These shoes are made for girls combat sports; now you can buy a pair down the street
September 1, 2022 | Startland News Staff
A Kansas woman’s mission to bring girls’ athletic gear to traditionally male sports scored a big win this week as Yes! Athletics announced its move from online-only sales to local store shelves.
Furthering its reach beyond the Yes! Athletics website, the shoe brand can be purchased at three Jock’s Nitch Sports stores in Kansas — including in Lenexa and Topeka — starting Sept. 12.
Deb Tomkins North, Yes! Athletics, at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Small Business Celebration
“I am excited about this partnership to have a retail location where girls can try and purchase the shoes,” said Deb Tomkins North, founder of Yes! Athletics. “Kansas was a trailblazer in women’s wrestling when they officially sanctioned in 2020 and we have seen tremendous growth in the sport.”
Click here to read more about North’s journey with Yes! Athletics.
Jock’s Nitch is owned by Phil Minton and is headquartered in Pittsburg, Kansas — where Minton founded the chain 32 years ago while a freshman at Pittsburg State University. Jock’s Nitch operates six locations across eastern Kansas.
The Pittsburg store is among those carrying North’s brand.
“We are very excited to partner with fellow Kansas Company Yes! Athletics,” Minton said. “Our business with girls and women’s sports continues to grow and are looking for innovative new companies and products like Yes! is producing.”
Can’t wait? Click here to shop Yes! Athletics online.
Shoes like Yes! Athletics’ Defiant 1 line are breathable, lightweight, and eco-friendly options for athletes in wrestling and other combat sports such as MMA. boxing, kickboxing, and powerlifting.
The shoe’s high-top design allows for excellent stability when jumping rope or lifting weights, according to the company.
UFC Fighter Miranda Maverick is expected to join an official Yes! Athletics launch event for autographs and a Q&A on her journey from wrestling to MMA. The meet and greet, along with product launch, is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Lenexa location, 13358 College Blvd.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Juneteenth efforts confront ‘complex history’, generational trauma in KC communities
Celebrating Juneteenth in Prairie Village — a community that historically excluded people of color — is a sign of progress, said Dr. George Williams. Stand Up For Black Lives+ Prairie Village and the Johnson County NAACP recently organized a weekend Juneteenth event — the groups’ fourth annual commemoration of June 19, 1865, the day the…
This BBQ vendor comes fully loaded with spuds and spices; Soon he’ll park the business along one of KC’s busiest streets
Southern flavors find a new home at the window of Thomas “TC” Clark’s food truck, a popular Kansas City destination on wheels that specializes in Southern and barbecue cuisine served on loaded baked potatoes. “When I moved here, I missed the barbecue baked potatoes we had back home, so that was a big inspiration,” said…
Before restaurant’s debut, this KC founder’s expansion was threatened by predatory loans
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve. There’s nothing quite like the crackling warmth at the heart of a campsite. “I just love what the fire does,” said Amante Domingo. “It brings people around,…
Kauffman Foundation looks within, names new executive director for 1 Million Cups, FastTrac
The new steward of two core programs from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation brings a wealth of experience in inclusive entrepreneurship and as a workforce development leader, the influential Kansas City philanthropic organization said Monday. Olatunji Ajani, a current associate at the Kauffman Foundation, begins his role as executive director for 1 Million Cups and…