Spalding serves up another endorsement

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — In time for the upcoming Olympic Games in London, Spalding has snagged Misty May-Treanor, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the current no. 1-ranked American volleyball player in the world, for a long-term marketing, licensing and promotional agreement with the brand.

May-Treanor's relationship with Spalding includes appearances, advertising, volleyball clinics, product development collaboration and signature products. Pro volleyball player Todd Rogers, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, and Karch Kiraly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and USA Women’s National Team Coach, are also Spalding ambassadors.

Heading into the 2012 season, May-Treanor and her partner are the no. 1 ranked U.S. team on the FIVB World Ranking. She is considered an early gold medal favorite for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“I learned to play and compete in beach volleyball on the sands of Santa Monica,” May-Treanor said. “The only ball on the beach then was the Spalding Top-Flite 18 Panel. At this point in my career, to be involved with the company that helped launch my volleyball journey and that of so many other players is awesome.”

Spalding's partnership with May-Treanor will also include helping her develop her M2 Clinic program, which works to promote indoor and outdoor volleyball for boys and girls across the country. Additionally, May-Treanor will assist Spalding in development of the brand’s best-in-class outdoor net and net system category and provide design insight on the colors and styles of the brand’s indoor volleyball collection.

“Working with Misty is an honor for Spalding,” said Paul Sullivan, vice president of sales and marketing for Spalding. “Her success on and off the sand speaks for itself. Her passion and desire to share her love of the sport with fans around the world embodies the ‘True to the Game’ spirit of the Spalding brand.”