Eastern Nazarene College Athletics Announces Partnership with NIKE & GameDay Gear

QUINCY, Mass.- The Eastern Nazarene College Athletics Department has announced its 15 varsity programs will transition to NIKE for all footwear, apparel, and equipment, as well as a partnership with GameDay Gear.

"It is exciting to announce our decision to become an official Nike athletic department at Eastern Nazarene College. With a breadth of cutting edge apparel and footwear, Nike offers our student-athletes and athletic department access to excellent products for training and competition," commented Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Zarges.

Headquartered in Rhode Island, GameDay Gear will serve as the Lions' official provider for all apparel, footwear and equipment needs, along with providing online team stores for fans to purchase apparel.

Comments from ENC Coaches

Derek Schmitt, Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach

"NIKE… and the Jordan brand… have long been the number one brand for collegiate and professional athletics and it's going to be great for everyone in ENC's Women's Volleyball and Men's Volleyball programs to wear the NIKE Swoosh and Jordan logos. I believe this move demonstrates ENC Athletics' commitment to excellence. NIKE and the Jordan Brand exude excellence. Their excellence really showed when the Jordan Brand announced their commitment of $100 million over the next 10 years to fund organizations dedicated to social justice, racial equality, and education access."

Esther Webb, Head Women's Soccer Coach

"Switching to Nike is a great move for the ENC athletic department. Nike is an exceptional brand that will enhance our student-athlete experience and I am excited that our women's soccer program will be outfitted in Nike apparel."

Scott Polsgrove, Head Men's Basketball Coach

"Nike has long been the preeminent athletic apparel brand for many sports but particularly for basketball. We are very excited as a basketball program to partner with Nike/Jordan Brand and GameDay Gear."

Toni Kabilian, Head Men's Golf Coach

"Our coaches have wanted to switch to Nike for quite some time and thankful for the great people at GameDay Gear for working with ENC to make it possible. I'm excited for the opportunities ahead for our team and department."

Chris Shank, Head Baseball Coach

"We could not be more excited to partner with Nike/Jordan Brand moving into the future. This partnership will provide our athletes with the very best apparel and footwear on the market today and allow them to perform at their maximum potential on the field. We are all thrilled to be part of the Nike family moving forward!"

Sacha Santimano, Head Women's Basketball Coach

"Nike has been the top brand in all sports for many years, especially basketball. The switch to Nike and the Jordan Brand enhances ENC Athletics' pursuit of excellence. Nike and the Jordan Brand have represented excellence for a long time but their recent announcement and dedication to social justice, equality, and education is next level excellence!"

Cristian Popa, Head Men's & Women's Tennis Coach

"Nike has been leader in the tennis industry for many years, sponsoring some of the greatest tennis players of all time and I'm excited for this new partnership for our athletes."

Kylie Waldroop, Head Men's & Women's Cross Country Coach

"Making the switch to Nike is definitely an exciting change for the ENC athletic department.  I am thrilled for our student-athletes and the experiences that they will get with Nike.  Nike is a phenomenal brand that makes the needs of athletes their priority!"

Mark Bell, Head Men's Soccer Coach

"Nike has been the premier brand for soccer footwear, apparel, equipment, and more. The ENC men's soccer program is thrilled to be shifting to Nike and eager to begin working with GameDay Gear. By joining Nike, ENC Athletics is aligning with a quality brand and will further its strive for excellence in sport and society."