Last night, (Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2023), Extra Inning Softball posted an article on how former UCLA catcher Jen Schroeder, who is an Easton Fastpitch Brand Ambassador, is behind an impressive launch of a first-of-its-kind softball-specific “athleisure” line called the Easton x Jen Schro “All Day All Night” Collection.
Click HERE to go directly to the story.
Extra Inning Softball’s Brentt Eads had the chance to connect with Jen on the genesis of this apparel launch targeting directly to the softball athlete… here’s what she had to say…
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In 2019 we (Easton x Jen Schro) launched “The Very Best” Catcher’s Gear” – the first-ever gear designed from scratch for a female softball player.
The overwhelming success of that gear showed us just how underserved the softball community has been and it inspired us to do more for the girls in the sport.
The first thing we did was assemble an ambassador team of girls who train at my workshop in Anaheim, Calif.
These girls ranged from age 10 to 18. We met with them bi-monthly and they were involved every step of the way and today are the faces you now see on branding, on social media or on Easton and Dicks Sporting Good’s websites.
Our goal with any product we make is to solve problems and serve athletes.
In meeting with our ambassadors, it was evident that they did not feel there was an apparel line that they unanimously felt confident wearing. And, they said, some brands they loved were far out of the price point a parent was willing to spend.
These girls – like most girls who love the sport of softball – identify as an athlete no matter where they are: the softball field, school, hanging out with their friends, etc.
Our ambassadors wished for a line of training and athleisure gear that:
- actually fit their curves,
- was so comfortable they wanted to wear it all the time,
- was affordable (they specifically asked for leggings that weren’t $100),
- they could move in and that would help them feel their most confident selves.
We didn’t go into this project naming it the “All Day All Night Collection;” the line named itself by our simply listening to what the softball athletes desired.
Why is this fit different?
BECAUSE WE USED REAL SOFTBALL BODIES TO GET THE FIT RIGHT!
What does this mean?
There’s more room in the hips and butt. Our cuts, although called “crops,” are waist-line crops that do not show belly. Our rises are high and sit right above the hips but have a drawstring as it is so common for a softball player to have larger thighs and butts. This means no slipping down the waist when training!
We dropped the shoulder seams down to allow more room for movement. You’ll notice in our hoodie and crews there is room under the shoulders so you can train, swing and throw, but the arms are still tapered where the product and material will not get in the way.
We went through numerous prototypes to get everything perfect.
The material used is top of the line, incredibly comfortable, sweat wicking and our leggings are somehow both heavy and thick, but so soft.
And the million-dollar question with leggings: “Are they see through?
Answer: no, they are not (and you have no idea how many tests we did to ensure this)!
In everything I do, my goal is to inspire and help girls feel more themselves. I am hopeful this line does just that.
From the messaging inside the product:
YOU MATTER, ALL DAY. EVERY DAY. IN EVERY WAY
…. to the way I hope these clothes make girls feel when they put them on (like the most beautiful and capable person in the room), I am so proud of what we created and I know as soon as an athlete puts these clothes on they will want more (and you moms out there will want to steal your daughters’ stuff!).
I am so thankful for Easton and their mission of creating products designed specifically for female athletes and feel incredibly indebted to Dick’s Sporting Goods for their commitment to this product and softball players everywhere.
— Jen Schroeder, Easton Fastpitch Brand Ambassador
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