At Guardian Sports, we’re proud to be recognized for our relentless commitment to safety, innovation and performance. Our award-winning products — including the Guardian Cap, LOOP soft-shell headgear, PEARL lacrosse balls and Guardian TPE Biobased Infill — have earned national attention from leading sports organizations, media outlets and safety experts. Explore the awards and honors that highlight our mission to protect athletes at every level and redefine the future of sports safety.
OUR AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
“This award underscores the importance of protecting your ideas. Without intellectual property, our partnership with leagues like the NCAA and NFL wouldn’t have been possible. IP gave us the foundation to grow and the confidence to collaborate at the highest level. We’re honored by this recognition from the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation and excited for what’s ahead for Guardian.”
“Winning the Southeast EY Entrepreneur of the Year award is an incredible milestone — for me personally, and for our entire team at Guardian Sports. It validates our dedication to innovation and athlete safety, and it inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in sports protection.” -Erin Hanson, Founder and CEO
Erin Hanson, Guardian Sports’ Founder and CEO, is a part of the 15th class of Sport Business Journal’s Game Changers. The recognition honors fifty women across all sectors of sports including teams, leagues, media, technology and marketing.
Being recognized as a top employer in sports highlights Guardian Sports’ dedication to building an engaging and supportive environment. Initiatives around professional development, work-life balance, and employee recognition have established the company as a place where individuals feel empowered and valued.
These innovative organizations have created robust, healthy workplace programs in the Atlanta community. Guardian Sports is a first-place winner in the “MICRO” category, which tips a hat to their locally owned and operated business foreran by 10 to 24 employees.

Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America
Guardian Sports earned a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America list. Despite pandemic roadblocks, inflation struggles and supply chain woes, Guardian Sports still managed to succeed and grow.
Since 2022, the NFL has mandated the use of Guardian Caps during practices. Additionally, due to the efficacy of the Guardian Cap in practice, the NFL permitted the use of Guardian Caps, if they so choose, during games for the 2024-2025 season.
Guardian’s Biobased TPE Infill is certified by the USDA. Made with 49% corn and soy, Guardian Infill is the lowest costing, most sustainable alternative infill available.
WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S. Through certification, women-owned businesses gain access to a vast network of support, networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them.
Erin Hanson, Guardian Sports’ Founder and CEO, is a part of the 15th class of Sport Business Journal’s Game Changers. The recognition honors fifty women across all sectors of sports including teams, leagues, media, technology and marketing.