Where Representation Meets Real Experience.

HOW I GOT HERE


  • In 1971, I quit basketball. Not because I wasn’t good — but because I couldn’t see anyone like me making it. There was no internet, no highlight reels, no examples of 5'4" kids breaking through. I only saw what was right in front of me, and it didn’t include someone like me succeeding.

  • So I pivoted to softball — and it changed my life. That path gave me 50+ years as a player, coach, and umpire. It led me to earn my MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration and eventually begin doctoral studies in business.

  • But I never forgot what it felt like to be unseen. To look around and not see yourself in the gear, the ads, the athletes, or the marketplace.

  • Athletic Pride Gear exists to change that. This brand is built for women and queer athletes who’ve spent their entire lives being underrepresented. Every design, every message, every collection comes from lived experience — not trends.

  • This isn’t just merch. It’s representation. It’s mindset. It’s ours.

My Mission

My mission is simple: to use sport to build community, confidence, and visibility for athletes who have spent decades being overlooked.

For 50+ years, I’ve watched how the right environment can change an athlete’s life — not just their game. When female and queer athletes feel seen, supported, and represented, they play with a different kind of fire.

Athletic Pride Gear was founded to make that feeling visible.

Every piece we create is designed to celebrate the voice, strength, and grit of women and queer athletes, reflect real stories and real identities—not clichés or rainbow trends—and give athletes gear that feels bold, modern, powerful, and true.

I believe sport is for everyone. And your gear should reflect the most authentic, confident version of you—not the version the marketplace has settled for.

This brand is built to make you feel what I didn’t get to feel growing up: represented, valued, and proud of who you are on and off the field.

At Athletic Pride Gear, you’re not just buying gear. You’re joining a community built by an athlete who’s lived it.

Coach's Corner

When you become part of the APG team, you get access to something almost no other brand offers:

GOT QUESTIONS? I'VE GOT ANSWERS

Performance. Identity. Coming out. Confidence. Mindset. Team issues. Self-worth. Navigating sport culture. Or just something you don’t feel safe asking anywhere else.

HOW IT WORKS

✓ I read every question.
✓ If your question is selected, I’ll reply personally.
✓ You may even be invited onto my podcast, Coach Steiner Unfiltered, to share your story (only if you choose to).

APG isn’t just apparel. It’s a team. And when you’re part of it, you’re supported — for real.

Use the contact form below. ⬇️

ASK ME ANYTHING

Have a question for the Coach?

Join the team: Contact form

JOIN THE MOVEMENT → STAY READY → TRAIN BOLD.