What are the job opportunities at Under Armour. How to apply for Under Armour positions. What are the requirements for working at Under Armour. What can you expect from a career at Under Armour.
Under Armour: A Leader in Sports Apparel and Retail
Under Armour, founded in 1996, has established itself as a prominent player in the sports apparel industry. With over 100 locations across the United States, the company offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for both entry-level job seekers and experienced professionals. Under Armour’s retail presence is divided into two main categories: specialty brand house locations and factory house outlets.
The company’s success is built on its innovative approach to sportswear, particularly its signature synthetic-fiber shirts and compression shorts designed to enhance athletic performance. This unique product line has created a strong demand for Under Armour merchandise, resulting in consistent work opportunities at their retail outlets.
Job Opportunities at Under Armour: From Entry-Level to Management
Under Armour offers a wide array of positions suitable for various skill levels and career aspirations. Here are some of the key roles available:
- Sales Associate
- Stock Room Associate
- Merchandise Handler
- Assistant Store Manager
- Store Manager
- Manager In Training
- Graphic Designer
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Assistant Controller
- Payroll Specialist
- Creative Director
- Account Marketing Manager
- Web Developer
- Merchandising Analyst
- Distribution Recruiter
- Systems Analyst
- Project Manager
- Footwear Planner
- Sales Director
- Logistics Coordinator
Entry-Level Positions: Sales Associate Roles and Responsibilities
For those looking to start their career in retail, the Sales Associate position at Under Armour is an excellent entry point. This role combines multiple responsibilities, including:
- Assisting customers with product selection
- Operating cash registers
- Maintaining store cleanliness and organization
- Restocking merchandise
- Setting up product displays
The average hourly pay for Sales Associates is approximately $9.00. While the position doesn’t require extensive experience, strong communication skills and the ability to multitask are essential.
What are the physical demands of a Sales Associate position?
Sales Associates should be prepared for:
– Prolonged periods of standing
– Frequent interaction with customers
– Lifting and moving merchandise
– Quick adaptation to changing store needs based on customer traffic
Career Growth: Associate Manager Opportunities
For those seeking career advancement, the Associate Manager position offers a step up the retail ladder. This role involves:
- Supervising and motivating sales team members
- Training new employees
- Conducting interviews for potential hires
- Providing performance feedback
- Ensuring adherence to company standards
- Managing store operations and paperwork
Associate Managers can expect an average hourly wage of around $12.00, with potential for salary increases based on experience and performance.
What qualifications are preferred for Associate Manager positions?
While Under Armour maintains flexible prerequisites, candidates with the following qualifications may have an advantage:
– Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
– Extensive retail experience
– Strong leadership and organizational skills
– Proven track record in customer service
Application Process: How to Join the Under Armour Team
Under Armour primarily uses an online application system for hiring. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Visit the official Under Armour careers website
- Browse available positions and select the role you’re interested in
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your resume and any additional required documents
- Submit your application and wait for a response from the hiring team
Can you apply in person at Under Armour stores?
Under Armour has largely phased out paper applications, focusing on their online hiring process. However, visiting a store in person to inquire about opportunities can demonstrate initiative and may provide valuable information about local job openings.
Requirements and Qualifications for Under Armour Employment
While specific requirements vary by position, there are some general qualifications for working at Under Armour:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED (preferred for most positions)
- Strong interest in sports and athletic apparel
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
Is prior retail experience necessary for entry-level positions at Under Armour?
While prior retail experience can be beneficial, it’s not always required for entry-level positions such as Sales Associate. Under Armour values enthusiasm, customer service aptitude, and a passion for sports, which can often outweigh lack of experience for new hires.
Under Armour Work Environment and Culture
Under Armour prides itself on fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment. The company culture emphasizes:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Passion for sports and fitness
- Innovation and creativity
- Customer-centric approach
- Continuous learning and growth
Employees are encouraged to embody the brand’s values of performance and excellence in their daily work. The fast-paced nature of the retail environment provides opportunities for quick learning and skill development.
How does Under Armour support employee growth and development?
Under Armour offers various opportunities for employee development, including:
– On-the-job training programs
– Leadership development initiatives
– Cross-functional project opportunities
– Potential for internal promotions
– Access to industry events and product knowledge sessions
Benefits and Perks of Working at Under Armour
While specific benefits may vary based on position and employment status, Under Armour offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Employee discounts on Under Armour products
- Paid time off and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities
- Fitness and wellness programs
- Employee assistance program
Are part-time employees eligible for benefits at Under Armour?
While full-time employees typically receive the most comprehensive benefits package, Under Armour does offer some benefits to part-time employees. These may include product discounts and eligibility for certain health insurance options, depending on hours worked and length of employment.
Tips for a Successful Under Armour Application
To increase your chances of landing a position at Under Armour, consider the following tips:
- Highlight your passion for sports and fitness in your application and resume
- Emphasize any relevant retail or customer service experience
- Showcase your knowledge of Under Armour products and brand values
- Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills
- Be flexible with your availability, especially for retail positions
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position you’re applying for
- Follow up on your application if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe
How can you stand out in an Under Armour job interview?
To make a strong impression during your interview:
– Research the company’s history, mission, and recent initiatives
– Prepare examples of how you’ve demonstrated excellent customer service in past roles
– Show enthusiasm for the brand and its products
– Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company culture
– Dress professionally, potentially incorporating Under Armour attire if appropriate
Career Growth and Advancement at Under Armour
Under Armour offers numerous opportunities for career advancement within the company. Many employees start in entry-level positions and work their way up to management roles. The company’s growth mindset encourages internal promotions and cross-departmental moves, allowing employees to explore various aspects of the business.
What career paths are available at Under Armour?
Some potential career paths at Under Armour include:
– Retail: From Sales Associate to Store Manager to Regional Director
– Corporate: Opportunities in marketing, finance, human resources, and product development
– Design and Innovation: Roles in product design, research and development, and technology integration
– Supply Chain and Logistics: Positions in distribution, inventory management, and global logistics
– E-commerce: Roles in digital marketing, web development, and online sales strategies
Under Armour’s commitment to innovation and growth means that new opportunities are constantly emerging, providing employees with the chance to shape their career paths within the company.
Under Armour’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Under Armour is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company recognizes that a diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives, leading to increased innovation and better business outcomes. Some of Under Armour’s initiatives in this area include:
- Employee resource groups for underrepresented communities
- Diversity recruitment programs
- Unconscious bias training for employees and leaders
- Partnerships with organizations promoting diversity in sports and business
- Inclusive product lines catering to diverse customer needs
How does Under Armour support work-life balance?
Under Armour recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers several programs to support employees:
– Flexible work arrangements where possible
– Wellness programs and fitness challenges
– Parental leave policies
– Employee assistance programs for personal and professional support
– Opportunities for community involvement and volunteering
The Future of Under Armour: Innovation and Growth
As a company at the forefront of sports apparel technology, Under Armour continues to innovate and expand. This growth creates exciting opportunities for employees to be part of groundbreaking projects and initiatives. Some areas of focus for Under Armour’s future include:
- Sustainable product development
- Integration of wearable technology in sports apparel
- Expansion into new international markets
- Enhanced digital experiences for customers
- Collaborations with professional athletes and sports teams
What skills are in high demand for future roles at Under Armour?
As Under Armour evolves, certain skills are becoming increasingly valuable:
– Digital literacy and e-commerce expertise
– Data analysis and interpretation
– Sustainability and eco-friendly product knowledge
– International business acumen
– Technological innovation in textiles and manufacturing
– Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in retail
By developing these skills, current and prospective employees can position themselves for future success within the company.
Networking and Professional Development at Under Armour
Under Armour provides numerous opportunities for employees to network and develop professionally within the organization. These initiatives not only enhance individual growth but also contribute to the company’s collaborative culture. Some of the ways Under Armour supports networking and professional development include:
- Internal mentorship programs
- Cross-functional project teams
- Industry conferences and trade shows
- In-house training and development workshops
- Partnerships with educational institutions for continued learning
- Employee-led interest groups and clubs
How can employees leverage networking opportunities at Under Armour?
To make the most of networking opportunities:
– Actively participate in company events and initiatives
– Seek out mentors within the organization
– Join employee resource groups aligned with your interests
– Volunteer for cross-departmental projects
– Attend industry events as a representative of Under Armour
– Utilize internal communication platforms to connect with colleagues across different departments and locations
By actively engaging in these opportunities, employees can expand their professional network, gain valuable insights, and potentially uncover new career paths within the company.
Under Armour Application, Jobs & Careers Online
Employment hopefuls may apply online with American sports clothier Under Armour to begin work in customer service settings. Entry-level jobs with the retail chain prove accessible to first-time workers, while career opportunities for experienced job seekers also remain lucrative.
Facts About Working at Under Armour
Minimum Age to Work at Under Armour: 18 years old (How old do you have to be to work at Under Armour?)
Under Armour Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun: 10:00am-7:00pm
Available Positions at Under Armour: Sales Associate, Stock Room Associate, Merchandise Handler, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, Manager In Training, Graphic Designer, Accounts Receivable Specialist, Assistant Controller, Payroll Specialist, Creative Director, Designer, Account Marketing Manager, Media Designer, Web Developer, Merchandising Analyst, Tester, Sales Activist, Web Merchandiser, Distribution Recruiter, Application Support Analyst, Architect, Desktop Support Specialist, Systems Analyst, Project Manager, Developer, Demand Analyst, Footwear Planner, Sales Planner, Product Liner Manager, Master Scheduler, Integrity Lab Technician, Merchant, Sales Director, Logistics Coordinator
Printable Application: No.
Search Job Openings or visit official site.
Under Armour Job Opportunities
Founded in 1996, the company boasts over 100 locations throughout the United States. Retail stores bearing the Under Armour name exist in two separate capacities. Specialty brand house locations sell wide varieties of brand products, and employees provide customer service in the busy atmospheres. Factory house locations prove far more plentiful, which retail discounted and clearance items under the company name. Stores need to hire helpful and hardworking team members to continue profitable operations.
Under Armour creates a niche in the sports industry with unique and desirable merchandise, and demand for the specialized items creates consistent work at retail outlets. Signature products of the company remain the high-quality synthetic-fiber shirts and compression shorts designed to reduce perspiration and improve physical performance during outdoor activities. Employees also sell select items such as apparel, accessories, and equipment to customers.
Sports enthusiasts and athletes often seek employment with the company. Hiring personnel expect workers to show mild-to-moderate interest in areas related to sports for employment consideration.
Under Armour Jobs and Salary Options
Job opportunities with the retail chain exist for new workers and career-driven professionals alike. Candidates generally access entry-level employment without particular educational background, though high school diplomas or GED equivalents may increase chances of hire. Applicants typically need to stand at least 18 years of age to apply to the sporting goods chain. The following positions regularly prove available with Under Armour:
Sales Associate – Carrying minimal hiring requirements and average hourly pay rates of about $9.00, Under Armour sales associate jobs remain attractive opportunities for starting workers without prior experience. Combining duties related to stocking, cashier work, and sales, positions involve multitasking and frequent changes of pace based on business levels in stores.
Communication skills prove integral to job responsibilities, as employees must interact with patrons and in assist purchase decisions in a clear and effective manner. Typical work days involve prolonged standing and talking with customers about products and sales, lifting merchandise and setting up displays, and ringing up patron items and dispensing receipts.
Associate Manager – Associate managers inspire and organize team members to drive store productivity. Supervisory employees perform the duties of subordinates and fill out necessary paperwork while upholding company standards. Responsibilities also include training, interviewing, and providing constructive criticism to workers and prospective new associates. Hourly pay for management employees hovers around $12.00. Candidates with bachelor’s degrees or extensive retail experience fare best in applying for associate manager jobs with Under Armour, though prerequisites remain flexible. Salary options rise with experience.
Tips For Applying
Motivated and customer-service-savvy job seekers often face encouraging prospects for hire with the sports clothing retailer. Under Armour hires predominantly through online applications, as paper hiring forms remain largely phased out for the company. The application allows candidates to upload resumes, and job hopefuls should take advantage of the feature to showcase talents. Personal or professional interests in sports remain highly favored in applicants seeking employment. Work aspirants should showcase interest or knowledge of professional and recreational sports in order to gain preferential treatment during the hiring process.
Application Status
The hiring process usually takes about two weeks. Job seekers may call or visit stores to check on the status of applications beforehand. Candidates should also factor in the time necessary to complete background and substance screenings before following up too repeatedly with the company.
Benefits of Working at Under Armour
A majority of Under Armour job benefits relate exclusively to full-time workers.
Staff members enjoy competitive perks, such as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage plans. The company offers stock purchase options for full-time management employees, as well. Part-time employees benefit from flexible scheduling possibilities and staff discounts of up to 50% off on store merchandise. Workers may additionally receive 401(k) retirement plans, depending on job title and time spent with the retail chain.
More Details on Under Armour
Created by entrepreneur Kevin Plank, Under Armour proudly participates in several charitable programs. Corporate giving for the business falls under three major divisions. Through the UA Freedom program, donations to veteran, first respondent, military, and law enforcement support organizations number over $250,000 annually. The corporation also boasts over $2 million in yearly contributions to breast cancer research and awareness through the Power in Pink initiative. Support for youth athletics in underprivileged areas exists through the UA Win program, as well.
Headquarters for the company stand in Baltimore, MD.
Nike, Adidas, Under Armour Battle for Talent
For the past few weeks, we’ve noticed sports giants Nike, Adidas and Under Armor waging a bit of battle for … not products … but talent.
By David Clucas, Tom Ryan and Jahla Seppanen
What is probably no surprise for any company in the active lifestyle industry — good employees are hard find. As baby boomers retire and the economy recovers, businesses are scrambling to attract the right people to foster sales growth (and stick around for the long haul). Like a booming housing market, sellers — in this case, prospective employees — are fielding multiple offers.
At the same time, while borrowing rates linger at historic lows, the industry is full of new start-ups and entrepreneurs attracting some of the best talent away from the big boys. While big salaries always talk, so does a sense of excitement of being on the cutting edge. Millennials crave environments where they have support (eg.
the right tools, technology and staff) for the job along with the freedom to innovate and do good for their communities and the world, experts have told us. Tip for businesses: You can’t force or create innovation on command, rather it comes by fostering the right environment with the right people and end goals.
Which brings us back to Nike, Adidas and Under Armour, who seem to recognize the matter and are investing heavily in 2016 and beyond on employee recruitment and capital expenditures to support their teams.
Adidas North America last week, launched what it called the company’s “largest recruitment effort ever” at its Portland, OR base with plans to increase its team by 10 percent or 120 employees this year.
In a move likely targeted toward millennials, Adidas North America President Mark King posted a video inviting others to join the company.
“We want people who think differently, who want to break rules, who want to be disruptive, who want to find new ways to do things,” King said, sounding off on a lot of the notes mentioned above. “All of the talent isn’t at the top of the organization. The talent is company-wide. If you want to work here, you have to have big dreams. You have to believe that you can change, not only the trajectory of a company, but the trajectory of an industry. We’re looking for people with passion and excitement who want to make a difference not only at the company, but in the world.”
Adidas began stepping up its investments in the United States in 2014, including promoting King to president, after losing share to Nike and seeing Under Armour replace it as the No. 2 brand in the country. Adidas also acquired a 25,000-square-foot building adjacent to its North Portland campus in 2015 to support its growth.
Yes, it seems the three-stripe brand is back in the steady spotlight. And just last week the company created some social media buzz — perhaps coordinated with the above announcement — when it officially welcomed a trio of former Nike designers who left the swoosh brand last year.
One of the three, now Adidas VP and Creative Director Marc Dolce, posted a photo the trio’s Adidas ID badges on his twitter page (@marcdolce). In the photo, Dolce’s badge is laid alongside Denis Dekovic’s and Mark Miner’s with the accompanying tweet, “We are inspired, honored and excited to be a part of the amazing @adidas family. Let’s dream without limits…”
Not to be outdone, Nike last week unveiled the design for the expansion of its world headquarters in Beaverton, OR. The expansion — with a targeted 2018 completion date — adds approximately 3.2 million-square-feet of office, mixed-use and parking facilities to campus.
Nike’s proposed headquarters expansion. Courtesy Nike.
“Every day at Nike we dream up new ways to inspire athletes to expand their potential,” said Nike President and CEO Mark Parker. “To do that, we relentlessly evolve how we inspire our own teams and design environments that foster chemistry and collaboration. Our expanding world headquarters reflects the best of Nike’s culture — a place where we obsess the athlete and invent future products and experiences for consumers everywhere.
”
Again, we hear a lot of those previously-mentioned support and culture themes targeted toward millennials. And in the expansion renderings, we spot more than a few young families milling around Nike’s new digs — perhaps a subliminal message of support for the next generation of families.
Nike’s proposed headquarters expansion. Courtesy Nike.
Additionally, the building designs aim for LEED Platinum Certification, officials said. Some of the sustainable aspects include natural daylighting, passive chilled beams — a radiant convection system designed to heat or cool large buildings — and a closed-looped grey water treatment center.
Nike, too, recently celebrated an employee coup d’état with one of its rivals, hiring away Dave Dombrow, Under Armour’s now former SVP of design, footwear and accessories. Joining Under Armour in 2010, Dombrow was integral to many of Under Armour’s recent successful launches, including Stephen Curry’s first and second signature shoes, as well as leading the Charge RC, Spine and Speedform running platforms.
Dombrow is expected to sit out for a full year due to his non-compete clause and begin design work at Nike in 2017. Dombrow previously worked for Nike from 2000-2003.
While we haven’t seen any blockbuster recruiting announcements from Under Armour … yet, we suspect the brand is still riding high off its recent successes in the market. Plus, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank plans to give the commencement speech for the University Maryland graduation on May 18. Perhaps he can work in an Under Armour job recruitment pitch or two.
Top Texas Talent Gets To Shine In 2018 Under Armour All-American Game
Photo: Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports
With the high school football season winding to a close, some of the top players from across the country will have a chance to play on the national stage. First on the docket is the Under Armour All-American Game taking place on Thursday night at 5 p.m. CST from Orlando, Florida.
The Lone Star State is well represented in this game, sending 16 players to participate in this game in 2018.
Many of whom have signed with their respective schools, while there are still others who have not yet signed or remain uncommitted.
With kickoff just hours away, here’s a look at who is representing Texas in the game on Thursday night.
Editor’s note: The players marked with an * are either uncommitted or have not yet signed yet with the school they’ve committed to.
Players To Watch
B.J. Foster, S, Angleton (Texas)
Prentice James/TexasHSFootball.com
One of the top safety prospects in the country had a strong senior season with Angleton by being a force as a running back on offense and as a safety on defense. Despite some issues with injuries, the future Longhorn helped lead the Wildcats to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals in 2017.
Joshua Moore, ATH, Yoakum (Uncommitted)
Prentice James/TexasHSFootball
One of the most versatile athletes in the 2018 class, Moore is currently a Texas A&M lean but also fields offers from Oregon and Florida State among others.
Along with his twin brother Jordan, he proved to be a remarkable talent for the Bulldogs in 2017.
Mustapha Muhammad, TE, Fort Bend Ridge Point (Michigan)
Photo: 247 Sports
One of the top tight end prospects in the Class of 2018 will be heading north to play for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines. Muhammad finished his senior season by helping to lead the Panthers to a District 20-6A championship.
Keondre Coburn, DT, Spring Westfield (Texas)
Brian Perroni, 247 Sports
The imposing defensive tackle is staying in the Lone Star State and has signed with the Longhorns for their 2018. He had a strong senior season for the Spring Westfield Mustangs, finishing with 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks on the season.
DeMarvion Overshown, S, Arp (Texas)
Photo: 247 Sports
Overshown is one of three East Texas products playing in this game on Thursday night. Like several others on this list, he will be taking his talents to Austin to play for Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns.
Jalen Preston, WR, Manvel (Texas A&M)*
Prentice James/TexasHSFootball
The Texas A&M commit dazzled in a classic state championship game against Highland Park and had a great senior season, finishing with 1,137 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s a dynamic player on special teams and on offense. Preston is currenlty committed to Texas A&M but Texas is reportedly making a late push on the playmaker.
Tommy Bush, WR, Schertz Clemens (Uncommitted)*
Brian Perroni, 247 Sports
The 6-5 target has started to really emerge as one of the top receivers in the country. With over 40 offers across the country, the Schertz Clemens standout has his top choice as to where he would like to go. Right now, it appears Georgia, Michigan State and Baylor are his top choices according to 247 Sports.
Byron Hanspard, DB, DeSoto (Baylor)
File Photo: John Glaser/TexasHSFootball
The long-time Arkansas commit was a late flip in his recruiting process and he gives head coach Matt Rhule another talented playmaker to work with.
Hanspard made things difficult for opposing receivers this season, finishing with 42 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception for the Eagles.
Malcolm Epps, TE, Spring Dekaney (Texas)
Photo: 247 Sports
The future Texas Longhorn was a top target for Spring Dekaney in 2017, finishing with 27 catches for 506 yards and seven touchdowns in 2017.
Calvin Avery, DT, Dallas Bishop Dunne (Illinois)
Photo: 247 Sports
Calvin Avery will be taking his talents to Champaign and head coach Lovie Smith at Illinois. He proved to be a force to stop in the backfield, finishing with 31 tackles and eight sacks in 2017 for the Falcons.
Maurice Washington, RB, Cedar Hill Trinity Christian (Uncommitted)
Photo: 247 Sports
Washington has been another late mover in the recruiting process and he’s started to make a name for himself on the recruiting trail. The running back from Trinity Christian is fielding offers from LSU, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee among others.
Tevailance Hunt- WR, Texarkana Texas High (TCU)
Texas High wide receiver Tevailance Hunt. Lauren Landes/TexasHSFootball
Hunt ended up being one of the last selections into the game thanks to a fan vote and the senior from Texarkana is looking to make the most of his time in Orlando. The TCU signee had a strong year for the Tigers, finishing with 1,243 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017.
Keaontay Ingram- RB, Carthage (Texas)*
Joseph Nguyen/TexasHSFootball
The third player hailing from East Texas had a standout showing for the back-to-back state champions in Class 4A Division I. The senior finished with over 2,000 yards rushing for the second straight season.
Al’vonte Woodard- WR, Houston Lamar (Texas)
Joseph Nguyen/TexasHSFootball
One of two Houston Lamar products participating in this game, Woodard put together another strong season in 2017. The Longhorn signee was the top target for the Texans in 2017, finishing with 628 yards and seven touchdowns on the year.
D’Shawn Jamison- DB, Houston Lamar (Texas)
14 SEP 2017 -Texans #5 D’shawn Jamison in action during the high school football game between the Klein Collins Tigers and the Lamar Texans. (Photo: Chris Brown/TexasHSFootball.com)
Like his teammate Woodard, D’Shawn Jamison will also be heading to Austin to play for the Longhorns. He is also coming off a strong season finishing with 30 tackles, eight passes deflected and three interceptions in 2017.
Seth Small- K, Katy (Texas A&M)
Katy kicker Seth Small (47) kicks a 39 yard field goal as time expires to give the Tigers the win over The Woodlands (Photo via Mark Goodman, TexasHSFootball.com)
The Katy product will be heading to College Station to play for Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M. He was one of the best kickers in the state and will have a chance to showcase his talents on the big stage.
Justin Mader, LS, Magnolia (Uncommitted)*
Photo via USA Today HSS
Justin Mader was the long snapper for the Magnolia Bulldogs in 2017 and will also play in Thursday’s game..jpg)
He currently has scholarship offers from Army, Air Force and Houston Baptist among others.
One More To The Fold?
There will also be players who will announce their commitments during the game on Thursday night. One of them has Texas as a final target.
247 Sports
Nik Bonnito, an outside linebacker from powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.), is one of the top prospects from his position group. He’ll choose between Louisville, Texas, and Oklahoma sometime during Thursday night’s game.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
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Under Armour Elite 24 showcases top talent, St. John’s targets sit with injuries
Over the past decade, some of New York City’s best high school basketball prospects have fled the five boroughs to play college basketball on “greener pastures”outside the city. We’ve seen young stars leave New York for rivaling schools like Villanova, Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
However,, on Saturday – at least for now – this wasn’t the case as the country’s best high school basketball players flocked to Brooklyn to play in the Under Armour Elite 24 basketball event.
In front of an exuberant outdoor Brooklyn crowd at Pier 2 under the scenic Brooklyn Bridge, some of the country’s best high school players put on a highlight-packed show to remember.
Since its inception in 2006, the event has featured countless McDonald’s All Americans and many future NBA first round draft picks. Saturday night’s game was no different.
The players were split up into two teams, Team Liberty featured top center Stephen Zimmerman (2015) and Team Freedom showcased Thon Maker (2016), arguably the best high school prospect in the nation. Like any all-star contest the game featured little defense, but did display impressive athleticism on the offensive side of the ball.
The game went off with a bang as the two teams exchanged dunks and alley oops to the delight of the Brooklyn crowd. Arguably the best dunk of night came in the first half when future Louisville Cardinal, Donovan Mitchell, threw down an awe-inspiring one-handed alley-oop jam for Team Liberty.
However, Team Freedom, led by Malik Newman and Josh Jackson, controlled the first half and went into halftime with a 69-60 lead. Duke commit Chase Jeter kept Team Freedom close, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first half.
Team Freedom might have controlled the first half, but the second half was all Team Liberty. Led by the hots hands of shooting guard Antonio Blakeney (2015) and small forward Jaylen Brown (2015), Team Liberty went on to outscore Team Freedom by twenty points in the second half (67-47) .
Thon Maker tried to keep Team Freedom within striking distance, but struggled from the field in the second to half due to an exceptional defensive performance from Stephen Zimmerman. Ultimately, Team Liberty’s attack was orchestrated by Jawun Evans, who had ten assists, and ended up being too much for Team Freedom.
With three minutes left in the second half, it began to drizzle and the game was called to prevent possible injuries. Team Liberty recorded the win, defeating Team Freedom by a score of 127-116. Jaylen Brown finished the night with 23 points, while Chase Jeter carded an impressive 17 points and 15 rebounds. The two rising stars shared MVP honors for Team Liberty.
Harry Giles, who returned this summer from a devastating knee injury, was the high scorer for Team Freedom, compiling 16 points and grabbing 11 boards. This performance proved to be a pleasant surprise for the 6-foot-10 forward from North Carolina as he finally appears to be returning to his pre-injury form.
St. John’s targets Cheick Diallo and Isaiah Briscoe were selected for the game, but sat out due to injury. Diallo and Briscoe will visit St. John’s in the all and make their decisions later on during the school year.
Rain may have cut the exhibition short, but the showcase provided an a nice sneak peek into the future of college and professional basketball.
Under Armour’s Transition to a Data-Driven Fitness Lifestyle Company – Will it Pay Off?
If you thought Under Armour was solely a sports apparel company selling athletic gear and sneakers, then I would think again! Under Armour, the third largest sports retailer by sales, is leading among sports retailers in the digital fitness space. In 2013, Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour, took a huge bet on the wearable technology and fitness tracking industry. His view was that data-driven technology would lead Under Armour to generate up to $7.5bn of revenue by fiscal year end 2018. With 2017 sales at $4.98bn and only up 3% over the year prior [1], will his bet pay off?
Under Armour’s Journey to a Data Driven Company:
Under Armour was founded by Kevin Plank after his frustration as a football player on University of Maryland’s football team. Plank became increasingly frustrated with the cotton t-shirts that he and his players wore under their football protective equipment. Once he was dubbed the “sweatiest player on the team”, he knew that there had to be a better alternative. Upon graduation in 1996, Plank created a prototype of a base layer with sweat-wicking technology called HeatGear. This prototype became the foundation for Under Armour’s initial product – sweat-wicking, base layer shirts.
Since its founding in 1996, Under Armour quickly gained national recognition and achieved $281m of revenue and $35.8m of net income by 2005. However with this increased national recognition, came challenges. Under Armour faced increase competition from Nike (63% market share in 2005), Adidas (20%) and Reebok (13%) who all had a national and international presences. The Company also received several acquisition offers – including one from Columbia Sportswear (outdoor apparel and footwear manufacturer). Under Armour turned down these offers and instead focused on organic growth and pursued an IPO. However, by 2013, competitors had largely duplicated its sweat wicking technology and Under Armour had to consider other product adjacencies to maintain a strong competitive advantage in the fitness retail space. [2]
In 2013, Under Armour took its first step into the digital fitness space. The Company acquired MapMyFitness, an app with 20m users that uses GPS to track runners and cyclists workouts and shared the results with friends online, for $150m. The Co-Founder and CEO of MapMyFitness then became Under Armour’s first Chief Digital Officer. Later, UnderArmour acquired MyFitnessPal, a diet and workout tracking app, along with its 80m users, for $475m. Under Armour then added another company to its portfolio – Endomondo, a European virtual fitness coaching app with 20m users. Under Armour also partnered with IBM Watson to apply artificial intelligence to create a platform called “UA Record” an app that provides evidence-based coaching around sleep, fitness, activity and nutrition. This app then synced with Under Armour’s running shoes. Through all of its acquisitions, to date, Under Armour has about 200m registered users and their associated fitness and nutrition data. It is estimated that one out of every 5 people in the U.S. has downloaded an app in the Under Armour suite of digital products. Kurt Kendall, Under Armour’s Vice President of Analytics and Data Solutions, stated that he estimates that the Company analyzes over 10bn of data transactions a year and each of those transactions gives the Company insights on ways to improve the customer experience.
Value Capture from Data and Analytics:
At this stage, Under Armour primarily uses the data that it captures in its product innovation process. CEO Kevin Plank refers to the value capture process as a “data flywheel”. Data from the apps gives Under Armour design cues for products. Athlete’s habits also influence design. Products such as its new Gemini line of running shoes seamlessly allows consumers to track fitness and health activity without the use of a smart phone. The Company also uses its data around consumer’s workout timeframes to push targeted advertisements to consumers. For example, after a user completed a long run on a cold day in Chicago, Under Armour then pushed a targeted advertisement for its “snot finger gloves”. Under Armour also plans to combine biometric sensors into all of its clothing and footwear products. The Company aims to build a network effect in that consumers will purchase Under Armour gear because it easily connects to their apps and digital platforms. [3]
Challenges Ahead:
A huge challenge that Under Armour faces is its ability to effectively utilize the data that it has captured to drive higher retail sales. While Kevin Plank argues that Under Armour’s data apps drive people to be more active, and more active people buy sports gear [4], I’m not entirely convinced that this helps drive more Under Armour sales (which typically sell to a premium of other more traditional sports brands). Under Armour also faces heavy competition from peers such as Nike who have also developed a digital war chest and are following a similar strategy. Lastly, Under Armour will need to hire and retain the technical talent to effectively analyze the data it has captured. With the fight for technical talent at an all-time high, it will be challenging for a retail company such as Under Armour to encourage technical talent to work at their firm over other tech-savvy firms in Silicon Valley.
With Under Armour’s 2017 sales only growing at 3.1% y-o-y, it is highly unlikely that the Company will achieve its originally stated goal of generating up to $7.5bn of revenue by 2018 based on organic growth alone. Will Under Armour’s digital strategy eventually pay off?
Sources:
[1] http://investor.underarmour.com/income.cfm
[2] HBS Academic Case – “Under Armour: Evolution of a Purpose Brand”, September 13, 2017
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2017/03/15/under-armour-transforms-into-worlds-largest-digital-fitness-brand/#3175a1f0331e
[4] https://www.zdnet.com/article/under-armours-grand-big-data-app-experiment-will-it-pay-off/
Law Firms Struggle With Developing Talent From Afar; How to Whittle Down Your Outside Counsel List; Under Armour Sued for Citing COVID to Kill Contract: The Morning Minute
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HOME ALONE – Working from home is working fine for many law firms—from a technical standpoint at least—but how to you keep remote lawyers from becoming alienated lawyers? As the pandemic wears on, firms are increasingly wrestling with how to train, coach and develop their talent in an effective and equitable manner, Patrick Smith reports. This is becoming especially complicated as segments of their workforce return to the office, while others remain remote for a variety of reasons. How do firms avoid falling into the trap of giving more work to the people who are physically present simply because it’s more convenient? According to Mark Beese, president of Leadership for Lawyers, a consulting firm focused on training for leadership skills and business development in the legal industry, it’s up to those in leadership positions to be deliberate about equitably allocating work. “The role of a leader is to create a culture and an environment where everyone is being developed,” Beese said. “That is the definition of inclusion. If you are neglecting that leadership role, you might lose those people.”
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Under Armour All-America Game 2013: Schools with Best Future Talent on Display | Bleacher Report
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After four BCS bowl games in three days, blue-chip college football is taking a short sabbatical before Monday’s National Championship. That pause allows us to turn our heads to blue-chip high school football, where Friday evening the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game will feature some of the best young prospects in the country.
The annual game kicks off from Tropicana Field at 5 p.m. ET Friday, January 4. As an event, it’s probably best-known for seeing players make in-game commitment decisions, and rightfully so—that’s one of the coolest and most exciting traditions in sport.
But the game is also a nice venue for previously committed players to dazzle their future die-hard fans for the first time. Here are three teams, in particular, who have plenty of soon-to-be stars playing in Friday’s game.
Florida Gators
Gator fans can chase the sting of Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl with a glimpse at their auspicious future. Florida boasts a number of the top committed players in Friday’s game, many of whom will be featured at skill positions.
Kelvin Taylor, son of NFL All-Pro Fred Taylor, should shine in the Black Team offensive backfield, while highly rated defensive backs Keanu Neal, Marcell Harris and Vernon Hargreaves III will get plenty of reps on the other side of the ball.
The real name to watch, however, might be Alvin Bailey. Projected to eventually play slot receiver in college, the speedster from Armwood High School is capable of playing wildcat QB and cornerback, too. It’ll be interesting to see how he’s used Friday.
There’s not much to smile about in Gainesville right now, the wounds of Wednesday still fresh enough to sting in saltwater. But if the talent on display at Tropicana Field pans out the way it’s projected, bowl losses will soon become an exception, not a rule.
Alabama Crimson Tide
It hardly seems fair, but the strong are pegged to get stronger in Tuscaloosa next season. The Tide boast ESPN.com’s top-ranked recruiting class, and plenty of that talent will be on display Friday.
One of their most recent commitments, Robert Foster, will be particularly interesting to watch. The 6’3” wide receiver committed to Alabama right before Christmas, choosing the Tide over his hometown Pittsburgh Panthers. He’s the second-ranked wideout in ESPN.com’s rankings and plays one of the only positions Alabama has a need at. If he can develop into a big, physical presence opposite burner Amari Cooper, the Tide could be unstoppable—like, literally unable to be stopped—in the near future.
Potential future signal-caller Cooper Bateman will suit up Friday, too. The bright-eyed Utah boy is one of the smartest prospects at his position—exactly the type of guy capable of game-managing the Tide all the way to a National Title.
Other names to watch include DE DeMarcus Walker, TE O.J. Howard, CB Maurice Smith and OG Grant Hill (awesome name, right?).
Ohio State Buckeyes
Believe it or not, the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game will not be an all-SEC affair. Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida State all have a number of prospects in the game, but no non-Southeastern team boasts more talent than the Buckeyes.
Two highly rated cornerbacks, Cam Burrows and Gareon Conley, will help defensive tackle Joey Bose anchor the White Team defense on Friday. All three players have high ceilings, and all three will be counted on to contribute soon after arriving in Columbus.
On offense, impressive athlete Jalin Marshall and pass-catching tight end Marcus Baugh are two more high-upside prospects the Buckeyes are counting to develop. Both players fit beautifully into Urban Meyer’s unique system and could put up inflated numbers over their careers.
Azerite Armor Guide (WoW BFA / Battle for Azeroth)
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At the very beginning of the new expansion, Magni Bronzebeard gives each player the Heart of Azeroth. This is an artifact that allows you to enhance special items of equipment, the so-called Azerite armor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Azerite Armor is and how to properly handle it.
Contents:
By the way, there is a special tool on Wowhead that allows you to search for Azerite armor with the right talent – ref.
For recommendations on choosing Azerite armor, see class guides – ref.
What is Azerite armor?
Azerite Armor is a new mechanic introduced in Battle for Azeroth.Azerite Armor is a piece of equipment that can be upgraded with the Heart of Azeroth. Azerite armor comes in three types – breastplates, helmets, and shoulder pads.
Azerite equipment has no secondary stats, but it does have a bonus to primary stats. Azerite armor can only be of the basic level, that is, it cannot be battle-hardened or titan-hardened and have additional characteristics.
Each Azerite item has several tiers of talents that enhance or modify existing abilities.Talents are not determined randomly – for example, on two identical bibs, the talent sets will be the same. A list of talents for each item is displayed in the dungeon journal and on the item page on Wowhead.
How to Get Azerite Armor
Azerite Armor can be obtained from the same sources as regular armor (as a reward for world quests, in dungeons, raids, etc.). Azerite armor of level 340 and above is subject to additional restrictions on sources and the number of items per week (that is, you will not be able to complete 50 Mythic dungeons and dress in the best equipment in the first week of the patch).
Note: Azerite armor cannot be transferred to other players, even if your character is equipped with a higher level item.
Quest Rewards
Completing the final location quest or any other significant quest will reward you with a Level 270 – 300 Azerite Item.
Unlimited Sources
Azerite items from these sources can be obtained without any restrictions.
- Normal Dungeons – Level 310
- Heroic Dungeons – Level 325
- Special World Quests – Level 325
Restricted Sources
Azerite items from these sources are subject to certain restrictions.
After opening raids, players will receive additional sources of Azerite armor. Azerite Armor rewards for completing Mythic Keystone Dungeons are not guaranteed.
Uldir
- Raid Finder – Level 340
- Normal – Level 355
- Heroic – Level 370
- Mythic – Level 385
Weekly Mythic Key Chests
- Key 2/3 – Level 340
- Key 4/5/6 – Level 355
- Key 7/8/9 – Level 370
- Key 10+ – Level 385
How Azerite Armor Works
Each Azerite item has 3 or 4 talent levels.
- Items below level 340 – 3 talent levels.
- Items of level 340 and above – 4 talent levels.
Only one talent can be selected at each level. The level is a ring that rotates so that the selected talent is at the top. Talent levels can be viewed by right-clicking on an item while holding down the Shift key. The effect of Azerite talents is scaled based on item level. A higher level item gives the character a stronger talent.
Talent levels are unlocked one at a time, from the edges to the center. In the figure, the levels are marked with different colors.
Blue Level – Class Talents
Blue Ring is the first level of talents, which always contains specialization talents and one special talent.
- A special talent can give a bonus in a certain location. In this case, it is determined by the source from which the item was obtained.
- In addition, the special talent can be associated with PvP, engineering, Uldir, and so on.
- Specialization talents correspond to the specializations available to the character.
- So, for demon hunters there are two talents (“Revenge” and “Destruction”), and for druids – four (“Guardian”, “Balance”, “Feral”, “Healing”).
- Certain talents are selectable even if they do not match the current specialization.
Green level – talents for the role
Green level is present only on items of level 340 and above and provides a choice of one of three options.
Variants change depending on the class and the specializations it has (in particular, on the ability to play the role of a tank or a healer).
- Role talents are defensive (for tanks), healing (for healers), and offensive (for fighters).
- Some talents (for example, those that increase the primary or secondary characteristic) give a bonus to several roles at the same time.
- Unlike the blue level, any talent can be chosen at the green level, not limited to specialization.In particular, if you want to do more damage as a healer or tank, you can choose an offensive talent.
- If you are playing a “pure” fighter, you will not have access to protective and healing talents. If you are playing a class that, in principle, does not have the role of a tank (for example, a priest), you will not have defensive talents.
Yellow Level – Defensive Talents
Yellow Level allows you to choose one of two defensive talents.
- Defensive talents are mostly common to all classes, but there are two specific defensive talents for each class.
- Defensive talents can reduce incoming damage, absorb damage, or heal.
Center
The center of the tree always contains the same talent, regardless of the level and method of obtaining an Azerite item. It gives +5 pts. to the item level.
Requirements for gaining access to the Azerite Armor talents
Azerite item talent levels unlock upon reaching specific Heart of Azeroth levels. Each subsequent talent level requires a higher artifact level.The higher the item level, the higher the level requirements for the Heart of Azeroth.
If you would like to determine the level of Heart of Azeroth required to gain access to the next level of talents, use the table below.
* Loot from World Bosses, Doom’s Howl or Lion’s Roar
** Loot from the weekly chest for completing Mythic Keystone Dungeons
Helmet
| Item Level | Talent 1 | 172 Talent 2 Talent 3 | Center | |||
| 310 | 9 | 12 | 15 | |||
| 325 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |||
| 34017 9017 | 25 | |||||
| 355 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | ||
| 370 * | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 9017 24 | 28 |
| 385 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 31 | ||
| 385 ** 9017 3 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 31 | ||
| Equipment from the front | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 |
