Harbert senior named to media’s Inno Under 25 innovators list

Harbert College of Business senior Sophia Aulisio, who moved from star volleyball player in high school to CEO of her own sports innovation company, has earned a spot as one of six honorees on the Birmingham Business Journal’s (BBJ’s) Inno Under 25 list.

The recognition is the latest in a string of moments in the spotlight for Aulisio, who is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Engineering and plans to graduate in December.

Being named to the BBJ list was an honor, she said. “Personally, it gave me a boost of confidence and reminded me how far I’ve come since starting this journey. For my company, it’s helped build credibility and visibility with partners, investors and customers.”

Auburn "gave me the tools"

Aulisio often made headlines in the sports pages as a volleyball player back home in Gainesville, Florida, before coming to Auburn, where she was lured by the culture and community. 

“I wanted a university that not only had strong academics but also gave me opportunities to build real connections and experiences outside the classroom,” she said. “I chose business because I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and Auburn’s programs gave me the tools and support to turn that into something tangible.”

Then came an idea.

“I grew up playing competitive volleyball and always struggled with knee pads sliding down, not providing enough protection, or wearing out too quickly,” Aulisio said. “After years of frustration and seeing teammates experience the same issues, I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment to create something better.”

That something she created is called the Patella Protector.

The Patella Protector is a volleyball knee and patella protector, which unlike a traditional knee pad, allows for better mobility, stays securely in place, and comes in multiple sizes for an accurate fit, she said. It also is made of highly durable material, is patentable, and has a unique design with a removable double-layer foam insert that makes the sleeve easy to wash.

“The Patella Protector was designed to stay in place, provide superior protection, and last longer all while allowing players to move naturally,” she said.

Working with support from the Harbert College of Business and the Auburn University New Venture Accelerator, Aulisio founded Protector Innovations.

It didn’t take long for her to find success. She entered the Tiger Cage Business Idea Competition, an annual pitch event to identify and support innovative early-stage products or services created by Auburn University students.

Tiger Cage participants compete for a share of $100,000 in startup capital, sponsored by the Harbert College of Business; as well as a $5,000 innovation award sponsored by the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management.

Aulisio’s pitch won, and with it a total of $35,000 in startup capital.

“That money has been invested directly into my company, Protector Innovations, to cover manufacturing costs, product development, and legal protections like filing for a patent,” she said.

Creating a go-to brand

The BBJ noted that its short list of recognized young innovators is an annual feature that “showcases some of the brightest young innovators across the state's startup and technology ecosystem.”

“We are currently developing additional protective gear, including a volleyball elbow pad that can be worn under jerseys,” Aulisio said. “My long-term vision is for Protector Innovations to become the go-to brand for premium protective gear in volleyball and eventually expand into other sports.”

She also hopes her early success will inspire others at Harbert.

“I am incredibly grateful for Auburn, Harbert, and the opportunities I’ve been given,” she said.

“I hope my story shows other students that with the right idea, determination and support system, you can build something meaningful even while still in college.”

Three other Auburn University students were named to the BBJ Inno list: 

• Thomas Lester, a senior in industrial and systems engineering.
• Liam Heary, a senior in computer science and software engineering
• Harrison Ranier, a senior in apparel merchandising who is also pursuing a minor in the Thomas Walter Center’s Business-Engineering-Technology program.

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Learn more about entrepreneurial opportunities in the Harbert College of Business.

Learn more about the New Venture Accelerator.