About us
Founders Story
cade's Story
Rise Above was built from experience.
I’m Cade Dino, founder of Rise Above. I started this brand in 2022 after tearing my ACL playing lacrosse. What began as a setback turned into something bigger than the injury itself. During recovery, I realized how much adversity changes you; not just physically, but mentally. The long days, the doubt, the discipline it takes to come back. That process inspired me to create something that represented more than just apparel. I wanted to build something that stood for the comeback.
Three years later, I tore my other ACL in college. That moment forced a decision to either let adversity define me, or double down on the mission. I chose to take Rise Above seriously and push it further not just as a clothing brand, but as a mindset and movement.
Rise Above is for athletes, teams, and individuals who have faced setbacks and are committed to coming back stronger, both mentally and physically. Injuries don’t just affect the athlete, they impact teammates, families, and entire communities. The stories behind those setbacks connect people in powerful ways. That’s why storytelling and recovery are central to this brand. We believe real stories of resilience create hope, credibility, and unity.
Our mission is simple: Help people Rise Above adversity.
Our values: discipline, resilience, effort, and integrity are the foundation of everything we do. Yes, our clothing is high quality and comfortable. But comfort isn’t what sets us apart. Purpose does.
Rise Above isn’t just something you wear. It’s something you live. It’s a reminder in the weight room, in the classroom, on the field, and on the hardest days, that adversity is not the end of your story.
It’s the beginning of your comeback.
Partners Story
Michael's Story
I’m Michael Schafer, partner of Rise Above. I tore my ACL in the last fall practice before my senior season of college. After being overlooked and doubted for most of my life, that injury felt like another moment where everything I had worked so hard for could disappear. It wasn’t just about missing games. It was about identity, purpose, and the fear of starting over again.
The first two weeks after surgery were the hardest. The pain was constant. I even had to walk backwards for two days because it was the only thing that eased it. Simple things felt impossible. During that time, I questioned whether I even wanted to play lacrosse again. When the final season of the sport you’ve prepared for your whole life is suddenly gone, negative thoughts come at you fast.
What pulled me through was the people around me. My family and friends showed up for me every day. Having people like Cade and my sister, who had both experienced season-ending injuries themselves, made a huge difference. They understood the frustration, the isolation, and the mental battle. I wasn’t just recovering physically. I was fighting to stay mentally strong. That experience changed how I see adversity. It taught me that setbacks don’t just test your body, they test your mindset and your support system.
My involvement with Rise Above grew during that time. After hearing Cade share how the brand was built from his own recovery, I saw how real the mission was. I had more time during rehab and wanted to help revamp and grow something that stood for what we were both living through. This wasn’t just apparel. It was a message that athletes actually needed.
To me, Rise Above means that no matter what happens, you have a community to lean on when times get tough. Mental health matters, especially in sports where so much of your identity is tied to performance. Rise Above represents unity, resilience, and knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Adversity can isolate you. This brand exists to remind you that you are not alone in it.