The SFIA Excelerator Program
A mentorship and development program for emerging leaders in the sports and fitness industry, drawn from diverse backgrounds and communities
The SFIA Excelerator Program is a young professionals development initiative for emerging sports and fitness industry leaders representing varied communities.
The Excelerator Program helps shape the next generation of sports and fitness industry leaders. SFIA member organizations nominate Associates for a four-month mentorship and training experience that builds leadership skills, grows industry networks, and accelerates career development.
2026 Excelerator Associates
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Maddy Cooper
Former Social Media Marketing Manager
NHL -
Sam DesMarais
Marketing Manager,
Team Sports
New Balance -
Caitlyn Houston
Area Sales Manager
BSN SPORTS -
Taryn Jakubowski
Sales & Marketing Specialist
Molten USA -
Jenna Koeppen
Associate Graphic Designer
Riddell -
Emma Krueger
Manager, Consumer Insights & Research
NFL -
David Olds
Partnerships Specialist
Good Sports -
Eric Portillo
West Coast Regional Supervisor
Brooks Running -
Caroline Rakip
Associate Creative Manager, Digital
Franklin Sports -
Haley Reines
Product Line Manager, Retail Basketball
Wilson Sporting Goods -
Joey Schwartz
Research Analyst
Capelli Sport -
Brooke Willison
Associate Category Manager, Glove Division
Rawlings Sporting Goods
Thank you to our 2026 program mentors!
Jeff Bardsley: President & CEO, HEAD USA Inc. / HEAD Canada Inc.
Mike Billish: Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Americas, Brooks Running
Katie Blout: Product Manager, Kids Footwear, New Balance
Amy Craven: Chief Marketing Officer, RIP-IT Sports
AJ Chua: Senior Sales & Marketing Manager, Bauer Hockey
Ryan Cruthirds: Chief Global Category & Brand Development Officer, Implus
Jennifer Fitzmaurice: Vice President of Customer Experience, BSN SPORTS
Erin Griffin: Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Riddell
Dianne Hayes: Senior Director of Pickleball Partnerships, Franklin Sports
Steve Holmberg: Market Research & Strategy Consultant, Insight Accelerator
Lindsey Naber: Senior Director, Partnership Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods
Jossi Schwebel: Director of Strategy & Market Intelligence, ASICS North America
HEAR FROM OUR ASSOCIATES
“The single most impactful component of my Excelerator Program experience was the Cohort. It’s rare to have the opportunity to meet with like-minded young professionals at similar stages in their career and be able to share similar experiences from different backgrounds and employers. I think those connections are the greatest takeaway from the program.”
– Kara Hurley: Associate Manager, Pickleball Partnerships, Franklin Sports (2024 Excelerator Associate)
“This program pushed me out of my comfort zone by creating structured opportunities to build real relationships with leaders across different companies, roles, and skill sets. I came away more confident in my strengths, clearer on how to keep developing them, and invested in the true value of an industry network—not just who you know, but how you learn, grow, and open doors for others.”
– Isaiah Norys: Talent Acquisition Manager, Wilson Sporting Goods (2025 Excelerator Associate)
“The SFIA Excelerator Program was a unique opportunity that helped me grow in several professional and leadership capacities while also providing me with specialized industry experience and exposure to leading executives and mentors. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this pilot program and look forward to implementing the skills and advice I have received as I further my career in the sports industry.”
– Kassi Ott: Category Manager, Rawlings Sporting Goods (2023 Excelerator Associate)
Programming Includes:
Exclusive engagement opportunities with SFIA leadership and interactive sessions with Board members to gain strategic industry insights
Participation in a comprehensive professional development program through intensive career advancement and growth sessions designed to enhance leadership capabilities
Monthly “Brunch ‘N Learn” sessions featuring industry leaders and Excelerator alumni
Customized mentoring program with SFIA member executives providing guidance and support
Career coaching sessions to address current professional challenges and future development
Networking development with SFIA’s 200+ members, industry partners, and Excelerator alumni
Hospitality benefits at all in-person events to ensure comfortable and productive participation
Complimentary access to all SFIA industry events, including the Team Sports Conference, Start-Up Challenge, Webinars, and other key industry gatherings throughout the year
Travel reimbursement for those requiring assistance with event attendance and program participation
Excelerator Program Benefits
Associates:
Collaborative learning experiences and shared professional growth opportunities foster a greater sense of community
Create a supportive environment for sharing professional challenges and insights, enabling peers to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives
Build personal and professional confidence through structured development programs and meaningful industry interactions
Expand and deepen industry knowledge through direct exposure to various sectors and leadership perspectives within the sports and fitness industry
Develop essential leadership skills and insights to prepare for future industry leadership roles
Partners & Mentors:
Unite the sports and fitness industry by conveying an essential “all are welcome” message to young professionals seeking career and leadership development opportunities
Recognize and accelerate the growth of high-performing young professionals for industry leadership roles through targeted development programs and experiences
Facilitate meaningful connections with SFIA industry members and leaders through curated events, thought-provoking leadership initiatives, networking activities, and structured mentorship opportunities
Excelerator ALUMNI
Garvey Buchongo-Whitlow ('25): Run Perception Researcher, Brooks
Kaylee Dellert ('25): Softball Marketing Manager, Rawlings Sporting Goods
Kayla DeAngelis ('25): Product Developer, Cascade | Maverik Lacrosse
Maria DiTurno ('24): Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Riddell
Briana Fitzgerald ('24): Senior Product Manager, Team & Licensed Apparel, New Balance
Kassi Ott ('23): Category Manager, Fastpitch Bats, Rawlings Sporting Goods
Ashley Frey ('24): Global Brand Communications - Baseball & Softball, adidas
Maya Harewood ('24): Recruiting Coordinator, Brooks Running
Kara Hurley ('24): Pickleball Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Franklin Sports
Jordan Johnson ('23): Senior Product Manager, New Balance
Michelle Kalupski ('23): Sales Manager, Consumer Products, Riddell
Erin Kelly ('23): Area Sales Manager, BSN Sports
Tyler Klostermann ('23): Senior Sales Consultant & Operations Manager, Nevco
Yliana Medina ('24): Inventory Planner, Hasbro (formerly with Clarks)
Ashlea Miller ('25): Director of Softball Development, Little League
Brian Morrison ('23): Human Resources Generalist, SEPHORA (formerly with Brooks Running)
Nico Mirandola ('25): Finance Manager, Riddell
Patrick Norris ('24): Director, Warehouse Operations & Equipment Partnerships, Good Sports
Isaiah Norys ('25): Talent Acquisition Manager, Wilson Sporting Goods
Kweku Quansah ('23): Account Executive, Hypebeast (formerly with Clarks)
Mat Quon ('25): Founder, Vettex
Alyssa Rhodes ('25): Purchasing Manager, BSN Sports
Morgan Ripper ('24): Manager, Partnership Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods
Gabby Sears ('25): Manager, E-Commerce Growth, Franklin Sports
Sam Siciliano ('25): Lead Athlete Insights Researcher, New Balance
Ashley Steiger ('24): Senior Brand Marketing Manager, BSN Sports
Tommaso Vitale ('24): Sales Strategy, Salesforce (formerly with Capelli Sport)
Contact us for more information or to get involved
EXCELERATOR SPONSORS
