Women in Sports Business & Entrepreneurship

Women in Sports Business & Entrepreneurship

Celebrating Women in Sports, Business, and Entrepreneurship

On Friday, July 18, the Lake Erie Crushers’ Women in Sports, Business, and Entrepreneurship Night will celebrate the power, passion, and potential of women across every arena — from the playing field to the boardroom. This special evening highlights how sports can build the skills, confidence, and leadership that drive success both in competition and in business. The Crushers will honor local youth athletes, business leaders, and entrepreneurs making an impact in Northeast Ohio while inspiring the next generation to dream big, play hard, and lead boldly.

The evening will begin with a compelling panel featuring notable local women who will share their personal journeys and the pivotal role sports have played in shaping their success. After the panel, fans are invited to stay and cheer on the Crushers during an exciting home game, and the opportunity to explore our Vendor Village!


Interested in Showcasing Your Business?
The Vendor Village is an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to engage with fans and promote their brand. Each participating vendor will receive a complimentary activation table to display their products or services before and during the game. Sales will not be permitted within the Vendor Village. 

To apply for participation, please complete the application form below.


Disclaimer: Participation in this event is a promotional opportunity and does not imply endorsement or financial compensation from the Lake Erie Crushers or any event partners. This event aims to provide a platform for local businesses to engage with the community and celebrate women’s achievements across sports, business, and entrepreneurship.


Important Dates:
VENDOR Application CLOSED.


Notification of Acceptance: By June 27, 2025

Schedule of Events

Lake Erie Crushers Game day Schedule of events

Date: July 18, 2025
Location: Crushers Stadium 2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, OH 44011


5:30 PM – Women in Sports Panel; Join us pregame for an inspiring discussion featuring Buffy Filippell and Ally Eclarin. Open to all ticket holders!

6:00 PM – End of Game – Vendor Village Opens; Explore our Vendor Village located on the Picnic Plaza and discover local women owned businesses throughout the evening!

6:00 PM – Stadium Gates Open; Fans may enter Crushers Stadium and begin enjoying the ballpark atmosphere, food, and fun!

7:05 PM – First Pitch; Crushers vs. Evansville Otters

Postgame - Fireworks Show; Fireworks show will be on display shortly following the end of the game.

Panel Guests

Buffy Filippell

Buffy Filippell

Founder, TeamWork Online

Buffy Filippell is one of the most honored and respected leaders and women in the sports world - known by many as the "Godmother of Sport Management". She was the first female agent at IMG, and, was one of the first recruiters to focus on sports while at the worldwide search firm Korn/Ferry. Her experience at Korn/Ferry led Filippell to create TeamWork Consulting in 1987, a retained executive search firm specifically geared toward recruiting executives in sports and live events. Filippell established TeamWork Online, broadening the industry's recruiting tools with a first-of-its-kind mobile talent recruiting system focused on connecting employers to candidates in the business of sports and live events. These firsts have created a legacy that reaches across nearly every professional sport, multiple collegiate programs, and the leading live event producers in the world. Buffy was named 2017 WISE Woman of the Year and Sports Business Journal's "2019 Champion: Pioneers and Innovators in the Sports Business". 

Buffy Filippell is one of the most honored and respected leaders and women in the sports world - known by many as the "Godmother of Sport Management". She was the first female agent at IMG, and, was one of the first recruiters to focus on sports while at the worldwide search firm Korn/Ferry. Her experience at Korn/Ferry led Filippell to create TeamWork Consulting in 1987, a retained executive search firm specifically geared toward recruiting executives in sports and live events. Filippell established TeamWork Online, broadening the industry's recruiting tools with a first-of-its-kind mobile talent recruiting system focused on connecting employers to candidates in the business of sports and live events. These firsts have created a legacy that reaches across nearly every professional sport, multiple collegiate programs, and the leading live event producers in the world. Buffy was named 2017 WISE Woman of the Year and Sports Business Journal's "2019 Champion: Pioneers and Innovators in the Sports Business". 

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Ally Eclarin

Ally Eclarin

Co-Founder @ State Champs + The W Sports Bar

Ally Eclarin is a brand builder, product marketer, and creative with over 12 years of experience in startups and sports. Beyond tech, Ally co-founded State Champs, a community-based streetwear brand that has partnered with Togethxr, NCAA Final Four, Orlando Pride, Tennis in the Land, Cleveland Pro Soccer, and the 1999 Women’s World Cup team. She is also one of the owners of The W Sports Bar, the first women’s sports bar in Ohio.

Ally Eclarin is a brand builder, product marketer, and creative with over 12 years of experience in startups and sports. Beyond tech, Ally co-founded State Champs, a community-based streetwear brand that has partnered with Togethxr, NCAA Final Four, Orlando Pride, Tennis in the Land, Cleveland Pro Soccer, and the 1999 Women’s World Cup team. She is also one of the owners of The W Sports Bar, the first women’s sports bar in Ohio.


Passionate about helping brands find their voice and making sports more inclusive, Ally thrives at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and community. 


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