Partnership celebrates the rise of girls flag football and brings together one of the sport’s most dynamic young athletes with Shock Doctor’s game-ready protection and head-turning style.
COSTA MESA, Calif. - June 15, 2025 - Shock Doctor, a leading sports protection brand and part of the United Sports Brands portfolio, is proud to announce a partnership with Makena Cook, widely recognized as the top girls flag football player in the country and one of the most exciting young athletes in the sport today.
Cook has quickly become a defining athlete in the rise of girls flag football. A standout quarterback, Team USA 17U flag football athlete and MaxPreps California Player of the Year, Cook has built a reputation for elite performance, explosive playmaking and a competitive style that is helping bring more attention to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
As flag football continues to expand at the youth, high school and collegiate levels — and prepares for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 — Shock Doctor is investing in athletes who represent the future of the game. The partnership with Cook reflects the brand’s commitment to supporting the next generation of football athletes with protective gear that performs at a high level while allowing athletes to express their personal style on the field.
“Makena represents everything we love about the future of flag football,” said Kyle Schlegel, SVP of Marketing at United Sports Brands. “She is talented, confident, competitive and helping inspire a new generation of athletes. Shock Doctor has always believed protection should give athletes the confidence to play freely, and Makena brings that mindset to life every time she steps on the field.”
Through the partnership, Cook will represent Shock Doctor on and off the field, wearing Shock Doctor mouthguards and football accessories while collaborating with the brand on content, product feedback and storytelling designed to celebrate the energy and growth of girls flag football.
“Shock Doctor feels like the perfect partner because the brand understands both performance and personality,” said Cook. “Flag football is fast, creative and full of energy, and I love that Shock Doctor makes gear that helps me feel protected while still letting me show my style. I’m excited to be part of the Shock Doctor family and help inspire more girls to play the game.”
Cook’s rise comes at a pivotal moment for flag football. The sport has seen rapid growth across the country, creating new opportunities for female athletes at the high school, college and national team levels. In January 2026, the NCAA added women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, further reinforcing the sport’s momentum and long-term potential.
For Shock Doctor, the partnership is another step in connecting the brand with athletes shaping the future of sport and culture. Known for mouthguards, lip guards, braces, supports and protective gear, Shock Doctor continues to serve athletes across football, basketball, hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, MMA/martial arts and other impact sports.
“Girls flag football is not just growing — it is changing the landscape of football,” added Eli Miller, Brand Director, United Sports Brands. “Athletes like Makena are proving that the game is fast, skilled, expressive and incredibly exciting. Shock Doctor is proud to support that movement and help athletes play with confidence.”
About Shock Doctor
Shock Doctor is a leading sports protection brand trusted by athletes around the world. Known for innovative mouthguards, lip guards, braces, supports and protective gear, Shock Doctor helps athletes play with confidence across football, basketball, hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, MMA/martial arts and other impact sports. Shock Doctor is part of United Sports Brands, a global leader in sports performance and protective products designed to help athletes perform at their personal best.
For more information, visit shockdoctor.com.
About United Sports Brands
United Sports Brands is a global leader in sports performance and protective products. The company’s portfolio includes Shock Doctor, McDavid, Cutters, Nathan Sports, Pearl iZUMi and EQYP, each dedicated to helping athletes and active consumers perform, protect and push forward.
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