Courtney Gano has signed with Marucci Sports with a focus on creating the right products for her game, and the next generation. Gano will not only represent Marucci on the field, but also provide input into the development and testing of their growing fastpitch line.

“I want the best equipment in the game, and I believe Marucci provides that. I love that Marucci prioritizes direct input from their athletes in order to provide us, and the future generation, with the best performing products,” Gano said, when asked about her motivation to switch to Marucci.

A stand-out infielder from the University of Washington, Gano amassed over 20 home runs and multiple All-Pac-12 selections during her collegiate career. After graduating in 2016, she went on to play professionally in Italy and for the Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch. She competed on the USA National Team in 2018, winning a gold medal at the Japan Cup and a bronze medal at the USA International Cup. Gano is currently a playing in Athletes Unlimited, an emerging pro league that is focused on a player-centric model.

Gano continued, “of course I look at product performance and durability, but aside from this, I look at how I align with a partner, the opportunity, and their focus on growing the game. Marucci checks all these boxes and it’s easy to partner with a company that values communication, relationships, and growth.”

Marucci Co-Founder and CEO, Kurt Ainsworth, values Courtney’s work ethic and focus on the future of fastpitch. “As an athlete, I respect her personal motto to “get better every day” and how it fuels her performance. As a father, I admire her passion for paving the way for the next generation,” said Ainsworth. “Our relationship with Courtney is crucial to growing the game and developing the gear athletes not only want and need but deserve.”

“I believe our job as athletes is to leave the game better than we found it, so everything we do should focus on this. As the game changes and grows, the products need to do the same,” said Gano. “Marucci has invested in softball to give us what we deserve and that’s something I can always get behind. What this company has done in baseball is nothing short of amazing, and I am really proud and excited to be a part of the growth on our fastpitch side.”

Marucci intentionally partners with athletes who are committed to Honoring the Game, demonstrating character and commitment to excellence, and are passionate about creating the tools athletes want and need to be successful.Gano joins Marucci’s list of professional athletes including Haley Cruse, AJ Andrews, Anthony Rizzo, Francisco Lindor, Freddie Freeman, Gleyber Torres, Josh Donaldson and Trea Turner.

Florida State Softball alum and Director of Fastpitch at Marucci, Allison Parsell, adds “I’ve worked with Courtney for a long time, and I’m thrilled to add her to our arsenal of fastpitch athletes at Marucci. Watching her grow and develop as a player, and a person, has been truly inspiring. What she brings to the table for Marucci is unmatched. Her character and personality are a great fit with our culture and will help push us in the right direction for fastpitch.”