Easton Partners With Morgan Stuart On Clinics, Equipment

Easton continues its move into softball by announcing a new partnership with former University of Washington softball standout Morgan Stuart, known as a leading defensive instructor.

The agreement has Stuart joining Easton's team of ambassadors, allowing Easton to support Stuart's The Packaged Deal clinics, which she co-founded with another Easton ambassador, Jen Schroeder, and enable Stuart to provide input on Easton products.

"Joining Easton feels like I'm leveling up my game as an instructor," Stuart says. "I feel like now I'm able to offer my girls the whole world that is Easton Softball, and everything that Easton stands for in our sport. Additionally, being able to provide input to Easton's staff and be part of the brand's team of ambassadors is a huge honor. I can't wait to get started."

Stuart played for the Huskies from 2009 to 2012, winning a national championship in 2009 and being named to the Women's College World Series All-Tournament team. In 2011, she was named an Academic All-American. Stuart was inducted into the University of Washington Hall of Fame in 2014.

"At Easton, our goal is to develop best-in-class products informed by athletes and coaches that perform at the highest levels," says Dan Jelinek, Easton SVP of sales and marketing. "Being able to add Morgan Stuart to our team will not only further ensure that we bring the right products to market for fastpitch softball players, but her knowledge, personality and values will help elevate our brand content and storytelling. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Morgan to Team Easton."

Stuart is currently involved in The Packaged Deal, which offers softball clinics focused on pitching, catching, fielding and hitting. Schroeder, also an instructor and founder of Jen Schro Catching, co-founded The Package Deal with Stuart and, in August, announced her own deal with Easton that included collaboration on softball-specific catcher's gear.

"Our goal was to create gear that was designed specifically for the softball player and her body, maximize technology for ultimate safety as well as comfort and, maybe most importantly, help girls feel infinitely more confident when they strapped it on," Schroeder said at the time of the announcement. "We can’t wait for catchers across the world to reap the benefits of our hard work."

Easton plans to support Stuart's infield clinics and Stuart will provide Easton's product teams with input to further advance the next generation of fastpitch equipment designed specifically for the female athlete.

Stuart and Easton will also develop content for digital and social media channels to help players maximize their potential on the defensive side of the game.

"Morgan Stuart is a perfect addition to our team here at Easton," says Julie Tobyansen, Easton Softball sports marketing manager. "The business she has built around defense and the mental side of the sport, along with being a part of The Packaged Deal, is a perfect fit. We are excited for Morgan to represent Easton, and we can’t wait to start collaborating on future projects."

Tim Newcomb covers gear and business for Softball America. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.