“Our tight-knit ‘squad’ has always had each other’s backs, and we want to replicate that support system for as many women athletes as possible.”

– Teresa Saputo-Crerend

Content Warning: This interview discusses gender inequities in sports and professional environments, including references to systemic challenges and historical disparities. It also includes promotional content for a brand partnership. Some readers may find the discussion of these topics sensitive or polarizing.

Teresa Saputo-Crerend, co-founder of LaunchBreak, has dedicated her career to championing women in sports, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for athletes at every stage of their journey. In this interview, she shares insights on her inspiring initiatives, her commitment to empowering women in athletics, and her vision for a more inclusive sports community.

Can you share the story behind your company, and what inspired you to co-found it?

I co-founded LaunchBreak with my longtime friend and former college tennis doubles partner, Philippa Portnoy. Back then, our women’s team did not have the same support and resources as the men’s. Together with our teammates, we advocated in support of women’s athletics and closely bonded in the process. This was the genesis of LaunchBreak. Our tight-knit “squad” has always had each other’s backs, and we want to replicate that support system for as many women athletes as possible.

How has your background in sports marketing influenced your approach to empowering women athletes?

Having very few female role models in sports marketing made my journey challenging. While my male mentors were wonderful, I often felt that women’s unique needs and business approaches weren’t fully understood. This realization motivated me to start LaunchBreak, aiming to create a flexible and supportive community where women athletes can connect and empower one another professionally.

What challenges do women athletes face today, and how do you address them?

Recent highlights of inequitable facilities, like those at the women’s NCAA basketball tournament just a few years ago, remind us that challenges for women persist across various workplaces. LaunchBreak provides a supportive, filtered community of like-minded women who cheer each other on, assist in job referrals, collaborate on projects, and help one another find opportunities in their careers and beyond.

Could you highlight some of the milestones or success stories that your company has achieved so far?

The past year has been monumental for us. We started with a vision in late 2023 and proudly launched in 2024, attracting over 1,600 women who resonate with our mission. It’s a great feeling when someone we don’t know tells us they have already heard of LaunchBreak, or when a member submits a picture of LaunchBreakers getting together in their city. But what’s truly rewarding is hearing that our members are getting something out of LaunchBreak. One recent college grad who has embarked on a broadcasting career signed with an agent through a LaunchBreak connection. Another member who competed in the 2024 Olympics is shadowing an EMS/firefighter to learn about that career path. Two members in healthcare are collaborating on a research project. We love hearing these stories because that is what we are all about!

How do you see the intersection of mentorship, networking, and sports shaping the future for women athletes?

Teammates naturally become allies, providing support regardless of personal friendships. This foundation of mentorship is essential. LaunchBreak simplifies networking for women athletes, allowing them to connect without traditional barriers like time constraints. You don’t need to spend hours at the golf course or in a restaurant; we make it accessible.

Can you discuss your experience leading collaborative initiatives and how they connect with your work?

Columbia’s inaugural university-wide conference was a collaborative effort from an incredible group of women across all 18 schools. Their teamwork and selflessness were crucial to the conference’s success and our ability to attract keynote speakers such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Faye Wattleton and Sallie Krawcheck. The support new members find in LaunchBreak is similar. Our community wants the best for each other and the spirit of the LaunchBreak community is energizing and empowering.

What role do partnerships play in achieving your mission, and are there any you’re particularly proud of?

Strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations enhance our mission and propel women athletes forward. And by women athletes, we are not just talking about the professionals on your screen or in the big arenas. The more young girls can see how athletics plays a role in women in general leading healthy and more successful lives, the more young girls will stick with sports. By collaborating with partners who share our values, we can extend our resources and benefits to their communities, amplifying our impact. SEEN Haircare developed by Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, recently joined LaunchBreak as an official sponsor. SEEN promotes healthy hair AND skin, with patented formulas that won’t clog pores and are safe for sensitive skin. This is important to athletes who shower frequently and is a sensible partnership for promotion on LaunchBreak. We are thrilled they believe in supporting women athletes and in the power of LaunchBreak to connect us all.

How has your work with nonprofits and educational organizations informed your approach to community building in sports?

Working with nonprofits made me keenly aware of both access and bandwidth issues. In one organization offering free college prep services, we struggled to engage young adults who were already stretched thin by tough circumstances at home and personal commitments. This experience highlighted the importance of flexible networking—especially for women who juggle numerous demands on their time. Networking should be accessible, not another hurdle.

What advice would you give to women athletes looking to transition from sports to other professional careers?

Your life experiences have been preparing you for your ultimate career stop. Women athletes develop skills that are valuable in the workplace. “There is a clear and positive relationship between the number of years of playing sports and the number of women in executive leadership positions.” – Play to Lead by Women’s Sports Foundation. Athletes who spent years training and competing may question why they did it if only to pivot to a new profession. From time to time, jot down the soft and hard skills learned along the way. You will be pleased by how many are relevant!

What is your vision for the future of women’s athletics, and how do you see your company contributing to it?

I don’t believe what’s been going on in women’s sports should be called a “moment” or a “movement.” Simply put, I think the world is finally catching up to where women athletes, who have spent their lives’ journeys in this space, have been all along. Within our community, women’s sports were always important, embodying role models and inspirational narratives. LaunchBreak is the only networking community for women athletes to connect across all generations, all sports, and all industries. Our vision is to transform how women athletes network and propel them forward.

Interviewee’s bio Teresa Saputo-Crerend is the co-founder of LaunchBreak – the ultimate networking platform for the women’s athletic community. Teresa is also the Co-Chair of the Columbia University Alumni Association’s Mentoring & Networking Committee.
LinkedIn profile URL and recommended links

“LaunchBreak is the only networking community for women athletes to connect across all generations, all sports, and all industries.”

– Teresa Saputo-Crerend

Link

• Teresa at LinkedIn

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective in the comments below:

• Who inspires you most in the world of women’s sports, and why?
• What do you think is the biggest challenge women athletes face today?
• How can communities like LaunchBreak make a greater impact?

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