The PWHPA announced Wednesday a new partnership with Elites Optimization Services (EOS), aimed at connecting their players with sponsorship opportunities through use of EOS’s online platform called Parity.
The platform is described as EOS’s first product and is “designed to match professional female athletes with brands they align with for sponsorship opportunities,” according to the PWHPA’s release. The players will take a survey on their “passions and interests” and then “Parity will pair athletes with sponsors for authentic and impactful social media posts.”
In addition to this organization-wide partnership, Kassidy Sauvé, Micah Zandee-Hard, Demi Crossman, and Hayley Scammura were awarded scholarships for EOS’s professional development services. The four players, all in different stages of their post-college journeys, will participate in “a two-year career coaching and mentorship program, carefully crafted to help them succeed in pursuits beyond hockey.” This will include help with resumés, networking, elevator pitches, and more.
Part of the goal of this partnership is to help close the gender pay gap. “The PWHPA is proud to partner with Parity, and help improve the gender wage gap for female athletes. Although we have come a long way, there is still a huge need to close this gap,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHPA Operations Consultant, in the organization’s release.
“Parity and the PWHPA will work together to bring awareness to the gender wage gap and to provide visibility for our PWHPA members,” Hefford said. “We are excited to join a community of female athletes who want to push for positive change, and we look forward to supporting our fellow athletes who deserve more.”