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
Back2KC effort attempts to bring Kansas City expatriates home to an emerging innovation hub
A first-of-its-kind event is drawing successful Kansas Citians who’ve left the region “Back2KC” Thursday and Friday for a hands-on glimpse at the city’s evolving innovation economy, Darcy Howe said. As managing director of the KCRise Fund — a co-investment fund that works with venture capital investors to support early-stage Kansas City companies — Howe saw…
Artist Vi Tran to KC-based innovators: Wipe ‘local’ label from your vocabulary
Some roots are best left behind, but not forgotten, said multi-faceted Kansas City artist Vi Tran. Others are worth holding close. Speaking at Startland’s recent Innovation Exchange, the actor, playwright, musician and owner of The Buffalo Room decried the idea that innovators who choose to stay in places like Kansas City are any less worthy…
The not-so-secret Sauce behind KC hip hop entrepreneur’s success: Authenticity
Royce “Sauce” Handy wears his influences and inspiration like pins on the outside of his well-worn jean jacket. The KCK-born hip hop entrepreneur embraces his identity: A collector of Goosebumps books. A student of history. A fan of 1990s family sitcoms. And he’s unapologetically black. His lips twist into a smile and his eyes brighten…
Startup Hustle podcast duo pledging $50K in Full Scale tech resources at Pure Pitch Rally
Early stage businesses need more than cash — they need the tools to grow, said the hosts of the KC-based Startup Hustle podcast. “Good ideas in startups move faster when they’re supported by successful business people in the community,” said podcast co-host Matt DeCoursey, announcing the plan late Wednesday to award $50,000 in tech resources,…