Phenom, a lacrosse-themed boutique, opens in Rockville Centre
L-R: Phenom co-founders and sisters Liz Patton and Mary Hope Friedermann at their new lacrosse-themed lifestyle boutique in Rockville Centre. Credit: Phenom
Game on! At Phenom, a sporty new lacrosse-themed lifestyle boutique in Rockville Centre, girl power and sisterhood are the key driving forces.
The store is a team effort of Mary Hope Friedermann and Liz Patton, sisters who grew up not far from the shop. Their grand opening was in June.
"We come from a big family, and sports were always a big part of our lives," says Friedermann, 50, a mom of three who’s taught elementary school for 25 years on Long Island. "We believe sports have the power to inspire greatness in every girl."
The popularity of lacrosse made it an ideal entrepreneurial springboard. "Sports teach leadership, perseverance, how to win and lose with grace and teamwork," says Patton, 46, who works full-time at Phenom. "It also brings joy, which is a big part of our brand."
The sisters began their business in June 2024 through e-commerce and pop-ups at East Coast lacrosse tournaments. Growing interest made a brick-and-mortar location a logical next step.
A winning combination of style, comfort and performance, the Phenom collection covers the whole field. It features hoodies, crewnecks, T-shirts, skirts, shorts and accessories. Top sellers include pajamas, mock necks and hats. Prices range from around $30 to $85.
"Everything is very intentionally designed," Patton says. "We put our heart and soul into this." Lacrosse sticks, hearts and mantras like "Believe in her greatness" make for eye-catching and empowering design motifs.
The brand emphasizes community and philanthropy through the Phenom Project, a student-led initiative that supports underprivileged athletic programs.
"This initiative brings our values to life through free clinics, mentorship programs, community events and fundraising efforts," Friedermann says. "It’s about creating opportunities for girls everywhere to play, lead and grow."
Like every sport, lacrosse comes with core gameplay actions — dodge, assist and save. Entrepreneurial collaboration has a lot in common with that, according to the sisters.
"Being in business involves knowing when to pivot, to reorganize and to rethink," Patton says. "It’s also about knowing when to celebrate our wins."
Phenom, 137 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, 516-206-2250, wearphenom.com, @wear.phenom
