From Notre Dame Basketball to Business Ownership: Diana Braendly’s i9 Sports Journey

Collegiate Career and Competitive Experience

Diana Braendly wrapped up her time with the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team in 1998. As part of a program led by Muffet McGraw, she participated in the national tournament each year, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance. Her teammates included notable athletes such as Ruth Riley, Danielle Green and Niele Ivey.

Building a Long-Term Career in IT

After leaving college basketball, Braendly spent the next 20 years working in the IT field within the financial sector. Her experience included roles with Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan Chase & Co., where she developed a strong professional foundation.

Returning to Sports in a New Role

More than 20 years later, she reconnected with athletics by becoming a business owner. In 2019, she purchased her first i9 Sports locations, shifting from corporate employment to entrepreneurship in the youth sports industry.

Desire for Meaningful Work

Her decision was driven by a desire to pursue something more fulfilling. She wanted to build a career that aligned with her passion for sports while also giving back to the community.

A Personal Connection to the Brand

Braendly’s son was actively involved in i9 Sports, participating in both T-ball and basketball programs. When the opportunity arose to acquire the existing franchise, she acted quickly and entered the system.

Advantages of the Franchise Structure

While there was a learning curve, the franchise model provided a structured approach that made the transition smoother. Instead of building a business independently, she was able to follow proven systems and guidelines. The affordability of the franchise was also an important factor in her decision.

Growing a Multi-Sport Youth Program

Since acquiring her first locations, Braendly has expanded into northern Delaware, as well as areas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her programs include flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and soccer, giving children the chance to explore different sports before specializing.

Part of a Nationally Expanding Brand

i9 Sports has grown to 296 locations across 36 states, supported by 192 franchise owners. The brand has strong representation in Florida and Texas and is targeting additional expansion in New England. Franchisees have flexibility in how they structure their local programs.

Supporting Girls in Sports Participation

Braendly is involved in the “Gains are for the Girls” initiative, which focuses on increasing girls’ participation and retention in sports. The nationwide program aims to reach 500,000 participants annually by 2030 through a combination of research, programming and targeted resources.

Building a Scalable Operation

One of the key lessons in her journey has been the importance of team building. Initially, managing all aspects of the business was difficult, but developing a trusted team allowed her to focus on growth metrics such as customer satisfaction and program performance. With the right systems and tools in place, her business continues to scale while maintaining consistent standards.

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