Former Notre Dame Player Grows i9 Sports Franchise

How a Former Notre Dame Athlete Is Scaling an i9 Sports Franchise Business

From College Basketball to a Corporate Career

In 1998, Diana Braendly played her final game as a senior on the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team. Her collegiate career included consistent appearances in the national tournament, highlighted by a Sweet Sixteen run in the NCAA tournament. After graduating, she stepped away from athletics and built a 20-year career in the IT sector, working with major financial institutions including Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan Chase & Co.

A Purpose-Driven Career Shift Into Youth Sports

More than two decades after her final game, Braendly made a return to the sports industry—but not as an athlete or coach. In 2019, she transitioned into business ownership by acquiring her first i9 Sports locations. The move marked a significant pivot driven by her desire to pursue something more meaningful and aligned with her passion. She wanted an opportunity that allowed her to give back while staying connected to sports.

Discovering the Opportunity Through Personal Experience

Her introduction to i9 Sports came through her son, who participated in T-ball and basketball programs with the brand. When the existing franchise owner decided to sell, Braendly recognized the potential and moved quickly to take over the business.

Why Franchising Made the Transition Easier

Braendly credits the franchise model with making her career change more manageable. Instead of starting a business from scratch, she was able to rely on established systems and operational guidelines. While there was a learning curve, the structured approach reduced risk and provided a clear pathway to success. She also noted that i9 Sports offered an affordable entry point, which further supported her decision.

Applying Lessons From a Championship-Level Environment

Her experience at Notre Dame shaped her understanding of performance, culture and leadership. Playing under legendary coach Muffet McGraw, she was part of a program that reached the national tournament every year during her tenure. Her teammates included Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion Ruth Riley, ESPY award winner Danielle Green and current Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey. Even without significant playing time, she valued the environment and the lessons it provided.

Building and Expanding a Multi-State Franchise Operation

Since becoming an i9 Sports franchise owner, Braendly has expanded her business across northern Delaware, as well as parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her locations offer a variety of youth sports programs including flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and soccer. This multi-sport model allows children to explore different activities before committing to one.

Aligning With i9 Sports’ National Growth Strategy

Her expansion aligns with the brand’s broader growth plans. i9 Sports currently operates 296 locations across 36 states, with the highest concentration in Florida and Texas. The system includes 192 franchise owners, each with flexibility in the programs they offer. The company is also targeting additional markets, including expansion into New England.

Driving Impact Through Girls’ Sports Initiatives

Braendly is actively involved in i9 Sports’ “Gains are for the Girls” initiative, a nationwide effort focused on increasing participation and retention among female athletes. The program aims to reach 500,000 girls participating in sports annually by 2030 through a combination of research, targeted programming, marketing and practical tools for franchisees and coaches.

Scaling Through Team Development and Systems

To support growth, Braendly emphasized the importance of building a reliable team. Early on, managing every aspect of the business was challenging, but developing a trusted staff allowed her to shift toward performance tracking and program expansion. Today, her operations rely on measurable metrics such as customer service ratings and program growth, supported by tools that help maintain brand standards.

Learn more about: i9 Sports