the proceeds will benefit cancer research and #MissionE50, an initiative to increase the popularity of women's sports.

"Many marketing experts are rushing to write books about how college athletes can make money using their name, image and likeness, ways athletes can increase their followers on social media, or advice for athlete marketing and personal branding. As NIL legislation and rules for athletes continue to evolve, there are so many things that can change in the next few years. My daughter and I wanted to write a book that would last forever. In writing the book, we want to inspire the next generation of young athletes about how they can give back to their communities and showcase the causes that are most important to them. This is exactly what Hannah and Emma did during their college softball career, and I am so proud of them for everything they have done and will continue to do. Their story has no end," said Greg Glynn, co-author of "The Magic Cleats."

"The Magic Cleats" tells the inspirational true story of Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank from Ball State University, the first college athletes in the country to use their name, image and likeness to design #CURECANCER cleats to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Through their efforts, so far they have raised more than $4,500.

In reading the book, children will learn core values from Hannah and Emma that helped them become successful college student athletes, and support families who have been impacted by cancer. While the story is intended to be read to young children (12 and under), the book includes an additional "bonus" section to inspire older children, teens and adults. The section shares short stories with QR codes about several other Pliable athletes who have raised awareness and funds for different causes and organizations. In total, the athletes featured in the book have raised more than $20,000.

Ultimately, the magic of the cleats is the impact that Hannah and Emma's story will have on others. As readers will learn, this is a story that has no end. With every purchase of this book, readers get to be part of Hannah and Emma's efforts. Portions of the proceeds will benefit cancer research and support #MissionE50, an initiative to increase the popularity of women's sports.

Both Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank worked closely with Greg Glynn, founder and CEO of Pliable, who is also their NIL marketing agent to secure NIL partnerships and build their athlete brand. Pliable is a marketing company and NIL agency that represents more than 35 high school, college and professional athletes.

In June of 2021, a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision that NCAA restrictions on “education-related benefits” for college athletes violated antitrust law. As a result, college athletes now have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness (NIL), a topic that continues to change the landscape of college sports. In April of 2025, if the House v. NCAA settlement receives final approval, Division I colleges and universities will have the opportunity to share revenue with athletes. By Fall of 2025, schools could start paying a total of more than $20 million to athletes at their institutions.

"When Greg came in a told me about "The Magic Cleats" that he and Kelsey wrote, I jumped at the chance to help them share their book. In addition to Hannah and Emma's incredible story, the book also has local short stories of Maine athletes from the area who have worked with Pliable Marketing and are giving back to nonprofits and organizations in Maine and across the country. Greg also wanted to support a local independent bookstore by making the books immediately available at our Waterville location so people can buy the book as a holiday gift for a child in their life. Oliver & Friends Bookshop is proud to have this opportunity and support the authors and the athletes featured in the book," said Renee Cunningham, owner of Oliver and Friends Bookshop.

Glynn, 43, is the founder & CEO of Pliable, a marketing, public relations and broadcasting company and NIL agency in Augusta, Maine. As a registered sports agent, Greg specializes in athlete branding, including creating name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for high school, college and professional athletes, many of whom are also featured in the book. He has more than 20 years of marketing, public relations and broadcasting experience, including his role as host of The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast. The company represents more than 35 athletes across the country. Learn more at PliableMarketing.com.

Kelsey Glynn, 12, is a Pliable athlete, just like Hannah and Emma. She was heavily involved in the writing and illustration of the book to inspire the next generation of young girls to be positive role models in their community. Kelsey is well-known for her efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Maine Children's Home in Waterville, Maine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was one of the youngest athletes to raise funds and complete the 180-mile Trek Across Maine which benefits the American Lung Association.