YISD announces partnership with Nike

YISD will soon become a “Nike district.” YISD announced a five-year deal with sports gear giant, Nike, and sports apparel company, BSN.

YISD was approached by Nike, which Superintendent Xavier De La Torre says is very rare for a high school district. Frisco ISD, near Dallas is the only other school district with a similar partnership. Though its a five-year deal Superintendent De La Torre expects it to be extended for much longer than that.

“From this day forward, we are going to begin to evolve into a Nike district, we want to be the University of Oregon but in West Texas,” Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said.

The brand that has attracted athletic powers like Texas and the University of Oregon, is set to become the brand of student athletes in the Ysleta district.

“You look at Oregon and Baylor, Oklahoma state, the schools that are representing themselves they’re all wearing the swoosh, it makes a difference when you walk onto the field,” Parkland High School Head Football Coach Josh Kirkland said.

The five year deal is the first of its kind in West Texas and will save the district at least one million dollars.

Schools will receive a 40% discount on Nike team apparel and uniforms, plus a 30% discount on Nike footwear and 18% off BSN equipment.

Each high school will receive $9,000 a year in Nike products. Middle schools with get $2,500 in gear each year.

The savings will help fund the rest of the district’s athletic budget.

“What we’re likely going to do is allow that budget to remain at one million dollars and improve and enhance athletic facilities,” Superintendent De La Torre said.

The Del Valle High School football team already has Nike gear, as part of a previous deal, but schools can look forward to similar gear that’ll have the famous, Nike swoosh.

“We have spent so much money on Nike and shoes, and socks and everything, so they’re every excited to have this,” Parkland High School booster club parent Tammy Johnson said.

“It shows we’re united, when we go out of town, we’re serious about what we do,” Hanks High School volleyball player Bianca Hernandez said.

Some schools will have new gear this fall. Superintendent De La Torre says they’ll finish using current gear in good condition, before they use new gear.

This deal will also be available to all students, even if they aren’t athletes, through an online portal.