The FINANCIAL — One hundred elite high school lacrosse players, 50 boys and 50 girls, gathered at Nike World Headquarters for the third day of The Ride. The four-day, third annual Nike lacrosse experience comprises training, field sessions and, today, the debut of the signature Nike Huarache 5 Lacrosse cleat.
On and off the field, the attending players also receive mentorship from top coaches and professionals, including Nike athletes Jeremy and Lyle Thompson, Kara Cannizzaro and Kitty Cullen, according to Nike.
Mid-day at the Tiger Woods Center, the young athletes listened to Nike designer Eric Avar explain the heritage of the Nike Huarache shoe from its first iteration, which was inspired by “the dynamic, comfortable fit of waterskiing boots [and] traditional huarache sandals,” to its cross-category proliferation to basketball and beyond. He then set the stage for the reveal of the Nike Huarache 5 Lacrosse cleat, explaining, “It’s rooted in the basic Nike Huarache principles: lightweight, secure, dynamic fit just where you need it.”
Jeremy Thomson next discussed the inspiration and personal significance of the new cleat, which nods to the Thompson brothers’ legacy.
“Black represents the difficult times and obstacles I’ve had. The blue of the Swoosh represents water. For me, water is one of the most powerful things in the world because it’s always going to find its way through [even through difficulty].”
Additionally, Jeremy revealed the meaning behind the shoe’s T logo, designed for Thompson Brothers Lacrosse. “Inside of the T is our braid, which is a symbol of our family and our people.”
The Ride culminates tomorrow, Friday, with championship games.
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