TALE OF THE TAPE: SCSU Gymnastics and Dr. Mercedes Himmons Debut ‘Flesh Tone’ Tape

A conversation that began in June 2024 about the limited color options in athletic tape has resulted in a new product line now being used in women’s collegiate gymnastics.  

The PowerFlex Foundations line, manufactured by OVIK Health, launched in December 2025 after discussions between Dr. Mercedes Himmons and Ali Bower, MAT, ATC, FAFS. Bower serves as Clinical Education Specialist and Senior Account Manager for OVIK Health and is an athletic trainer by trade. The idea originated during a discussion about gymnastics, performing arts, cheer, and dance, where athletes often must use “flesh tone covers” for taping during competition and performance. 

In aesthetics-driven sports, tape visibility matters. Bower, recognizing the issue, asked whether there was demand for an expanded “flesh tone” palette. Dr. Himmons, who works clinically at Southern Connecticut State University and serves on multiple committees advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access, confirmed the need.  

“As representation in women’s collegiate gymnastics and the performing arts continues to rise, it would best serve these athletes to expand the palette of ‘flesh tone’ offerings,” Dr. Himmons said. 

Following that conversation, Bower and OVIK Health Product Line Manager Greg Satterfield consulted with athletic trainers in gymnastics and the performing arts to develop the new color range. The result was the PowerFlex Foundations line, released in December 2025.

Before the official launch, Dr. Himmons received prototypes to test with the SCSU Gymnastics team. The response from student-athletes was positive. Athletes noted that seeing PowerFlex, a tape they already used, available in expanded colors made a difference during competition.  

“This is an important and appreciated endeavor by OVIK Health. I am forever grateful to Ali for her persistence in working on this project and for her including me in the process,” Dr. Himmons said.  

The PowerFlex Foundations line is now in use for competitions, closing the loop on an initiative that started with a single question about meeting athletes’ needs.