The Seattle Storm and Title IX took the stress out of sports bra shopping by helping Franklin High School basketball players find the right fit for free.

SEATTLE — As basketball tryouts echoed through the Seattle Storm’s training facility, a parallel program was underway addressing a less visible challenge facing young female athletes: access to properly fitted sports equipment.

The event, organized by women-owned athletic apparel company Title IX and hosted by the WNBA team, offered complimentary bra fittings alongside a basketball clinic for local high school athletes.

“Anyone who has ever moved their body can understand the importance of well-fitting gear,” said Lisa Gilliland, Title IX’s manager of community and culture. “When you specifically talk about going out on the court where you’re jumping, running, pivoting, you want to be able to move comfortably.”

For Franklin High School sophomore Jillian Rosewarne, browsing the racks of sports bras set up in the team’s training room was much less familiar than the basketball court. 

“A lot of these styles — I mean, I don’t go bra shopping, not really, so this is new,” she said.

Her experience reflects a broader issue. According to Title IX, 70% of high school girls drop out of sports due to lack of proper gear, including sports bras. Cost presents a significant barrier, with quality sports bras often carrying premium price tags.

“Unfortunately, getting good gear is not always accessible,” Gilliland said.

Tara Davis, interim executive director of athletics for Seattle Public Schools, emphasized the program’s dual purpose. 

“Not only bridge the gap, but also create awareness,” she said. “Anytime you can educate young ladies as far as their bodies, this is just one aspect of that.”

Attendees received fitted sports bras and clinic instruction from Storm youth director Ashley Corral.

“This is an incredible partnership, and it’s very important to the Storm to partner with value-aligned organizations like Title IX,” said Hanifah Bellaluz, Storm senior director of community and social impact. “Things like this can be extremely impactful.”