Elevating Leadership Blog

Hello, and welcome to Varsity Brands' leader blog Elevating Leadership, where executives across Varsity Brands share insights into their leadership philosophies, our company's culture and our commitment to empowering the next generation by elevating the student experience. Join us as we explore the importance of leadership and its impact on our communities.

Accelerating Action for Women and Girls

At Varsity Brands, we believe leadership isn’t just about who holds a title – it’s about who steps up, who lifts others and who drives meaningful change. In honor of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who do exactly that – on our teams, in our communities and the next generation of girls who will shape the future.

Reflecting on an Extraordinary 2024: Thank You to the Varsity Brands Team

As we close out an extraordinary year, CEO Adam Blumenfeld highlights and celebrates the milestones and progress that defined 2024 for Varsity Brands—and shares how our purpose to be In the Game for Good is making a meaningful impact across sports and communities nationwide.

Gratitude: The Power to Transform

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of the profound impact gratitude has—not just on how we see the world, but on how we see ourselves. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, let’s make the world a better place, one act of gratitude at a time.

All In, All Win: Celebrating Shared Ownership

On Friday, November 8, we announced that our people are not just employees of Varsity Brands—they are now co-owners. Welcoming more than 7,000 team members across the U.S. and the Dominican Republic into this shared ownership journey marks a new chapter.

Safety First, Always: Varsity Brands’ Commitment to Protecting Young Athletes

November is National Child Safety and Protection Month, a time to focus on the essential role we each play in safeguarding young people in our communities. Varsity Brands is steadfast in creating safe, supportive spaces, and we invite our community—families, schools, coaches, and partners—to join us in fostering a culture of care and vigilance.

Yearbooks: Capturing the Spirit of Every Generation

It’s time to celebrate yearbook — not just the completed book but the skills students gain through the process of making them each year. Yearbooks serve as lasting symbols of what it means to belong, to contribute, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

A Tribute to Leadership, Mentorship, and the Power of Teams

BSN SPORTS' President, Terry Babilla appears as a guest writer to celebrate National Coaches Day and reflect on the profound role coaches play in shaping the lives of young people.

Kicking Off the Season: The Spirit of Inclusion through CheerABILITIES Program

As we kick off another exciting cheer competition season, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of pride for one of the most meaningful initiatives built within the cheer community—the CheerABILITIES program.

A New Chapter Begins: Welcoming KKR to the Varsity Brands Family

Today marks an exciting and significant milestone for Varsity Brands as we officially welcome KKR, a leading global investment firm, as our new owner.

Varsity Brands’ Commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit and first-ever Corporate Champion of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend joins the Elevating Leadership Blog to share the inspiring story of our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Olympics: A Reflection on Varsity Brands’ Commitment to Team Sports and Cultural Unity

As the world unites to witness the grandeur of the Olympics, we are reminded of the incredible power of team sports. The Olympics, from basketball and swimming to gymnastics and the potential inclusion of cheerleading in the future, is a testament to the spirit of unity and excellence that drives athletes and nations alike.

Celebrating IMPACT: Our Commitment to Students and Educators

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Varsity Brands' IMPACT program, we reflect on how the IMPACT program has become a cornerstone of our mission to promote school spirit.

The Power of School Spirit

As we engage with schools across the country, we see a common thread among students thriving despite the issues plaguing their generation: school spirit.

Leading with a Service-First Mentality

I’m Adam, the CEO of Varsity Brands, and I am thrilled to start this journey with you. As a leader, my philosophy – and indeed that of Varsity Brands – is centered on the concept of leading by serving first. This, to me, means putting the needs of others before your own to help people develop and perform at the highest level possible. This blog will explore how we embody this philosophy every day to uplift and empower the next generation.