To amplify amateur athletes navigating a new frontier of compensation and visibility, I explored how product can become a platform.

Building on the existing partnership between Klutch Athletics and New Balance, I created a concept for player-exclusive (PE) footwear editions, designed specifically for Klutch-represented amateur athletes stepping into their moment. Each silhouette was crafted not just as a performance tool but as an extension of personal identity, cultural pride, and the stories these athletes are writing in real time.

The project positioned PE product as a storytelling vehicle: a way for brands to celebrate individuality, elevate voices, and connect with a younger, values-driven audience. By designing with intention and aligning with the Klutch ethos of empowerment, this concept offered a blueprint for how brands can use design to invest in athletes before the spotlight, not just after.