Toluwalase was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria. Growing up with an architect father, he was naturally drawn to creativity and problem-solving, which led to his interest in design and innovation. He pursued a degree in Industrial Design at the University of Houston, During his time at university, his passion for footwear design flourished, culminating in his award-winning thesis project, FLYTE, a biomimetic basketball shoe inspired by nature. This innovative design, incorporating elements from dragonflies, butterflies, and geckos, earned him recognition in the 2023 Global Footwear Awards and the 2024 FIT Sports Awards. 

After graduation, he furthered his expertise by completing certifications in Footwear Design at Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design and UI/UX Design and interned at companies like TUF Sports Apparel and GRIND Basketball, gaining valuable experience. As he continues his journey, Toluwalase remains committed to merging functionality with aesthetics and aims to create groundbreaking products that tell stories. 

Originally from Dallas, TX, Rachael has always embraced an active lifestyle, participating in soccer, camping, hiking, and biking. Her passion for creative problem-solving flourished at a project-based engineering high school, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Iowa State University. There, her involvement in the competitive rock-climbing team deepened her appreciation for the outdoor industry and the impact well-designed gear can have on user experience.  

After college, Rachael interned at Schnider Electrics in Nashville, TN. She learned many skills and gained extensive knowledge of 3D modeling and rendering. However, she misses the physical prototyping she loved during her undergraduate degree. Rachael is eager to focus on innovations in soft goods within the outdoor industry, aiming to create products that enhance outdoor adventures for everyone. 

Evan was born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada. He grew up very active, cycling through a variety of sports throughout his childhood. Across every sport, something was always consistent— he was fascinated by the footwear that athletes around him were wearing. He recognized how much could be communicated through the shoes you wear. He put trust in the developers that the shoes on his feet would help him in achieve his goals. 

It wasn’t until college that Evan would convert his curiosity to action and started developing his own footwear designs. Through years of attentive research and firsthand experience as an elite athlete, Evan accumulated a body of knowledge he currently uses to inform his design choices. Evan is driven to contribute to footwear innovation in the performance running shoe space. He aims to design for runners like himself, who seek empowerment from the shoes that they wear. He wants his designs to reproduce an unforgettable feeling — something he felt when he wore his first pair of racing shoes. 

This past spring Evan graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Product Design while simultaneously earning a minor in human biology. While at Stanford, Evan was a member of the varsity Cross Country and Track & Field teams and contributed to 4th place and 8th place team finishes at the NCAA Championships. On the track, Evan also set his second Canadian national record for the u23 age category for the indoor 5000m. During his first year in Sports Product Design, Evan will compete for Oregon’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs. 

Growing up in Lafayette, Colorado, Cassidy had one rule when she was home by herself as a kid: No using the hot glue gun. Thus began a life of crafting and tinkering, leading to her undergraduate degree in Information Science from Cornell University. Her classes focused on the design and development of technology, and during her four years at Cornell University Cassidy was a varsity athlete on the track and field team; being elected captain her senior season. In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Cassidy was also a teaching and research assistant for the SciFi Lab working on novel wearable technologies. 

Cassidy brings her experience as a lifelong athlete and creator to the program, focusing on creating environments and products that are inclusive and encouraging to all that they encounter. A two-time national champion cheerleader, her pep and positive energy has never left her, and she brings that energy and leadership to the groups she works within. Through the products Cassidy creates, she hopes to embody the compassion she has for other athletes and their goals while also infusing her technical background.

www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-cheesman

Gigi grew up in Canton, China, where her passion for sports, especially basketball, ignited her interest in footwear design. By second grade, she easily memorized the footwear of all 53 of her classmates. Pursuing her undergraduate education at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Gigi majored in Oil Painting while showcasing her athletic prowess in basketball, high jumping, ice skating, and snowboarding. Her roles as a varsity basketball team member, Sports Department head, and Dance Department head during college provided her with a deep understanding of women's athletes' needs. 

Determined to become a footwear designer, Gigi interned at Anta’s apparel operations department and later worked as a 3D Product Designer at Smart Drawing Arts Co., mastering design software and manufacturing processes. Gigi aims to blend her background in oil painting and sports to integrate artistic aesthetics with athletic functionality, creating designs that are both visually appealing and practical. She is committed to innovative design that meets the evolving needs of women and young athletes while pushing the boundaries of sports footwear.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigi-chen-215349331?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

https://forest-laundry-42e.notion.site/Gigi-Chen-11527c1aa35980ed9affc0f692d7a65a?pvs=4

Emily was raised in Colorado and grew up participating in a variety of team sports.  During her undergrad at CU Boulder, she was introduced to the world of outdoor recreation and never looked back.  In conjunction with her degree in Environmental Design, she also learned about the outdoor industry and fell in love with the community outdoor recreation fosters.  

After learning to ski and snowboard, Emily began to find interest in products and designs that could withstand high impact and extreme elements while sustaining the user and the natural environment long-term. As she travels through a career in design, she aims to be a part of innovative teams and exciting environments, someday applying what she learns to an academic career.  

KJ’s diverse athletic background fostered a deep appreciation for the capabilities of the human body. Her bachelor’s degree in human physiology provided her with valuable insights into optimal body movement while her hands-on experience in human performance physiology labs, working as an athletic trainer for the University of Oregon football team, and teaching dance gave her a nuanced understanding of anatomical variations. Throughout her own dance journey, she encountered challenges in finding dance apparel that not only reflected her desired image but also seamlessly accommodated her own body, its unique build and needs. 

This frustration led her to create functional and inclusive apparel solutions for herself. She merged the utility of traditional athletic apparel with the style of dancewear by taking athletic apparel built for mature and muscular bodies and adorning it with appliques, gemstones and other decorations to fit the visual appeal that dancewear brings to the stage. Her current focus is on developing sports products that merge aesthetics with functionality, addressing the varied needs of athletes and performers.

www.linkedin.com/in/kj-fightmaster 

www.kjfightmasterdesign.com 

Yue Fu was born in Shanghai, China. As a basketball fan, she has watched and played basketball since middle school. During that time, she began learning about the design stories behind various sneakers. In 2020, Yue went to London College of Fashion, earning a bachelor's degree in footwear design. While in London, she had the opportunity to collaborate with PUMA. She learned skills such as pattern cutting, lasting, and designing. In 2023, she began working on the CrossFit training shoe for an upcoming brand called "Unlock" as a designer and developer. Her goal is to develop creative concepts and structures for the footwear industry, always considering the relationship between humans, footwear, and nature. 

https://www.yuefudesign.com/

Gage graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film and Telecommunication. Influenced by his father’s work at Warner Brothers Studios, he pursued a career in the film production industry, gaining experience in commercial and social media campaigns as a Cinematographer, Editor, 3D Product Visualizer, and Graphic Designer. 

From a young age, Gage dove into athletics in the form of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming and team sports including basketball, football, and baseball year-round. When Gage’s father was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2019, he combined his design and creative problem-solving skills to create everyday items to allow his father to retain his independence. Inspired by the gratification of helping his father, Gage uses his passion for artistic expression, sports, and compassion to design purposeful sports products that provide optimal function to aid in training, performance, and recovery.  

An avid runner (recently having qualified for the 2025 Boston Marathon), trail runner, skier, kiteboarder, and mountaineer, Jacob has always felt a sense of serenity and purpose when moving through open space. 

Jacob graduated from Pitzer College as a pre-medical student and majored in Philosophy with a concentration in aesthetics. During his time as an undergraduate Jacob conducted surgical outcomes research at the University of Washington and later went on to study Medical Visualization and Human Anatomy at the University of Glasgow. After moving to NYC during the pandemic, Jacob worked for Pilgrim Surf Supply, a Brooklyn surf shop and designer brand. It is here, having witnessed the design process up close, that Jacob began sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping and field testing his own outdoor product designs. 

The intersection of these interests and backgrounds—human anatomy, research, design, and a love for the outdoors—has brought Jacob to the world of sports product design. With a passion for running apparel innovation, Jacob is excited to contribute to the dynamic and passionate SPD community beginning this Fall.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkauff

Lily grew up in Chicago with a love of all team sports, with soccer being her primary focus. In college, she played on the varsity soccer team at Tufts University and studied mechanical engineering on the pre-medicine track. Throughout her education, Lily combined her background in fashion, sports, and engineering in various research projects, including orthopedic medical device and wearable technology research for Massachusetts General Hospital. She also pioneered a study focused on testing footwear for high impact sports in collaboration with Converse. Following her graduation from Tufts, Lily studied sneaker pattern making and prototyping at the Arsutoria School in Milan learning about the various processes and roles within the footwear product life cycle while also creating various sneaker types.

Lily has a knack for connecting seemingly disparate experiences, knowledge, and perspectives into cohesive and inventive solutions and products. As a creator, engineer, and athlete, she continues to utilize sports product design as a medium to integrate her unique background with her passion for innovation in fashion, sports, and technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-keiderling-5068a017a/

With a deep-rooted connection to outdoor sports—ranging from climbing and skiing to trail running and biking—Lauren sees the outdoors as a way to connect with herself and the community around her. Her vision for sports product design goes beyond functionality and encompasses inclusivity. 

As a female athlete, Lauren has experienced firsthand how much gear often overlooks women's needs. She believes this issue extends beyond gender, and she is committed to fostering a more diverse and welcoming outdoor community through thoughtful designs that accommodate various needs, bodies, and abilities.

Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah, Lauren has done extensive research in biomimetic materials, has over three years of engineering experience designing and problem solving around the world, and was the Director of Prototyping at the Lassonde Make Space. This unique blend of technical knowledge and a passion for the outdoors positions Lauren to create meaningful change. Now at the University of Oregon, Lauren is excited to contribute to the vibrant outdoor community in Portland and further her mission to make outdoor spaces more inclusive for everyone.

www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-kochaver

Emily Lacomba’s passion for Sports Product Design came into focus during her time at Savannah College of Art and Design, where she graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Fibers in 2023. Initially drawn to print and pattern design, her first pattern collection was born from the recognition of a significant gap in the chest binding industry. While other segments like sports bras and compression undergarments were well-served, there was a clear need for chest binders that bridged the divide between skin-tone and rainbow pride options. This collection marked Emily's initial realization of her ability to design with empathy and a purpose beyond personal interest.

Her recent work has evolved to focus on innovative knitwear, embracing the most sustainable stitch in textile construction. Emily looks to challenge conventional notions of textile permanence; Doing so by integrating technology with material design and pushing fabric and finishes to keep pace with rapid trend shifts—in place of overproduction / overconsumption.

Sport has been a central part of Emily’s life from when she started playing soccer at age three. Her design process is characterized by its similarity to how she felt playing on the pitch; a powerful flow state where passion and precision converge. She aims to infuse this intensity into her products, crafting gear that enhances athletes' and high-stakes performers' own flow states. This interaction—where Emily's flow fuels her designs and her designs empower others—creates a deeply rewarding exchange.”

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Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Lisa’s fascination for sports product design stems from her observation of how this city openly embraces sportswear as everyday dress. She loves lingering in between spaces and believes that innovation occurs when contradictory ideas combine together into something greater. She earned her BA in Cognitive Science at the University of Southern California with a minor in product design, where she applied her interdisciplinary understanding of the human mind to build intuitively functional products. Her Chinese American identity also cultivated her desire to design for diverse and underrepresented narratives. Ultimately, it is her ability to listen to her users and translate their needs that sparks her product creation. Now at the University of Oregon pursuing an MS in Sports Product Design, she is excited to drive the innovation of sport to elevate performance and style. Her favorite activity in the Pacific Northwest is hiking waterfalls year-round. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalyyy/ 

Austin grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where his love of basketball, soccer, and football shaped some of his most memorable memories. Through this, he grew an appreciation for how sports can unite people and communities of all different backgrounds. Austin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design at the University of Illinois in 2024. Through his undergraduate studies, internship in toy design, and work at his school’s fabrication lab, he developed skills in product design, 3D modeling, and prototyping. He wrapped up his college journey with his thesis focused on designing a bike helmet for brain protection which was inspired by the dangers of contact sports and the head injuries faced by friends and athletes he admired growing up. As a sports product designer, he hopes to combine aesthetics and safety in sports gear by designing innovative performance-enhancing equipment and apparel. 

Jenna was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where she developed a deep love for sportswear, the arts, and outdoor adventures. She has a background in fine arts, which fuels her passion for creative endeavors, including illustration, linocut, and painting. She grew up playing four varsity sports—volleyball, cross country, track, and basketball. Her family stayed active as well, spending time skiing at Mt. Bachelor and Mt. Hood, paddle boarding on the Deschutes River, and hiking Tommie Peak. Outdoor activities played a big role in her upbringing and instilled a love for nature in her life. 

Jenna pursued a BA in Design Studies with a minor in Marketing at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, California. It was there that she cultivated her personal ideology: "Art asks the questions, design solves the problems, marketing reveals the purpose." Throughout her undergraduate years, she continued to refine her design expertise and channeled her passion for bowling, sustainability, and women’s sportswear into creating a concept for a women’s bowling shoe. During this time, she also completed multiple design internships, which reinforced her love for collaborative work and creating products that resonate with people. 

Jenna is particularly interested in women’s sports that combine rugged outdoor elements with high adrenaline, such as skiing and whitewater rafting. Her main goal is to respond to the “why” of product design and diligently create a space where sustainability, advanced footwear, and apparel technology can thrive. 

Growing up in South Florida, Mia loved being outdoors and in the water. She was a competitive swimmer and rower, while also playing soccer and basketball with her three brothers. However, she often found herself healing on the sidelines from injury rather than scoring goals and making baskets. This gave her a great appreciation for not only the sports she loved, but also products which could foster fun and emphasize safety. 

Mia graduated from Dartmouth college with a major in Cognitive Science and minors in Human Centered Design and Digital Art. During her undergraduate studies, she helped design various applications, including one in conjunction with the medical school that helped to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression. Upon graduation, Mia worked at IBM as an associate designer, primarily focusing on website design. 

Through this program, Mia aims to continue to translate her skills in digital design to the creation of physical products. She hopes to collaborate with other talented designers and innovate in the fields of sports, recovery, and injury prevention.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaseiner/

Sierra is an Industrial Designer from Charlotte, North Carolina. She began her career in the high-end commercial furniture industry, where her designs received prestigious accolades, including the Best of NeoCon and Interior Design Magazine’s Best of the Year Awards. Currently, Sierra is pursuing a master's degree in Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon. Her decision to transition industries stems from a deep passion for the outdoors, a commitment to continuous learning, and a desire to create products that enhance experiences in outdoor environments. As an ultramarathoner and skier, Sierra has a firsthand understanding of the critical relationship between athletes and their gear, particularly regarding fit, form, and function.  

Through sport, Sierra has encountered her greatest challenges, formed deep connections with others, and experienced profound personal growth. She is driven to design products that empower athletes to explore their potential, just as she continues to explore her own. Her work aims to enable athletes of all levels to push their boundaries, deepen their passions, and forge lasting connections through their pursuits. 

Chloe grew up in Northbridge, Massachusetts where she learned to snowboard in the nearby mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. A daring yet clumsy athlete, Chloe found herself in casts as often as she found herself on her board. These experiences led her to grow a deep love and respect for the sport. Coupled with her desire to self-express through clothing, Chloe felt inspired to design snowboarding and outdoor apparel. She earned a B.S. in Retail Entrepreneurship from Florida State University, specializing in product development. During her time in undergrad, she developed a strong passion for soft goods and innovation, excelling in textile science. Chloe is a nature lover and enjoys connecting deeply with each environment she’s in, often ideating on apparel design that allows us to thrive outdoors. After college Chloe spent two years in Denver, CO working as a Merchandising Manager; enhancing both her knowledge of apparel and her love for nature.

Chloe enjoys challenging herself by developing ideas that push boundaries, looking towards future innovation in a field that is ever-changing. An enthusiastic leader: she is goal-oriented and a natural collaborator. She is focused on outdoor apparel that meets the needs of athletes while simultaneously sparking new innovations in utility. A mission of hers is to break down the binary that often separates self-expression and functionality in women’s sports apparel.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloeburchard/

Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, SJ developed a strong passion for athleticism, engaging in various sports like biathlon, skiing, triathlon, kayaking, judo, and yoga, all of which emphasized extreme sports to efficient body movement.

After completing military service in South Korea, his interest shifted to professional weightlifting, prompting research into injury prevention, muscle mass increase, and diet management. With several years of dedicated experience in weightlifting and personal training, SJ established a solid foundation in body mechanics. While studying Industrial design at Pratt Institute, he provided free personal training to students, where he observed the contentious role of weightlifting tools in the gym. SJ understood the tools’ value for intermediate to professional athletes but also recognized the potential drawbacks for beginners. This led him to be more focused on designing weightlifting shoes and fitness accessories from Industrial design to Sports product design.

This experience, coupled with his work and studying in Seoul and NYC, equipped him with the knowledge to select suitable materials for athletic apparel and design gear that prevents injuries while facilitating precise body movements, all informed by his deep understanding of effective motion and personal experience-based consumer insights.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sj-han-806738191

www.sjdesign.work

Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John is a footwear designer who is passionate about helping others build community through storytelling and intentional training.

John grew up playing soccer and basketball, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, wearing eccentric sneakers, and watching movies. His love of athletics and aesthetics provided the perfect groundwork for pursuing his master's in Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon, where he intends on furthering his mission to empower individuals to embrace their strengths and stories.

Prior to beginning his journey at the University of Oregon, John earned a Bachelor of Science in Film Studies and a Master of Science in Design + Innovation from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Through these programs, John learned skills in design thinking, research methodology, as well as graphic, communication, and product design.

In his free time, John loves going to the gym, working on his fantasy novel, and adding to his sneaker collection.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-helf-6270281ba

https://johnhelf.com

Atharv Karnik was born in India. Growing up he developed a liking for sports and extracurricular activities. He likes basketball and was a vital part of his high school team. He was exposed to shoes at an early age due to their performance-changing abilities.

While playing basketball he suffered an ACL Ligament injury and fractured his knee. That was a turning point in his life. While going through the rehabilitation process, he asked the doctors why he suffered a major injury even after being healthy and regularly practicing the sport. To find the answers to these questions he decided to enroll himself in Footwear Designing course. While studying he found the answer to his questions, the process of finding the answers made him fall in love with problem solving design.

With a Bachelors in Footwear Design and Production from Footwear Design and Development Institute of India in 2023. He has decided to take his skillset to the next level by enrolling in the University of Oregon’s Sports Product Design in hopes of solving many problems in the sports world as well as pushing the limits of human sporting excellence.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/atharv-karnik-a65516191/

https://www.behance.net/AtharvKarnik3103

https://www.instagram.com/adotkdot31/

Leif grew up on a small island in the Puget Sound which instilled in him a lifelong love of outdoor recreation and the gear that makes it possible. An avid snowboarder, backpacker, and explorer, he is passionate about the technology and storytelling that go into making world-class sports products.

Previously, Leif worked in the television industry as a W.G.A. West writer, where he honed his creative process and collaborated with teams of artisans to bring a dynamic array of content to life. After some pandemic-induced soul-searching, Leif moved back home to the Northwest where he has been inspired to start creating products which help others connect with the world around them. A relentless creator, tinkerer, and problem solver, Leif plans to utilize his adaptability and skills as an ideator to develop equipment and soft goods that inspire athletes from all walks of life.

Rue was born and raised in Denver, CO. Rue grew up in a four-season outdoor sports environment and participated in a variety of team sports until she attended University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). While at CU Boulder, she earned an undergraduate degree in Engineering Plus (mechanical engineering + pre-med), a Biomedical Engineering Minor, and an Engineering Leadership Certificate in 2020. Among various internships in the biomedical industry working in research and startups focused on biomedical devices, Rue worked full time as an engineer at Medtronic for 3 years from 2020 – 2023 on different products specific to cardiovascular health.

During her time at CU, Rue was encouraged to stay active by the lifestyle that the Boulder community encompasses. Rue found a love and appreciation for physical activities such as rock climbing, trail running, yoga, hiking, HIIT, and weight training. She continues to find balance with various forms of exercise wherever she is and enjoys teaching part-time at Corepower Yoga. She is also becoming a personal trainer and nutritionist to further support her passion to not only live an active and healthy lifestyle but encourage others to do so too.

Through the last three years, Rue has moved from Denver, CO to Minneapolis, MN to Petaluma, CA, San Francisco, CA, and is excited to now be in Portland, Oregon! Despite her moves, she has continued living a highly active lifestyle that helps her learn from and connect with the community she is surrounded by, no matter where it is. Rue desires to build on her past academic and industry experiences in engineering and her firsthand experiences as an athlete, an instructor, and an active member in the fitness community to create quality products for elite athletes as well as everyday consumers.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rue-rupprecht-b39a94146/

Evan loves riding bikes through the woods and town as fast as possible, a face full of snow on a powder day, and a walk to the park with his wife and two dogs. He grew up in the Southeast and has always enjoyed the outdoors in any ways he can. He has been a bike and ski technician, a chef on dive cruises, an outdoor gear pro, and a guide for whitewater, mountain biking, and backpacking trips.

After graduating from Auburn University’s Industrial Design program in 2015, Evan has spent his days surrounded by the gear that he depends on. During the 15 years he has been working in the outdoor industry, Evan noticed how quickly some products started to fail or break down. He sees having to mend or replace a worn-out jacket or riding pants every year or two as being a financial and environmental waste. With his hands-on experience and ability to relate to users of all skill levels, Evan plans to create gear that will last. Some athletes live in their gear day-to-day, and this gear should be able to hold up to daily use for a long time. Evan strives to design tough, technical equipment and soft goods that make the outdoor industry more sustainable and keep our natural world beautiful for longer.

Lulu was raised in Niceville, Florida, where her love of water-based sports began, such as competitive swimming, water polo, and diving. As a teenager, Lulu moved to Alabama for her competitive swimming career but faced a severe setback from a spinal cord injury. This pushed her to explore other outlets, such as weightlifting, hiking, and yoga, and sparked her passion for rehabilitative sciences and athletic performance. She pursued a Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, focusing on biomechanics and neuroengineering.

During her undergraduate years, Lulu researched biomechanics, lower-limb kinesiology, and sports performance, resulting in an internship at the Lakeshore Foundation during the 2022 World Games. After training camps with Team USA Wheelchair Basketball and Team USA Wheelchair Rugby, Lulu was motivated to combine her love of design with her passion for rehabilitation sciences. This resulted in a unique capstone project – a performance-enhancing sports chair cushion for high-point wheelchair athletes.

Lulu is driven to create a more inclusive and accessible athletic community, challenging traditional body standards in athletic design. She aims to innovate and design exceptional sports products for athletes with disabilities, female athletes, and athletes who challenge body stereotypes.

www.linkedin.com/in/lulue1004