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Tracksmith Varsity Club
Provides support in the form of gear stipend and athlete mentorship
NIL collegiate athletes (who can apply here)
Two years ago, the NCAA implemented the NIL policy that revolutionized the state of sponsorship and pay for student athletes, allowing them– at long last– to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness. From Instagram influencing to ad appearances for local businesses, athletes have cashed in on their personalities and performances. The NIL policy has certainly created a sea change within collegiate athletics, and while all the wrinkles have yet to be ironed out, one thing is for sure– athletes are able to receive support like never before.
Chairs not included
As part of that structure, Tracksmith has announced a new program to provide support and development opportunities to college track and field and cross country athletes as they transition to the next level of competition. Launching as the Tracksmith Varsity Club, members of the program will receive a gear stipend, mentorship from other Tracksmith athletes, and travel to Europe for training and competition at the end of each collegiate season.
Tracksmith has dabbled in athlete support before, most notably with its Amatueur Support Program (ASP), an initiative that provides elite amateurs with kit, competition expenses and on-the-ground support at the biggest events on the calendar. That program has been a resounding success for Tracksmith, landing its gear on some of the most prestigious stages in the sport, culminating with Cravont Charleston’s 100m win this past summer at the U.S. Championships where he outran favorites Noah Lyles (Adidas) and Christian Coleman (Nike).
Those same ASP athletes will serve as the mentors for the younger collegiate runners in the Varsity Club, providing invaluable support and advice on how to navigate a career in the sport while giving guidance on how they can live their best lives both on and off the track.
Look good while exhausted
In return for Tracksmith’s support, athletes will be expected to wear Tracksmith products during practice and around campus, as well as at any non-NCAA competitions. Of course, social media is a key component of any athlete partnership, and Tracksmith has always had a huge focus on storytelling. Combining those two things, athletes will work with the Tracksmith marketing team to craft authentic and engaging media posts.
Can you clear the admissions hurdle?
Exceptional athletes and personalities abound within the sport; however, many of them are often overlooked by the larger brands who tend to focus on top elites. There’s a ton of low hanging fruit out there that’s ripe for the picking, so it seems like Tracksmith is making the right move in going after them and providing support. It also helps that Tracksmith has built an image and culture around the brand that runners want to be a part of. As such, it seems to be a perfect opportunity to highlight and support athletes while spreading brand awareness within the sport and beyond.
To view program requirements and to apply for consideration as a Varsity Club athlete, visit tracksmith.com.
Not a collegiate athlete? You can still look good.
Check out our roundup of the best Tracksmith gear for fall, split up into specific temperature ranges. Because, you know, we actually tested all the stuff in all the conditions.
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Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
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