Gameday Social founder, Jael Thorpe, to speak at Women’s Day
April 22, 2025
Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Jael Thorpe, the founder and CEO of Gameday Social, a leading sports and entertainment apparel company, will be the keynote speaker at Women’s Day presented by EMC, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, during the 2025 Sanford International.
“I am honored to participate in this year’s iconic Women’s Day, celebrating the strength, resilience, and innovation of women in business,” said Thorpe. “My entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in a passion for female empowerment, perseverance, and bold decision-making, and I hope to inspire others to support each other in breaking barriers and creating their own paths to success.”
Originally launched from a college town boutique, Gameday Social has quickly become a household name in the collegiate apparel space. Known for elevated garment quality and distinctive graphics, the South Dakota based, certified women-owned company is focused on developing beautiful assortments for on-trend alumni and female fans for 75+ top universities, entertainers and pro sports teams across the nation. Jael and her husband Brian live with their three boys in Sioux Falls and regularly travel together, maintaining business relationships nationwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jael as our keynote speaker for this year’s Women’s Day,” said Tenny Snyder, Associate Tournament Director of the Sanford International. “Through her insights and experience, I know she will inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace their creative spirit. We look forward to the impact her words will have on this special occasion.”
Women’s Day launches Sanford International Tournament week by uniting 250 women from the Sioux Falls area. The event offers a powerful opportunity for connection, peer learning, and recognition of the important work taking place at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
EMC is the presenting sponsor of the day with Deffenbaugh Homes sponsoring a happy hour and putting contest. Tastings throughout the event include a wine and desert pairing from R Wine Bar, Maestro Dobel Margaritas, and sourdough from female owned, Breadsmith.
For additional information on Women’s Day or the Sanford International, visit sanfordinternational.com or call the tournament office at 605-271-7825.
About Gameday Social Apparel
Jael Thorpe is the founder and CEO of Gameday Social, a certified women-owned fashion brand redefining the female fan experience. An entrepreneur since college, Jael’s roots in photography and fashion led her to launch the brand in 2021, which has quickly developed national recognition in a competitive space. Under Jael’s leadership, Gameday Social has expanded beyond college licensing into professional sports, built an international supply chain, and grown to a team of 30. Jael is passionate about developing women, maintaining her South Dakota roots as the company scales, and her goals as a leader are rooted in faith, family, and innovation. Jael, her husband Brian and their three boys split their time between their Sioux Falls, SD homebase and traveling nationwide maintaining business relationships
About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 8-14, featuring a $2.1 million purse. In its eighth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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