Sports Inc Pioneers Women's Empowerment in Sports at Fall Team Dealer Show

On November 19, 2024, Sports, Inc. hosted its inaugural Women in the Lead event, a groundbreaking initiative at the Fall Team Dealer Show aimed at empowering women across the sporting goods industry. This event provided a dedicated platform for networking, insightful discussions, and professional development among women leaders in sports.

The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Lindsey Naber, Senior Director of Marketing at Rawlings Sporting Goods, who set the tone for collaboration and empowerment. Following this, attendees engaged in an enlightening fireside chat with Kristen Faulkner, a two-time gold medalist in cycling from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Faulkner expressed her enthusiasm for connecting with fellow women in the industry, emphasizing the necessity of support and solidarity among women in business. In her words, "I had so much fun meeting other women in the sports world. It's important for women in business to connect and support each other, and I am grateful that I could be a part of that at Sports, Inc.".

Kristen Faulkner shared her personal journey, discussing themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of fostering success. The conversation was skillfully moderated by Grace Schettler, Senior Vice President of Sales at Chipply, alongside Rachelle Manning, who serves as the Senior Channel Manager of Sporting Goods at SanMar. Their collective insights enriched the discussion, providing attendees with valuable perspectives on challenges and triumphs faced by women in the sports sector.

The event was deeply rooted in a commitment to fostering a supportive community. The enthusiasm and engagement experienced were a result of the hard work and dedication of Sports, Inc.'s inaugural planning committee, which included notable figures such as Naber, Manning, Schettler, and Mary Dolan, CEO of Pro-Am Team Sports. Reflecting on the event's impact, Dolan remarked, “The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed underscore the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow. We are proud to have welcomed over 200 attendees to this inaugural event, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the future.”

By successfully incorporating the Women in the Lead initiative into the Fall Team Dealer Show, Sports, Inc. has underscored its unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, innovation, and leadership within its community. This initiative not only emphasizes the value of women's leadership in sports but also provides a comprehensive framework of support for those seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape.

As the leading sporting goods buying group in the nation, Sports, Inc. is committed to providing independent dealers with strategic partnerships, premier events, and cutting-edge resources. The Women in the Lead event marks a significant step in fostering an inclusive environment in which women can elevate their roles and contributions within the industry.

The success of this event sets a promising precedent for future gatherings, laying the foundation for ongoing dialogue and support among women in sports. As more companies recognize the importance of fostering diversity and empowering women, such initiatives will continue to drive positive change and highlight the critical role women play in shaping the future of the sporting goods industry.

In conclusion, the launch of the Women in the Lead event by Sports Inc. not only represents a pivotal moment in the sporting goods industry but showcases the organization's dedication to nurturing an environment where women can lead, innovate, and inspire.