Our Origins

Sports Are Universal was founded in 2021 by former Division 1 college football player and native of St. Louis, Jake Bain. Bain founded SAU after his experiences becoming one of history's first openly queer, actively playing football athletes in the NCAA.

Throughout his career, Jake experienced large amounts of discrimination in sports due to his sexual orientation. Since his playing career has come to an end, Jake has been determined to cultivate a more inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment in athletics for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups in sports here in St. Louis to thrive.