In conjunction with BSN Sports, New Balance has signed an apparel deal with the Babson College Department of Athletics and Recreation, marking its first deal with a Division III school.

New Balance already had a connection of sorts with the school. “As a former Babson student-athlete, it’s exciting,” says Dave Millman, New Balance’s general manager of the Field of Play Division and a former baseball player. “At New Balance, we obsess over building products that will enable student-athletes to reach their highest potential. Babson Athletics will not only have access to best-in-class New Balance product offerings, but the student-athletes will also become an important part of the product creation feedback loop, having the ability to test and provide insights on some of our newest and most innovative products.”

The college and corporation already work together in the continued education space, as Babson offers New Balance associates opportunities to learn about teamwork, management and effective organizations. A recent virtual, interactive session outlined some of the common problems in team dynamics and identified what comprises a high-performing team.

"Speaking from first-hand experience, Babson uniquely prepares students for their post-collegiate journey with unique opportunities and meaningful connections," adds Millman. "Beyond the athletics benefits, our proximity will provide student-athletes with exposure to our world-class facilities and a glimpse into an exciting industry that can hopefully inspire them as they map out their post-collegiate careers."

“We are thrilled to enter into this relationship with New Balance, one of the premier athletic brands in the industry,” adds Babson College’s senior director of athletics and athletics advancement Mike Lynch. “Our apparel deal alone is exciting and one that we look to highlight among our 22 varsity programs, but the additional benefits our department will receive is what makes this truly special for our student-athletes and coaches. We greatly appreciate the support from the Davis family and the entire New Balance team. We are excited to get started.”

The arrangement also includes BSN Sports and, as explained by Bill Stote, BSN Collegiate Select senior vice president, “this strategic relationship provides the finest apparel and athletics products to the Beavers’ athletics teams and benefits each student-athlete representing the community on the field or court.”