The ANNIKA Foundation is at it again—making girls and women’s lives better in the golf world, that is.
Today, the ANNIKA Foundation announced its partnership with LaunchBreak, a networking community comprised of current and former collegiate and professional athletes from all areas of women’s sports, including the Olympics. LaunchBreak was started by Philippa Portnoy and Teresa Saputo-Crerend, two former tennis players from Columbia University. LaunchBreak has gained steam the last couple of years and offers mentorship, education, career opportunities and more by way of a robust networking community.
The ANNIKA Foundation and LaunchBreak first connected through some of its members collaborating on finding a professional golfer to feature in LaunchBreak member Rachel Mullooly’s children’s book, A New Sport: Annie’s Golf Story. Mullooly is a former lacrosse player and current schoolteacher who is writing series of children’s books about girls in sports. Annika Sörenstam became the golfer featured at the end of the book.
Fast forward a few months, and we’ve seen the ANNIKA Foundation’s mission come to life in yet another way. There will now be The ANNIKA Alumnae Group on LaunchBreak, whose membership is specifically geared towards current and past ANNIKA players and clinic participants.
“Golf has given me so much in life, but the relationships I’ve formed through the sport have always mattered most to me,” said Sörenstam. “The ANNIKA Alumnae Group on LaunchBreak is about staying connected beyond competition—supporting one another, sharing experiences and continuing to grow together through every stage of life.”
Brynn Collins, a board member of the ANNIKA Foundation and a professional golfer, has been instrumental in setting up this group on LaunchBreak and spreading the word in the golf community.
According to the ANNIKA Foundation, “This specific group is open to anyone who has played college or professional golf AND competed in an ANNIKA Foundation tournament or initiative, including any ‘Share My Passion’ Clinic, ANNIKA junior events, ANNIKA collegiate events, and Women’s Amateur Latin America events, as well as members of the ANNIKA Development Program and/or ANNIKA Women’s All-Pro Tour.” You can learn about the free membership here.
“LaunchBreak is incredibly proud to host the ANNIKA Foundation alumnae on our platform,” said Saputo-Crerend. “Annika Sörenstam is not only one of the greatest athletes of all time, but also a powerful force for opportunity and excellence in women’s sports. Welcoming athletes inspired by her legacy is a proud moment for LaunchBreak —and a great reminder of what happens when women invest in, mentor and empower one another.”
Portnoy added, “There’s something truly special about women athletes supporting women athletes. The ANNIKA Foundation has set the gold standard for championing the next generation, and LaunchBreak is thrilled to provide a platform where their alumnae can connect, grow, inspire and support one another. Having a space for these women inspired by Annika Sörenstam’s leadership and impact is energizing. We look forward to seeing what they do and how they also connect with the greater LaunchBreak community.”
As we should now start saying, another step for the ANNIKA Foundation is another giant leap for women’s sports.
