Last week, Grace College made college sports history by becoming the first college in America to secure a uniform sponsorship deal.
You’ve probably never heard of Grace College. But don’t worry. You’re not alone because most outside of Indiana have most likely never heard of it either.
The NAIA school, located in Winona Lake, Indiana, was founded in 1948 and, per the school release, “offers more than 100 majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs through both on-campus and online delivery methods.”
While the majority of the country has never heard of the institution, it has made college sports history thanks to the NAIA changing its bylaws in April to allow uniform sponsorships, something the NCAA still hasn’t allowed.
Grace secured a three-year uniform sponsorship deal with global medical technology company Zimmer Biomet. So for the next three years, the company’s logo patch will be featured on all of the college’s varsity athletic home, away and alternate uniforms.
“This partnership just makes sense for us,” said Jim Lancaster, President, Recon and Global Headquarters Executive Director, in the statement. “We want to support our community, and we know some of our best team members historically have been former Grace College athletes. We hope many more of these excellent student-athletes stay and make a difference in our community.”
This isn’t just a goodwill sponsorship for the Grace Lancers have built a successful athletics program that includes 20 national championships, 18 of which have come since 2019.
Now the multi-billion dollar company, located less than 6 miles away from Grace College, can continue its success on athletic playing fields and courts.
“We are grateful for our partnership in the community with Zimmer Biomet. The innovative thinking by the NAIA continues to allow member institutions to create new revenue streams that will enhance the student-athlete experience,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “Zimmer Biomet has always been a great partner in our community, and they have been very supportive of Grace College. We look forward to growing this athletic partnership for years to come at Grace.”
