As California Baptist University Athletics transitions into Division I, Athletics also announced the beginning of a new multiyear partnership with Adidas over the summer. The new sponsor brings sharp, new uniforms for the Lancers.
Mike Minyard, associate athletic director for External Relations, was in charge of brand enforcement including the approval of uniform designs.
“The new partnership with Adidas is exciting for a variety of reasons as they are an industry leader that provides a high-quality product for our coaches and student-athletes,” Minyard said. “Our coaches have been very involved in the designs and having the expertise of Adidas throughout the process has been an incredible asset. Adidas has allowed us to maintain our traditional look while embracing their new and innovative concepts. Adidas has been a terrific partner in helping us throughout the design process of our uniforms and team-issued gear.”
The first to play in their uniforms were women’s soccer, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.
Starting off the new season with a fresh look, players are starting to feel confident when they face their opponents.
Sydney Rockett, senior communication studies major and outside defender for women’s soccer, said she sees the value of sharp uniforms in team morale.
“I like the new designs because they are different and we have people complimenting us on the new uniforms,” Rockett said. “It gives us an edge because we look good and we feel good when we take the field.”
New uniform designs for CBU were put in development after the partnership was finalized.
“The Lancer family is excited to partner with Adidas,” said Dr. Micah Parker, director of Athletics, in a statement. “It is important that our student-athletes are provided with the very best in apparel and shoes. (Adidas) has committed to help us in our transition to DI and we were thrilled they wanted to be a part of what we are growing in the Inland Empire.”
Minyard said that by partnering with Adidas, Athletics has a new opportunity to recruit athletes.
“Branding is an important component in recruiting,” Minyard said. “Because of the new partnership with Adidas, we are refreshing our look and it creates an opportunity for our uniforms to be aligned with our branding strategy. The student-athletes love the new uniforms and the feedback has been positive.”
The rest of CBU’s sports teams will debut their newly designed threads when they hit the court, field and pool in the winter and spring seasons and are hoping their new uniforms will give them an extra competitive edge in the DI years ahead.
