Welcome to the GearUp! Nonprofit
GearUp! is a nonprofit that focuses on breaking down financial barriers in youth sports so every child has an equal chance to play. By turning generosity into opportunity, we help young athletes compete confidently and grow — on and off the field.
Our Story
GearUp! was founded in 2025 by Mattison Frick, a Division I student-athlete on the women’s golf team at The University of Alabama. Inspired by the opportunities athletics provided in her own life, Mattison envisioned a way to give back to the game and the communities that helped shape her journey. What began as an idea to host a community-focused golf event through the University’s athletics program soon evolved into a comprehensive initiative designed to support young athletes across all sports. With the guidance of her professor—now GearUp! board member—Gina Simpson, Mattison transformed her vision into a strategic, mission-driven organization. Today, in partnership with The University of Alabama Athletics, GearUp! proudly hosts its first annual donation collection event. GearUp! empowers the next generation of athletes by breaking down financial barriers to sports participation. Through our accessible online platform and signature annual Field Day event—supported by The University of Alabama and its athletic programs—we collect and distribute donated sports equipment and financial contributions to children eager to play but lacking the necessary resources. With every donation, we help open the door to teamwork, confidence, opportunity, and lifelong growth. Whether contributing online or participating in person, our community makes it possible to equip young athletes with the gear they need to get in the game.
About our founder
Mattison Frick is a proud Alabama legacy with a lifelong connection to athletics and community. Her father, Matthew Frick, played baseball for the Crimson Tide, and her mother, Karla Frick, played softball — instilling in her from an early age the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
Born and raised in Peoria, Arizona, Mattison grew up playing a variety of sports before discovering her true passion for golf at age 12. She trained and competed out of Blackstone Country Club, where she developed not only her game but also lifelong friendships and mentorships, including guidance from coach Todd McKittrick and LPGA professional Stephanie Meadow. Through golf, Mattison learned invaluable life skills — dedication, perseverance, leadership, communication, time management, organization, and the power of building meaningful relationships.
Mattison began her collegiate journey at the University of Illinois before feeling called back to her roots at The University of Alabama, where she has spent the past three years completing her undergraduate degree in Business Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship.
With a deep gratitude for the sport and community that shaped her, Mattison founded GearUp! to ensure that more young athletes have access to the same opportunities that impacted her life. Her mission is simple: to give back, open doors, and create pathways for the next generation through sport.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every child—regardless of financial circumstance—has equal access to athletics and the opportunity to experience teamwork, confidence, opportunity, and so much more both on and off the field.