BURLINGTON, Vt. - The University of Vermont Athletics (UVM), EastRise Credit Union and Learfield's Vermont Sports Properties are excited to announce an expanded sponsorship that will see the EastRise logo prominently featured on Virtue Field, home of the UVM Men's and Women's Soccer and Men's and Women's Lacrosse teams. As part of the enhanced partnership, EastRise will serve as the presenting sponsor of both the reigning national champion men's soccer team and the women's soccer program.
 
EastRise will debut its logo on the pitch during the Catamounts' season opener on August 21 against Sacred Heart, becoming the first corporate partner to secure on-field logo placement at Virtue Field.
 
"EastRise has been a valuable partner of Vermont Athletics for many years, and this next step adds new momentum to our work together," said Jeff Schulman, UVM Director of Athletics. "From competition venues to the classroom, EastRise provides highly impactful support to our programs and the student-athletes who represent Vermont."
 
EastRise will gain extensive visibility through its logo's placement on the field, in television and streaming broadcasts, and across digital platforms during all men's and women's soccer home games. Additionally, as part of the partnership, EastRise will support Catamount student success by delivering essential financial literacy education to student athletes with a special emphasis on navigating Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
 
"We are proud to deepen our commitment to UVM Athletics and excited to have our hometown team play on a field featuring our EastRise logo," said Sarah Ricker, Community Relationship Manager at EastRise Credit Union. "More importantly, this partnership gives us a meaningful way to support our young student-athletes with financial education and tools that help all students build stronger futures on campus and beyond."
 
The Vermont-based credit union has been an official sponsor of UVM Athletics for over a decade, serving as the official partner for a wide array of Catamount programs, including as the sponsor of the men's and women's soccer team.
 
"Bringing the EastRise logo to the field and deepening their role in financial education highlights the strength of meaningful, integrated partnerships. We're proud to expand our relationship with a respected and committed partner like EastRise and amplify their presence and positive influence across Vermont Athletics and our passionate fanbase," added Alicia Hawks, General Manager of Vermont Sports Properties.
 
Vermont Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield — the media and technology company powering college athletics — is the exclusive multimedia rights holders for University of Vermont Athletics and handles all sponsorships and in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the Catamounts.
 
About University of Vermont Athletics
The University of Vermont Athletic Department oversees programming in Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation. With a strong commitment to academic success, the intercollegiate program includes 18 NCAA Division I sports with a history of significant competitive success at the regional and national level. In recent years, nine different programs have qualified for NCAA postseason play and in the fall of 2024 the men's soccer team captured the university's seventh national championship joining the ski program which has six national championship.  In addition, UVM has won a record 11 America East Academic Cups including the three consecutive in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
 
About EastRise Credit Union
With Vermont roots going back 75 years, EastRise Credit Union is a true local partner for more than 170,000 members. We go above and beyond to provide the financial tools and guidance that help our members and communities build stronger and more sustainable financial futures. From trusted digital banking and a relationship-first approach to affordable home ownership and green lending, EastRise is committed to doing better and raising the bar for everyone.
 
About Learfield 
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.