07.23.2020

TEAMING UP FOR THE W

Under Armour Welcomes WNBA Star Rookies Kaila Charles and Tyasha Harris to Elite Roster

Under Armour continues to run its play. With a mission to help all athletes get better, UA remains committed as ever to its relentless pursuit of product innovation and empowering the next generation of female athletes. Today, Under Armour is proud to introduce its new lineup of rookie basketball superstars who are eager to return to the court and shake up the game for fans worldwide.

 

Tyasha “Ty” Harris, former member of USA Basketball, was recently drafted by the rising Dallas Wings organization and today, is teaming up with fellow WNBA rookie Kaila Charles of the Connecticut Sun to join the Under Armour family.

 

As part of the multi-year deals, Ty and Kaila will step onto the hardwood this season in the upcoming UA HOVR™ Breakthru, Under Armour's first basketball performance footwear specifically designed for female athletes and featuring a women's last. 

 

“We could not be more excited for Kaila and Ty to join us at Under Armour," said Brianna Colón, Under Armour Basketball Global Marketing Lead. "These women embody our Under Armour values and they deserve our unwavering support. Fans should expect to see these fierce competitors make immediate impacts with their new squads on-court. After all, they have a track record of making history and we can't wait to see what they do next."

 

During her time at University of Maryland, Kaila Charles (above) earned countless conference and national recognitions for her athletic and scholastic achievements. This includes the Big Ten Medal of Honor, an award given to one graduating student who has attained proficiency in both areas. Recently, she was also named the Maryland Female Student Athlete of the Year after leading her squad in scoring and rebounding. The Terps would finish the year on a 17-game winning streak and a no. 4 national ranking.

 

“This is my shot to represent Under Armour in a brand-new way for women ballers everywhere. I feel like I’m making history in a year where everything is being watched more closely because of the unprecedented challenges we’re all facing. Myself and Under Armour represent the same values and drive, and I’m proud to apply those to my life on and off the court.”

Kaila Charles

The Dallas Wings landed Ty Harris (above) at no.7 in the draft, a pass-first point guard that steadily increased her scoring each season. She finished her senior season with 12 points per game to go alongside an impressive 5.7 assists, a team record of 32-1 and a no. 1 ranking. When it was all said and done, Ty graduated the University of South Carolina with 1,000 points and 700 assists, a 118-22 record, a national championship, All-American status, the respect of her peers, and more fans than ever.

 

“My time at South Carolina played a big part in me becoming the player that I am today and, because of my time there, Under Armour has been with me since freshman year. When they asked me to join the Family, I had to say ‘yes.’ I’m proud to sport Under Armour officially on and off the court, it feels like I’ve been doing it forever. It’s time for me to show the world what it means to ‘Finish Your Breakfast,’ because when you rise and grind, anything you start, you finish.”

Tyasha “Ty” Harris

Ty and Kaila were all primed to capstone impressive senior campaigns with runs in last spring’s NCAA tournament. Now, they’re stepping into debut professional seasons that will be nothing short of unique and history-making.

 

“We’ve got big plans for Ty and Kaila and are taking their positions as ambassadors within the sport seriously,” stated Trey Evans, Director of Basketball Partnerships and Operations at Under Armour. “They’re our eyes, ears and hearts—on and off the court—when it comes to everything from product innovation, being key figures in our global brand campaigns, and seasonal moments on the basketball calendar. We’re counting on them to lead us into the future of the sport.”

 

The duo is in good company, with Under Armour's roster including professional stock car racing driver Hailie Deegan, Heptathlon Champion Georgia Ellenwood, World Champion track and field sprinter Natasha Hastings, World Champion taekwondo athlete Jade Jones, performance coach Monica Jones, cycling instructor Emma Lovewell, World Cup champion soccer player Kelley O’Hara, Jamaican steeplechaser Aisha Praught-Leer, standout volleyball star Jordan Thompson, China's volleyball phenom Zhu Ting, and World Champion skier Lindsey Vonn.

 

While recognizing the challenges ahead during these unprecedented times, the only way is through for Ty and Kaila, and Under Armour will be with them to inspire and help overcome the unexpected.