Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/951849
The Athlete: Schuyler is a senior soccer player at Duke University. Scale of 1-10: "I have used Nike products for soccer at the youth and col- legiate level and I would rank them at a 9 because I like the appearance and functionality of all of their products." Likes and Dislikes: "I like Nike apparel for its aesthetic and because most of the materials seem to be high quality. At times I alter the apparel — for instance, I do not like any of the shorts with the mesh underwear and always cut those out." Better or Worse: "Apparel and equipment have improved since I have been playing. Cleats have become more lightweight and fit my feet better. I can put on a pair of Nike cleats and they fit perfectly without having to break them in or worry about blisters. Jerseys have a cooler aesthetic, shorts and training tops are lighter weight and easier to train in. In youth soccer I used to train in cotton T-shirts, but Nike's Dri-Fit material is my favorite." For Girls Only: "I have certainly noticed an increase in female-specific cleats. However, throughout Duke I have worn both men's and women's cleats depending on what is in stock and available and it really does not make a difference to me if they are men's or women's cleats. The fit feels almost exactly the same to me." Where to Buy: "Most of the sports stuff that I buy is dictated by my club or college. When I played youth soccer for a club, my apparel would be purchased from the team website or through a team parent. I would usually buy cleats on Amazon.com or Nike.com, or go to try them on and purchase them at a local sports store like Dick's. In my collegiate years, we had an equipment manager who would purchase all of our apparel and equipment for the team. He would get input from the seniors on what apparel would be best and cleats were ordered depending on the individual's preference on color and style." Message to the Industry: "Women's soccer, in the U.S. especially, is a massive market that not only deserves attention, but is full of economic potential. Although I have not minded wearing men's clothing or equipment for my soccer career, and at times have had options to wear women's gear, the women's lines are still under researched and underdeveloped. I would say to continue doing research to create equipment and apparel that is truly made for a woman's body — but to continue to be open minded to the gender fluidity that is increasing in the athletic spaces." Q 12 Team Insight / March 2018 teaminsightmag.com WHAT GIRLS WANT To find out the answer to that elusive question, Team Insight went around the country to ask seven female athletes, ranging in age from 16-21, what they like and don't like about their sports gear and apparel. These girls definitely know what they want and team dealers and their vendors would be wise to pay close attention. SCHUYLER D. | 21 | DURHAM, NC BY MICHAEL JACOBSEN "Women's soccer in the U.S. is a massive market that deserves attention. " GIRLS' & WOMEN'S SPORTS / OPINION