Photography by Dan Austin
Written and Styled by Daniel Barceló and Sally I. Barceló
Hair and makeup by Kayla Judy and Giselle Oliveras of Venue Salon
Seven Lakeland athletes prove that style and sports have always been a winning combination
Fashion and sports have a long and remarkable relationship. Bold stripes, color-blocking, and performance fabrics have found their way into our closets and are now indispensable elements of perhaps the strongest and most recurring motifs in fashion design. The idea that putting on a garment can immediately make you feel bolder, more athletic, or part of a team speaks to the centrality of sports and athletic achievement in our culture. This particular kind of magic is a fabric woven from the inspiration and athleticism that has fascinated humans for centuries.
On the flip side, sportswear has become so fashionable that the line between form and function has been blurred into sartorial oblivion. Nike made running shoes a centerpiece of style, and René Lacoste — followed by Ralph Lauren — made the tennis shirt iconic.
Athletes themselves have even been key players in the fashion arena. Many have embraced personal style as a meaningful part of their brands and have brought a swagger and bravado to dressing as only an athlete could. Names like David Beckham, Serena Williams, Odell Beckham Jr., and Conor McGregor are as synonymous with their fashion-forward ensembles as they are with their exceptional performances on the field, court, and in the ring.
The Lakelander is proud to introduce you to a new generation of athletes representing local teams while competing at the top of their games. And in the next few pages, they are all sporting looks that are equally influenced by classic sportswear and current streetwear trends.
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LUCAS TEIXEIRA // LAKELAND TROPICS // DEFENDER
Ralph Lauren T-shirt: Dillard’s || Pants: Dillard’s || Shoes: Dillard’s || Watch: Breda
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
LucasI love sneakers. I like different styles and colors.
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
Tom Brady
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why?Definitely my dad. He was a very successful soccer player and taught me how to compete and have the right mindset about sports and life.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
Park Street Ministries. They are committed to Gospel-centered community development in the Parker Street neighborhood, which looks like side-by-siding families who live in this neighborhood through areas of Lifetime Learning/Education, Financial Fitness, Desirable Neighborhood and Housing, and Healthy Community.
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Sweater: Dillard’s || Ralph Lauren Joggers: Dillard’s || Jacket: Dillard’s || Cole Haan Sneakers: Dillard’s || Michael Kors Watch: Dillard’s
ZACH REGET // LAKELAND TROPICS // FORWARD
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without a good collection of hoodies.
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
I think Chris Paul or Patty Mills have a good sense of style.
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why?
My sister and father have played the biggest role in my sports career because they were the ones who initially pushed me to be better. My dad showed me the game, and my sister showed me the steps to be great.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
The Lakeland Magic supports Lighthouse Ministries.
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ASHLEY NORBERG // FSC WOMEN’S LACROSSE // ATTACK
Top: Zara || Skirt: Athleta || Ralph Lauren Jacket: Dillard’s || Earrings: Dillard’s || Nike Sneakers: FitNiche
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
A scrunchie or hair tie
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
Serena Williams
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why?
My parents, because they have supported me to pursue playing at the collegiate level, and I’m lucky they are able to come visit me to cheer me on so often.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
Tim Tebow’s annual Night to Shine event at First Presbyterian Church is one of my favorite events and charities we help out with. Anyone can sign up to volunteer either as a buddy to a guest or to help out with other operations. We always help with food, dance-floor fun, and paparazzi for the guests.
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VIC LAW // LAKELAND MAGIC // FORWARD
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without a good collection of hoodies.
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
I think Chris Paul or Patty Mills have a good sense of style.
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why?
My sister and father have played the biggest role in my sports career because they were the ones who initially pushed me to be better. My dad showed me the game, and my sister showed me the steps to be great.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
The Lakeland Magic supports Lighthouse Ministries.
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HASSANI GRAVETT // LAKELAND MAGIC // POINT GUARD
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without shoes.
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
D’Angelo Russell and Odell Beckham Jr.
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why
My father has played the biggest role in my sports career because he pushed me and helped me stay the course through all the obstacles I’ve faced in my journey to becoming a professional.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
The Lakeland Magic supports Lighthouse Ministries.
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Dress: Zara || Scarf: Banana Republic || Michael Kors purse: Dillard’s
ASHLYN JOYNER // SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S GOLF
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without
Lululemon leggings
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
I think Justin Thomas is the best dressed on the PGA Tour.
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why
My dad has played the most important role in my sports career. He is originally the reason I began playing golf and has supported my golf career every step of the way. He was my high school golf coach and eventually my college golf coach as well. I wouldn’t be where I am in golf, or life, without him.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) – a United Way agency focused on enabling the frail elderly people in the community to continue living independently and safely in their own home.
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AMANDA GATRELL // FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE WOMEN’S GOLF
Knit Sweater: Dillard’s || Blouse: Dillard’s || Joggers: Zara || Watch: Nacre || Heels: Dillard’s
What is one accessory or wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
My elephant pendant necklace. Elephants are a symbol of luck, and I never play without it.
Who is one professional athlete you think has great style?
Ian Poulter
Who has played the most important role in your sports career and why?
My parents have played a crucial role in my golf career. From a young age, they always seemed to know when to push and when to praise. Growing up, I was always encouraged to be the best and I would not stop until I felt I was there. To this day, I strive to give my all into my sport in the hope that I can not only make my parents proud, but also prove that I was a strong competitor throughout my career.
Tell us about one cause or charity that you or your team support.
The Women’s Golf team is a big supporter of the VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly) organization and strives to be an influence for sports teams across the board. Lakelanders can get involved with this organization by contacting them, going to their Facebook page, or even paying them a visit.