USA Volleyball Launches New Marketing Effort

Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA to Provide Support

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, and WARREN, NJ, June 1, 2017 – USA Volleyball (USAV), the recognized National Governing Body for volleyball by both the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), has retained Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) to assist in its branding and marketing efforts.

USA Volleyball’s mission is to lead, serve and grow all areas of the sport of volleyball from grassroots participation to international competitive excellence. USAV consistently produces world-class athletes that comprise the USA teams competing in the Olympics, Paralympics, and FIVB World events. Both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Indoor National Teams are currently ranked #2 in the world.

In the 2016 Olympic Games hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, three of the U.S. teams medaled: Men’s Indoor, Women’s Indoor, and Women’s Beach each earned the bronze. The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team captured its first Paralympic gold medal in Rio. Since 1984, the USA is the only nation to have medaled in every Olympic Games.

In addition to its winning history, USAV is the only volleyball institution that is certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This allows its athletes of all ages and skill levels to be assured of a culture of safety and support through awareness, education and training programs.

“We, at USAV, are very excited to be partnering with Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA for our branding and marketing efforts,” said Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball. “As the number one high school team participatory sport for girls and the fastest growing NCAA varsity sport, volleyball’s scale is misunderstood. I am convinced that by working with Bob Zito and his team, we will be able to effectively grow the awareness and excitement of this amazing sport as we groom our Olympians for years to come.”

“USAV is an amazing organization with a phenomenal product and some of the most skilled athletes in the world,” said Robert Zito, Founder of Zito Partners and Managing Partner of InterperformancesUSA. “We are both honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with Jamie and his team to help build this brand and develop lasting, meaningful corporate partnerships for the organization.”

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the disciplines of beach volleyball, indoor volleyball and sitting volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball has over 325,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $31 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs for beach, indoor and sitting volleyball; youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education, certification programs and grassroots development across all disciplines. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit usavolleyball.org.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Jack Elliott Gets Some Love from Section 215

Philadelphia Union: With each clean sheet, Jack Elliott’s star rises

With the impressive performances by the Philadelphia Union of late, a star is being born in central defense.

The Philadelphia Union have kept four straight clean sheets. This is a sentence that I never expected to write when the Philadelphia Union were hemorrhaging goals at a Chivas USA rate. Credit must be given to Jim Curtin for changing the personnel along the back line and causing them to play a more compact game.

One of the biggest surprises in Curtin’s changes has been the insertion of Jack Elliott as the right center back. Occupying a role that was meant for Joshua Yaro, Elliott has stepped in looking well beyond his years.

Hailing from London, it’s a “lucky coincidence” that Elliott’s journey led to the United States. He was playing for Old Wilsonians Football Club at home when a scout for West Virginia University discovered him. Elliott took the offer playing four years for the Mountaineers making appearances in the midfield and along the backline.

His success in college led to Elliott being drafted in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Union. While it didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, Elliott impressed the coaching staff in the preseason, leading to his debut performance. When Richie Marquez couldn’t continue against DC United, Elliott stepped in and didn’t miss a beat.

View more online: https://section215.com/2017/05/19/philadelphia-union-jack-elliott/

IPZ’S NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER: MADISON JONES

Seton Hall Point Guard Signs with InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, May 16, 2017  Madison Jones, the court general that led the Seton Hall Pirates this past season, has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

The 6-foot-2 point guard began his collegiate career at Wake Forest University which is under two hours away from his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Jones broke into the starting lineup as a freshman. In all three seasons with the Demon Deacons, Jones consistently found himself in the top two for the team’s most assists and steals (he was first in this category twice). As a junior, he ranked among the ACC leaders with a 1.6 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jones transferred to Seton Hall University for the 2016-17 season and played in all 33 contests, starting 31 of them. His 58 steals led the Pirates and were third best in the Big East. Jones topped The Hall in both assists (104, ninth in the Big East) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6, eighth in the Big East). Called the “head” by teammates, Jones led the Pirates to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am so happy to be a part of the IPZ family,” said Jones. “I have dreamed about being a professional basketball player since I was a young boy. I can’t thank God enough for this amazing opportunity.”

“Meeting Madison and his parents during this process was rewarding for me,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ. “Madison comes from a great family with dedicated parents and siblings who are serving our country. His leadership on the court at Seton Hall was exemplary. And his relationship with a great coach and staff, phenomenal. I’m thrilled we have the opportunity to work with him.”

 

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

KELLON THOMAS SIGNS WITH IPZ

IUPUI Guard Chooses to be Represented by InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, May 15, 2017 – Kellon Thomas, a key player for the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Jaguars this past season, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The 5-foot-11 guard returned to his hometown of Indianapolis, IN, to finish out his collegiate basketball career after playing three seasons at Kent State University. As a junior for the Golden Flashes, Thomas led the team in minutes played (31.5 mpg), assists (81), three-pointers made (45), and free throws made (106), while being the only player to start all 32 contests. Thomas’ 12.3 points per game was second best for Kent State.

While a senior at IUPUI, Thomas averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. He scored a single-game career high of 25 points against the University of Omaha when Thomas was a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line on February 8, 2017. Thomas’ 85 assists were second best on the team and his 90 percent accuracy from the stripe was 14th best in the country.

“I chose IPZ because I have heard great feedback from other coaches and players [about them],” said Thomas. “Their staff works really hard for their players and I like their family atmosphere. I am beyond excited to start my professional career while with InterperformancesUSA.”

“Kellon is a smart player who has a natural ability to score the basketball,” said Jeff Curtin, Managing Director of IPZ. “Kellon has a bright future and we are thrilled to sign a player that shares the values we share as a company.”

Watch highlights from Thomas’ senior year here.

 

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

KATIE FRERKING SELECTS IPZ

SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Will Be Represented By Interperformances®USA

WARREN, NJ, May 11, 2017 – Katie Frerking, the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a mainstay in the Auburn Tigers’ lineup since her freshman year, has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

Standing at 6-foot-1, Frerking has the ability to play at both the guard and forward positions. Frerking, whose hometown is Johns Creek, GA, was nominated to play in the 2013 McDonald’s All-America game. In the fall of 2013, Frerking began her collegiate career with Auburn and became only the fifth freshman in the previous 10 years to start the season-opener.

In Frerking’s junior year, she averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. These stats helped land her on the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team in the 2015-16 season. She also earned this honor the following year as a senior. Additionally, Frerking was named the 2016-17 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as well as receiving All-SEC Defensive and Second Team honors. The combo player led the Tigers with 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, to go along with 3.0 assists per contest.

Frerking left her mark in Auburn’s record books with these top 20 rankings in program history: #4 in games played with 130, #5 in three-point field goal attempts with 518, #6 in steals with 236, #7 in three-point field goals made with 147, #12 in assists with 307, #17 in rebounding with 627 boards, and #18 in scoring with 1,271 points.

“I chose InterperformancesUSA because I felt that they were the best people to help me in beginning my professional career,” said Frerking. “I could tell from my very first conversation with Shawn that he really understood my game and was excited about the possibility of representing me. I was definitely looking for an agency that not only was best-suited to help me in the basketball realm, but also an agency that was full of great people. Everyone I’ve worked with so far at IPZ has been that. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue my basketball career and certainly excited to be teamed up with IPZ.”

“Katie is one of the most underrated players in the SEC; I love watching her play,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “She can flat out play the game and her basketball IQ is off the charts. With her size and versatility, Katie will be a valuable asset to her future professional team.”

 

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

IPZ Team Gets Together To Celebrate Students

Members of the IPZ leadership team and board of advisors attended the annual Cento Amici scholarship dinner.

Cento Amici (100 Friends) is a community-based, member organization dedicated to providing need-based scholarship assistance to qualified students in New Jersey. Its mission is to enhance the educational opportunities for those who need it most and who are most under-served by existing need-based programs.

Read more about Cento Amici here: https://centoamici.org/

MIAH SPENCER PICKS IPZ

All-ACC First Team Selection Chooses InterperformancesUSA for Representation

WARREN, NJ, April 18, 2017 – Miah Spencer, point guard for North Carolina State University and a First Team All-ACC selection this past season, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

Hailing from Decatur, GA, the 5’8 guard broke into the Wolfpack’s starting lineup in her freshman campaign and never looked back. As a sophomore in the 2013-14 season, Spencer was named a captain. She was then awarded All-ACC Second Team honors in her junior year as she posted a season stat line averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

In Spencer’s final year with the Wolfpack, she averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. These numbers earned her All-ACC First Team honors. She had her best scoring performance of the 2016-17 season against Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, when she poured in 31 points.

Spencer is the only player to have scored more than 1,500 points and dish out more than 450 assists in NC State history. Throughout her four years with the Pack, Spencer played in every contest which landed her at #6 in the school’s record books with 129 games played. The point guard also ranks in the top 15 in six other categories: #1 from the stripe with 428 free throws made, #4 in passing with 496 assists, #4 in getting to the line with 545 free throws attempted, #5 from beyond the arc where she shot with 36 percent accuracy, #12 in scoring with 1,585 points, and #13 in steals with 185.

“I signed with IPZ because I know that they have my best interest in mind,” said Spencer. “Everything about them is so genuine and real, nothing is sugar-coated. I’m very excited to start my professional career and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

“Miah has a promising future and her best basketball is ahead of her,” said Shawn Farmer, IPZ’s managing director of basketball. “She is a tremendous leader on and off the court. Miah is a high-caliber player who blooms where she is planted and will succeed wherever she lands. Any organization would be thrilled to have her.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com. 

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

TYRELL NELSON CHOOSES IPZ

All-Big South Honoree Signs with InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, April 13, 2017 – Tyrell Nelson, a forward who was a double-double machine for Gardner-Webb University, has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The 6-foot-7 Charlotte, NC native has received honors since his freshman campaign when he was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team in the 2013-14 season. The following year, Nelson was recognized on the NCCSIA All-State Second Team. Nelson earned Second Team All-Big South Honors in both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

In the forward’s senior campaign, he averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Over his collegiate career, Nelson posted 25 double-doubles and broke into the top 10 of Gardner-Webb’s record books. He ranks #5 in rebounding with 870 boards, and #8 in scoring with 1,651 points.

“I chose IPZ because of the complete team they have,” said Nelson. “They have people who are good at their job and know the right people to make my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player, a reality. I put my complete trust in them.”

“Tyrell is a solid and dependable forward,” said IPZ Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “His size allows him to overpower defenders in the paint and get to the basket, as well as position himself in order to secure rebounds. Tyrell has a bright future ahead of him and IPZ is thrilled to have him.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

ALEXUS COOPER SIGNS WITH IPZ

InterperformancesUSA Grows with Addition of Eastern Kentucky Guard

WARREN, NJ, April 4, 2017 Alexus Cooper, a standout guard for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

Hailing from Rocky Mount, NC, the 5’8 guard was named to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2015-16 as a junior. In her senior season, Cooper was named to the 2016-17 CoSIDA All-District Team.

On her senior night, Cooper tied her career-high of 26 points connecting on eight of 12 three-pointers against Tennessee Tech. Cooper put together an impressive senior campaign, as she ranked in the top 15 of five categories among OVC leaders. Cooper ranked #4 in minutes played averaging 34.3 per game, #5 in three-point field goals made per game with 2.4, #8 in steals per game with 1.6, #9 in three-point percentage shooting 36%, and #13 in scoring, averaging 12.7 points per game.

“I’m so excited to be working with IPZ,” said Cooper. “With such promising success, I couldn’t imagine being elsewhere to begin my professional career. I know they only want the best for their athletes; I’m fortunate to be a part of the IPZ family.”

“I’ve had the luxury of working with a lot of basketball players over the past 15 years, but Alexus is one of – if not the – most hard-working and intelligent athletes I’ve worked with,” said Shawn Farmer, IPZ’s managing director of basketball. “Alexus has outstanding character and I look forward to seeing what her future holds.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

KELILA ATKINSON JOINS THE IPZ FAMILY

InterperformancesUSA Represents Wake Forest Guard

WARREN, NJ, March 31, 2017 – Kelila “KayKay” Atkinson, a 5-foot-10 guard out of Wake Forest University has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

Atkinson is a native of Woodbridge, VA, and began competing with the Deacons in the 2013-14 season. In her collegiate debut on November 22, 2013, Atkinson tallied 20 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two assists.

Unfortunately, Atkinson suffered setbacks due to injuries and was unable to compete during the 2015-16 season and was subjected to limited playing time in her senior campaign.

During Atkinson’s senior night on February 26, 2017, “KayKay” put up 15 points, brought down six rebounds, and had two blocks against the Louisville Cardinals. Over Atkinson’s career at Wake Forest, she shot 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc.

“As I leave the chapter of college and enter into the workforce, I aspire to do my best,” said Atkinson. “I want to be the best competitor, team player, friend and advocate that I can possibly become. I want to inspire youth in any capacity that I am capable. I want to enjoy every moment of being a member of IPZ. Their motto embodies what I value…Family. Integrity. For Life.”

“Kelila is the whole package, not only is she an outstanding athlete, but an amazing person as well,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “I watched Kelila play prior to her injuries, and WNBA scouts were raving about her. She is an exceptionally talented player whose college career was interrupted by injuries, but is now healthy and will be a productive player in the pros.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com