Our STORY

I grew up playing every sport I could get my hands on—soccer, basketball, tennis, even gymnastics (which was comical given I hit 6'0" in middle school). But when I found volleyball, I was hooked. I’d spend hours hitting the ball against the garage door, watching college recruiting videos on YouTube, visualizing exactly who I wanted to become.

On the court, I could be competitive and fully myself. It’s also where I made my closest friendships. I went on to play Division I volleyball at Harvard, eventually becoming team captain. I loved every minute of it—the grind, the team, the purpose.

After college, I found myself in a demanding consulting job, missing the structure and drive that sports had always given me. I stumbled into running and impulsively signed up for a half marathon. Training gave me something to chase again—a rhythm, a goal, a sense of strength.

But I quickly ran into problem with the apparel: running shorts didn’t fit me. I wanted to wear the cute, flowy styles I saw online, but they weren’t made for my muscular legs. They rode up, they chafed—they made me feel like my body didn’t belong in the sport I had grown to love.

So, I decided to do something about it. Atala was born from that frustration—and from a belief that women athletes shouldn’t have to compromise. The strength that makes us powerful on the court, the track, or the field should be celebrated—not squeezed into sizing that wasn’t made for us.

We’re building athletic apparel that honors your strength and moves with you—because your body is not the problem. It’s the reason you’ve come this far.

Let’s keep going.

Maclaine