Suits & Sneakers - Wisconsin Men's Basketball
During Wisconsin men’s basketball’s two home games during the week of Jan. 26, head coach Greg Gard and his staff will take part in the Coaches vs. Cancer “Suits and Sneakers” initiative, wearing custom sneakers painted by patients from the American Family Children’s Hospital.
Coaches vs. Cancer harnesses the power of basketball and community to help “slam dunk” cancer and other childhood illnesses. The nationwide initiative—led by the American Cancer Society in partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches—unites coaches and fans to raise awareness, promote healthy living, and fund the fight against cancer.
Last month, Wisconsin Athletics welcomed patients and their families from the American Family Children’s Hospital to campus for a memorable “Suits and Sneakers” experience. The group enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Kohl Center, watched practice, and spent time with players and staff while decorating the sneakers that will be worn throughout the special week.
The event marked another successful chapter in the 20-year partnership between Wisconsin Athletics and American Family Children’s Hospital. Together, the two organizations have worked to bring joy and connection to patients and families through signature initiatives like Badger Friday, Badger Patio, and Suits & Sneakers. In the fall of 2025 alone, these efforts helped create 335 smiles for the American Family Children’s Hospital patients and their families.
The fight against cancer is deeply personal for Gard and his family. In 2016, Gard and his wife, Michelle, partnered with the UW Carbone Cancer Center to launch Garding Against Cancer. Over the past decade, the initiative has raised more than $10 million to support cancer research and patient care across the state of Wisconsin.
SNEAKER SPOTLIGHT
- These shoes were designed by 10-year-old James who loves all things Star Wars. James was able to bring his favorite character, Chewbacca, to life through his design
- These shoes were designed by 17-year-old Lance, a talented athlete who plays wheelchair basketball for the Mad City Badgers. Lance’s design inspiration came from his name and his passion for basketball.
- These shoes were designed by 13-year-old Kaelie who is a star on the basketball court and a big fan of her dog, Ranger. Kaelie teamed up with Coach Chambliss to determine the inspiration for his sneakers. They determined their fun design to be inspired by pretzels and cheese!
- These shoes were designed by 8-year-old Declan inspired by his love for Wisconsin and his passion for playing basketball, football, and baseball. Declan’s design captures his love for being an athlete and the state of Wisconsin.
- These shoes were designed by 7-year-old Corey who loves playing in the snow, and loves video games. Corey wanted the shoes to highlight his wild side, and his love for basketball!
- These shoes were designed by 2-year-old Rosemary (known as “Rosie”) who loves to dance and watch sports with her Dad. Rosie designed her shoes to be colorful to match her personality, and chose to feature hearts in honor of her heart transplant!
- These shoes were designed by 14-year-old Vida who loves to play volleyball. Vida drew inspiration for her sneaker design from Cystic Fibrosis. She is using her creativity to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
- These shoes were designed by 14-year-old Nathan, who considers himself a musical athlete. He designed the right shoe to highlight his love for the Badgers, and the left shoe with all of his favorite colors.
- These shoes were designed by 3-year-old DJ who loves snacking on extra-large burgers and french fries, occasionally with ketchup! DJ says his main inspiration for Coach Snider’s sneakers is himself, and his sister Ava says the bright, colorful design is inspired by fireworks.
- These shoes were designed by 7-year-old Hank, who loves hunting, fishing and basketball! His shoes were designed to give Coach Van Handel “a lot of drip.”
- These shoes were designed by 8-year-old Maretta whose favorite gym snack is a Rice Krispie treat! When asked what inspired her shoe design, Marretta kept her answer simple: she just felt like it!
