SFIA Excelerator Program
A young professionals development initiative for emerging sports and fitness industry leaders representing varied communities.
Guided by principles of accessibility, inclusion, and industry engagement, the Excelerator Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of emerging leaders in the sports and fitness sector. SFIA Member organizations select Associates for hands-on training that builds leadership skills, expands industry networks, and strengthens career development.
The deadline to apply to be an Excelerator Program Mentor is Friday, March 21.
Associates and mentors will be chosen in March 2025, with core programming running from April-October 2025.
“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, 2024 Associate (2024 Excelerator Associate)
“Participating in the SFIA Excelerator program not only provided me with the chance to expand my understanding of the sports industry but also allowed me to establish connections with experienced leaders in the field. This valuable experience has significantly enriched my skill set as a creative leader in the sports industry. Thank you for the incredible opportunity!”
– Jordan Johnson: Product Manager/Designer, Collaboration & Energy (2023 Associate)
Programming Includes:
- Exclusive engagement opportunities with SFIA leadership including President & CEO Todd Smith, 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.
Application Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2025
“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 Farmer: Category Manager, Fastpitch Bats (2023 Excelerator Associate)
“The Excelerator program helped me develop both personally and professionally. I learned to change my mindset about networking; it helped develop me as a leader and made me realize the importance of personal development. I look forward to using these skills as I progress through my career and hope that other young leaders can have the same opportunity.”
– Erin Kelly: Area Sales Manager, 2023 Associate, BSN Sports (2023 Excelerator Associate)
Previous Excelerator Associates
- Maria DiTurno (’24): Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Riddell
- Briana Fitzgerald (’24): Product Manager, Team & Licensed Apparel, New Balance
- Kassi Farmer (’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): Associate Manager, Pickleball Partnerships, Franklin Sports
- Jordan Johnson (’23): Associate Product Manager/Designer (Collaboration & Energy), New Balance
- Michelle Kalupski (’23): Associate Sales Manager, Consumer Products, Riddell
- Erin Kelly (’23): Area Sales Manager, BSN Sports
- Tyler Klostermann (’23): Regional Sports Video Consultant, Nevco
- Yliana Medina (’24): Flow Planning Analyst, Hasbro (formerly with Clarks)
- Brian Morrison (’23): Senior Human Resources Generalist, Brooks Running
- Patrick Norris (’24): Director, Warehouse Operations & Equipment Partnerships, Good Sports
- Kweku Quansah (’23): Global Social Media Manager, Clarks
- Morgan Ripper (’24): Brand Marketing Manager, Rawlings Sporting Goods
- Ashley Steiger (’24): Senior Brand Marketing Manager, BSN Sports
- Tommaso Vitale (’24): Corporate Strategy Manager, Capelli Sport
For more information or to get involved, contact Glenn Horine at [email protected].
