Driver joins the SURGE program dedicated to empowering female athletes and their coaches
FARMERS BRANCH, TX –Today, SURGE by BSN SPORTS is teaming up with pro football champion Donald Driver to become the program’s first-ever Chief Motivation Officer. In his new role, Driver will proudly support SURGE, a program empowering girls to stay in sports and lead healthy, successful lives. SURGE provides free online tools for coaches to build self-esteem, instill confidence and prioritize mental health in their female athletes. These tools are designed to help combat the trend of girls dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. This is a pressing need for coaches and athletes, as research shows girls who play sports through high school have higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of depression, greater academic success, higher graduation rates and are more likely to have successful careers.
SURGE, which stands for Strength, Unity, Resilience, Growth and Equity, was founded one year ago to address needs for tailored resources expressed by coaches and female athletes nationwide. In its first year, SURGE membership grew to over 5,000 coaches, reaching over 370,000 female athletes encompassing 21 sports across all 50 states.
"As the driving force behind team sports, Varsity Brands is proud to champion female athletes through SURGE," said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, the parent company of BSN SPORTS. "Our nationwide presence allows us to connect with athletes and coaches at every level, ensuring they have access to the resources, training and support needed to succeed. With the program’s continued growth and our new partnership with Donald Driver, we’re working to close the gap in women’s sports and help female athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.”
According to the Aspen Institute’s 2024 State of Play report, 72% of youth head coaches are male. SURGE’s partnership with Driver aims to increase the company’s connection and participation from these coaches and ensure they are best prepared to effectively support today’s female athlete. BSN SPORTS is a leading provider of team sports uniforms, athlete and fan apparel, and equipment that reaches a wide range of coaches and athletes. The company serves over 150,000 coaches and teams and equips more than seven million athletes annually through partnerships with iconic brands like adidas, lululemon, Nike, Puma and Under Armour.
“Young athletes pour everything into their sport but, too often, they lack the resources and coaching support needed to reach their full potential," said Donald Driver. "As SURGE’s first Chief Motivation Officer, I’m eager to help close that divide. From my own experiences—like creating the Donald Driver Foundation to cheering on my daughters when they compete—I’ve seen the impact of strong mentorship. I’m partnering with BSN SPORTS to inspire, educate and uplift female athletes so they feel unstoppable in their pursuit of greatness."
Driver joins SURGE partners and content contributors WeCOACH, Women Leaders in Sports, Nancy Lieberman Charities and Allison Schmitt, Olympian and World Champion swimmer, who was named SURGE’s Chief Empowerment Officer in 2024. In addition to his contributions to SURGE, Driver will partner with BSN SPORTS’ Collegiate Select Division to create positive opportunities for women’s collegiate athletic programs and athletes.
Visit www.BSNSPORTS.com/SURGE to learn more about SURGE program details and partners, how to register, free curriculum and programming, and more. Immerse yourself in the movement by following SURGE on Instagram and X at @BSNSPORTS_SURGE and on Facebook at @BSNSPORTS.SURGE.
About BSN SPORTS
Farmers Branch-based BSN SPORTS is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods, apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game-changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS’ more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.BSNSPORTS.com.
About Varsity Brands
Varsity Brands is the premier provider of customizable team sports, cheer, dance, band, and yearbook services, experiences, and products. The company’s mission is to elevate the student experience, positively impacting the lives of over 55 million young people nationwide. Its divisions—BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit—champion youth participation and celebrate their achievements, fostering passion, enthusiasm, and community engagement. The company serves elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, universities, gyms, club select teams, and professional sports. Explore how Varsity Brands is shaping the future of youth engagement and making a difference in the lives of young people across the country at varsitybrands.com.
Media Contact:
Lisa BartekBSN SPORTS
lbartek@varsitybrands.com
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