BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University and Industrial Performance Services (IPS) have announced a multi-year partnership in conjunction with the LU softball team that will kick off with the start of the 2027 season. The IPS Group becomes the first jersey patch partnership for Cardinal athletics. Through this agreement, the IPS Group logo jersey patch will be worn on all Lamar softball uniforms.
 
A part of a growing list of partnerships with LU athletics, the IPS group is an industrial services and safety management company headquartered in Deer Park, Texas. Founded in 2001, the IPS group provides catalyst, rescue, mechanical and rope access services.
 
"We are very excited to be announcing this partnership with the IPS Group," said LU Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff O'Malley. "This partnership represents how we can create new revenue streams for our department while at the same time align with organizations that share our commitment to Lamar, Beaumont and the entire Golden Triangle."
 
In January 2026, the NCAA passed a rule allowing NCAA institutions to wear up to two commercial sponsor patches on uniforms and apparel for non-championship and regular-season competitions. The new rule took effect in August and helps NCAA institutions create new revenue streams for direct financial benefits and revenue-sharing with student-athletes.
 
The softball program is entering its ninth season under the direction of head coach Amy Hooks. The Cardinals are coming off one of their best seasons in program history wining 34 games – tied for second most in school history – and made a run to the Southland Conference Championship Series falling just one win shy of the NCAA Championships. The 2026 Cardinals set a school-record long win streak (14) and posted wins over top 50 RPI programs like Texas State, Baylor, McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana while sweeping Big Team opponent, Illinois.
 
"At Industrial Performance Services, we believe success is built on hard work, dedication, teamwork and accountability," said IPS President and CFO Marc Guidry. "Those are the same values these young women demonstrate every day, both on and off the field. Supporting Lamar softball gives us an opportunity to invest in student-athletes who are working hard to achieve their goals while preparing themselves for success beyond athletics.
 
"I am looking forward to building relationships with the coaches, players and university, watching these young women compete and hopefully playing a small part in helping them reach their goals. At the end of the day, it's about more than wins and losses. It's about supporting these student-athletes and helping build something special that everyone involved can be proud of," added Guidry.
 
About the IPS Group
The mission of IPS is to optimize their clients' business operations through the provision of highly qualified and extensively trained personnel, thus ensuring maximum safety and security. IPS provides unparalleled industrial services, guaranteeing our clients' peace of mind.
 
More on Partnerships with Lamar University
To learn more about partnership opportunities with Lamar Athletics, please contact Ryela Rodriguez, Assistant AD for Strategic Partnerships, at (409) 880-8828 or via e-mail at rrodrigue117@lamar.edu.