Congrats to Natasha Kai and PUMA on their recent announcement that the Sky Blue FC and US Womens National Team star has joined the ranks of PUMA athletes. Hit the jump for the full press release.
Today, in a nod to game-changing female athletes everywhere, sportlifestyle brand PUMA® announced the signing of women’s soccer powerhouse Natasha Kai, furthering the brand’s commitment to Women’s Professional Soccer and to the game as a whole. The brand will serve as Kai’s official supplier for footwear, apparel, and accessories both on and off the field; Kai will also be featured in PUMA’s football and fitness marketing campaigns and, because of her true crossover appeal, be incorporated into the brand’s lifestyle activities as well.
“Not only is Natasha one of the most talented female players in the game, she’s also a wonderful fit for the brand,” said Jay Piccola, president and general manager of PUMA North America. “She’s bold, she’s colorful, she’s dynamic, and she does things differently in the same way that we strive to. When Natasha steps on the field, everyone takes notice — and we’re thrilled to have that energy as part of the PUMA family.” Kai’s feelings are mutual: “I love color, style, fashion. With me, what you see is what you get, and I’m not afraid to show who I am. I’m extremely excited, because I’ve been searching for product that truly fits my personality, and PUMA is a perfect match for me both on and off the field.”
Kai, a forward for 2009 WPS Champions Sky Blue FC, is Hawaii-born but currently resides in New Jersey. Known as much for her vibrant personality and explosive play as for her gorgeous tattoos — which have attracted attention both on and off the field — the Olympic Gold Medalist was Sky Blue’s leading scorer in the league’s inaugural season and is poised to be, yet again, an offensive force-to-be-reckoned-with in year two.
Kai, who juggled five sports until high school graduation, truly launched her soccer career at the University of Hawaii, where she quickly made headlines: Kai was named “Player of the Year” in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) an unprecedented three times, and she also held the distinction of being the all-time leading goal scorer for both the university and the conference. She joined the US Women’s National Team in 2006 as the first and only member from Hawaii, helping her team to a win at the 2007 Four Nations Tournament, a bronze medal in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and first place in the 2008 Algarve Cup. In the 2008 Olympic Games, thanks to a crucial overtime goal by Kai, the team moved on from the semis to defeat Brazil in the finals. Kai achieved top scorer status for the team in ’08, too.
In 2009, Kai went blue and orange, joining Sky Blue FC in the debut year for WPS. Named WPS Player of the Week in week 17 of the season, Kai went on to lead her underdog team to victory as the champions of the league’s inaugural season. As she looks forward to 2010, Kai is excited for a second season alongside her Sky Blue teammates, hoping to continue the positive momentum that the team achieved at the end of ’09.
