---
title: Ontheside | Why We're Here
description: Ontheside connects athletes, fans, and brands, enhancing sports sponsorship while celebrating athlete stories and fostering community.
image: https://hello.ontheside.com/hubfs/The%20Ontheside%20Team.png
---
[](https://hello.ontheside.com)
[the Inside Track](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home)
- [Insights & Influence](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#insights)
- [Athlete-Creator Resources](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#creator-resources)
- [Ontheside 101](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/home#ontheside-101)
- [Why We're Here](https://hello.ontheside.com/why-we-are-here)
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# Why We're Here
## Our Mission
Too often, athletes—from aspiring to pro, and even Olympic medalists—struggle to afford their sports. Fans struggle to find content and credible resources, especially in underrepresented sports. Brands struggle to break through the noise, reach relevant buyers, and measure the impact of their sports marketing investments.
So, we built Ontheside where…
Athletes share content, get sponsored, and inspire the rest of us.
Fans get insider access and support athlete journeys.
Brands grow brand love and loyalty, and directly impact athlete success.
Ontheside reimagines sports sponsorship so athletes can afford to be their best and show us what's possible.
## Who We Are
We are a crew of seasoned product and go-to-market technology professionals—at various points across the athletic continuum—who believe in the power of inspiration and connection through sport. We're driven to create a space that celebrates athlete authenticity, showcases athlete stories beyond their stats, and honors the value of the insights that athletes share.
Rich Lee
Founder & CEO
Ultra Running
Carissa Jaji
Sr. Director of Athlete Success
Running, Weightlifting
**John Crawford**
Sr. Analytics Specialist
Ultra Running, OCR Racing
Kristine Smith
Head of Marketing
Hiking
Alicia Mittelbach
Director of Growth
Tennis, Weightlifting
Patrick Keller
Head of Product
Hiking
Johan Norén
Product Manager
Ultra Running
Sarah Withrow
Content Specialist
Running, Weightlifting
**Carrie Greiff**
Head of People
*Pilates, Yoga*
**Katie Edson**
Research Manager
Mountain Biking
**Rich Lee
Founder & CEO**
*Ultra Running*
**Kristine Smith
Head of Marketing**
*Hiking*
**Patrick Keller
Head of Product**
*Hiking*
**Carrie Greiff
Head of People**
*Pilates, Yoga*
**Carissa Jaji
Sr. Director of Athlete Success**
*Running, Weightlifting*
**Alicia Mittelbach
Director of Growth**
*Tennis, Weightlifting*
**Johan Norén
Product Manager**
*Ultra Running*
**Katie Edson
Research Manager**
*Mountain Biking*
**John Crawford
Sr. Analytics Specialist**
*Ultra Running, OCR Racing*
**Sarah Withrow
Content Specialist**
*Running, Weightlifting*
## Our Compass
The values that keep us focused.
#### Embrace curiosity
and discover the unexpected. Approach each day with an open mind and a sense of wonder. Serendipity happens when you least expect it.
#### Connect with people
to enrich your life and the lives of others. Opportunity, purpose, and belonging all come from the relationships we build with each other.
.png "Motorcross")
.png "Canoeing")
#### Invite challenge
by celebrating new ideas and perspectives. When you dare to think differently, push boundaries, and embrace change, you experience this thing called growth.
#### Be a good human
for the sake of each other and our planet. Doing good in the world is a conscious decision that reflects our values, character, and commitment to making the world a better place.
#### Leave your mark
by inspiring others to be exceptional. Your legacy lives on in the stories others tell of you, so make them count.
### Make it simple
and silence the noise. The world offers enough blah blah blah, for all of us. Focus your time and energy on what matters to you.
#### Embrace curiosity
and discover the unexpected. Approach each day with an open mind and a sense of wonder. Serendipity happens when you least expect it.
#### Connect with people
to enrich your life and the lives of others. Opportunity, purpose, and belonging all come from the relationships we build with each other.
#### Invite challenge
by celebrating new ideas and perspectives. When you dare to think differently, push boundaries, and embrace change, you experience this thing called growth.
#### Be a good human
for the sake of each other and our planet. Doing good in the world is a conscious decision that reflects our values, character, and commitment to making the world a better place.
#### Leave your mark
by inspiring others to be exceptional. Your legacy lives on in the stories others tell of you, so make them count.
#### Make it simple
and silence the noise. The world offers enough blah blah blah, for all of us. Focus your time and energy on what matters to you.
[](https://hello.ontheside.com)
Empower Sports Excellence.
[Our Story](https://hello.ontheside.com/our-story) · [Our World](https://hello.ontheside.com/our-world) · [Why We're Here](https://hello.ontheside.com/why-we-are-here) · [Contact Us](https://hello.ontheside.com/contact-us) · [Newsletter](https://hello.ontheside.com/the-inside-track-newsletter)
[Get Inspired](https://hello.ontheside.com/athlete-supporter) · [Get Sponsored](https://hello.ontheside.com/athlete-creators) · [FAQs](https://hub.ontheside.com/the-inside-track/everything-athletes-should-know-about-ontheside)
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