Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyric Spriggins
Hi Lyric, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Lyric Spriggins. I come from a family of 11 and I am the baby girl of the tribe.
Growing up in Dickinson, Texas, my life revolved around sports. After graduating from Dickinson High School, I earned a full basketball scholarship to a college in Miami, Florida, where I pursued my dreams in the sport I loved. But just three months before I left for college, I faced the heartbreaking loss of my mom—a tragedy that forever changed my life.
Not long after arriving in Miami, my world was shaken again when I was involved in a life-altering car accident. This marked the beginning of a grueling two-year journey through surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription painkillers, all in an effort just to compete again. Losing my mom and my athletic career in such a short time left me grappling with a deep sense of loss and uncertainty. I took a year off from school, stepping away from sports entirely.
During this time, I realized how much of my identity had been wrapped up in my sport. Without the structure of intense training and the focus of a busy schedule, I found myself needing to understand who I was beyond basketball and what was going to be my next move. This transition is one that no athlete can truly prepare for. It was a journey of self-discovery, learning to see myself in a new profession, and finding purpose in other areas of life. But I missed everything about game day – the pregame routines, the energy of bus rides with teammates, and especially the overnight hotel stays. Game day was more than just a competition. It was the reward for the countless hours of grueling work, sweat-soaked practices, and late nights pushing past exhaustion when quitting felt easier than going on. Every drill, every sprint, every moment where our legs burned and our lungs felt on fire—it all came together in that one day. Game day was a celebration, the reason we’d pushed through every brutal minute, and I miss that feeling with every fiber of my being.
This became the foundation of Game Day Athletics. I wanted to give others, especially youth and teens, the chance to experience that same thrill – the excitement of competition for those who seek it, and the joy of recreational play for those who simply want to stay active and connected. Game Day Athletics is my way of helping others find joy in exercise, learn the fundamentals of the game, and experience the power of teamwork. Through this program, I’m creating a space where game day isn’t just a memory but a mindset, blending competition with camaraderie, and bringing the fun back into fitness. Whether they’re here to push their limits or just to enjoy the game, Game Day Athletics will inspire the next generation to lead active, healthy lives and rediscover the thrill of game day in every moment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After graduating from Angelo State University in the class of 2020, I was met with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and how it would impact job opportunities. To navigate this, I pursued an alternative teaching certification, allowing me to stay connected to sports and competition while exploring a role in education. I accepted a position as a physical education teacher, even though it required a challenging daily commute of 3 to 4.5 hours round trip from home. That year was exhausting, and my vision for Game Day Athletics was put on the back burner.
The following year, I transitioned to a teaching role back in my hometown, which gave me the stability and energy to finally bring Game Day Athletics to life. I launched the Game Day Athletics online store, determined to reach a global audience with my vision of promoting health, fitness, and the excitement of game day. Every step of this process was self-taught—research, market analysis, social media, video tutorials, and learning about business and entrepreneurship without a formal background. Building Game Day Athletics is me taking a leap of faith in a vision that I know is bigger than myself.
Then, in an ironic and unforeseeable twist, I was forced to resign from my teaching position due to budget cuts & unexpected layoffs. I had just poured my heart into A program I’d built from scratch, which was also the same program that led me to college. As a result, Game Day’s main source of income was gone. To accomplish what Game Day plans to do for the community funding plays a vital role in the success of our initiative! Like many small businesses, the cost of venue space, equipment, marketing, and team gear all adds up and without funding most businesses fail. Although the path hasn’t been smooth, I am committed to the mission of inspiring and empowering others. I believe Game Day Athletics can make a difference, and that makes every obstacle worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Game Day Athletics is driven by a passion for empowering people to stay active and find joy in competition, fitness, and wellness, regardless of their age or skill level. We’re not just a fitness brand; we’re a movement that celebrates the spirit of game day as an experience everyone deserves. From organized adult leagues and community sports events to structured and casual play options, we aim to foster a culture where activity meets fun, and where everyone feels the rush of competition or the enjoyment of leisurely sports play.
What sets Game Day Athletics apart from our compeitors? Our commitment to creating a versatile space where fitness and community thrive together. We specialize in inclusive sports leagues and recreational programs for both competitive athletes and those looking for fun and relaxation. This balance allows us to bring something unique to each player, providing structured leagues, drop-in games, and friendly tournaments. As we grow, we’re excited to look for talented players and coaches across multiple sports to join us and help build a vibrant community around fitness, wellness, and competition.
Here’s a look at our specialized offerings:
Through our online store at www.gdatx.store, we provide everything needed to support an active lifestyle, including items that foster community connection and elevate the sports experience. Be sure to visit Coach’s Corner, our blog with insights on education, fitness trends, and Texas sports culture, so our community stays inspired and informed.
• Rookie Collection: Designed for kids and teens, this collection encourages early engagement in sports through developmentally appropriate fitness products, toys, and team-based play items. We want young athletes to learn and grow with the support they need to build confidence and skill.
• Amateur Collection: Catering to adults with busy schedules, this collection features products focused on maintaining wellness, achieving fitness goals, and supporting recovery—whether they’re seasoned athletes or just beginning their fitness journey.
• Game Day Accessories: From digital guides and resources in our Game Day Reader to official Game Day Athletics gear, our accessories bring the spirit of Game Day into everyday life. Representing Game Day has never been easier, with new products added monthly to keep things fresh and relevant.
Game Day Athletics is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new lineup of team uniforms, athletic gear, and a unique field day and team-building experience service. Stay tuned for these exciting additions designed to enhance team spirit and build strong connections! You can receive updates about new products and services by subscribing to our email newsletter.
What we’re most proud of is the resilience and sense of community our brand represents. My personal journey through sports, injury recovery, and a dedication to fitness have given me unique insights, and I’m proud to bring that to Game Day Athletics. From my experience as a collegiate athlete to my role as a certified Texas educator, I am deeply invested in building a brand that champions the power of sports in every form.
Game Day Athletics is not just about the physicality of sport—it’s a mindset, a place where every day can feel like game day. Whether you’re looking to stay active, enjoy a friendly match, or compete in an organized league, Game Day Athletics is here to bring you that celebration of effort, resilience, and camaraderie.
How do you think about happiness?
What brings me joy is teaching others the fundamental movement skills that serve as the foundation for their fitness and competitive journeys. My elementary PE coach, Coach Solari, made physical education so much fun, even during the most dreaded parts—like the Fitness Gram! As a bigger kid, I often felt self-conscious about my size compared to my peers and worried about standing out or being made fun of. However, despite my anxieties, I remember having an incredible time, which ignited my passion for sports. The lessons I learned from him have stuck with me, and I know many others feel the same. There are countless skills and lessons we learned in physical education that continue to impact our daily lives.
Because of Coach Solari’s influence on my perspective toward exercise and competition, I am dedicated to ensuring that every student-athlete I encounter has the opportunity to experience that same joy.
Outside of my entrepreneurial pursuits, I love going thrifting, metal detecting, and traveling. I cherish spending time with my eight nieces and nephews, who never fail to melt my heart and keep me on my toes! I’m also a daddy’s girl; I value sharing moments with him, whether it’s through laughter, adventure, or starting my week off right by attending church with him on Sundays.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.gdatx.store
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamedayathleticstx/profilecard/?igsh=MW1xd3hneTFhZ2s0ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093882667916
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gamedayathleticstx?si=qH70i60u6ipp_5cC
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamedayathleticstx?_t=8r7KpfRpTrT&_r=1
Image Credits
A Love Tompkins Photography
Miami Dade College Athletics Media
