Representation

Angel Lopez: From Outsider to Pillar of Tennis in His Community

By Nilay September 28, 2024 0

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Mexican-American Angel Lopez faced challenges as an outsider in both society and the tennis world. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and became a pillar of the sport in his community.

As a child, Lopez’s Mexican heritage was discouraged, but he found solace in tennis. However, he felt out of place in the country club atmosphere that dominated the sport. Inspired by the success of Mexican tennis legends Pancho Segura and Richard “Pancho” Gonzales, Lopez realized he could achieve greatness too.

In the 1970s, Lopez received support from the La Raza Tennis Association, which enabled him to travel to tournaments and train with Segura. Segura’s mentorship instilled in Lopez the belief that success in tennis transcended socioeconomic and racial barriers.

Lopez began coaching at a young age, passing up professional opportunities for financial stability. In 1979, he joined the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club, becoming its director of tennis in 1986. Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned players like Michael Chang and Brandon Nakashima.

Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Lopez is most proud of his impact on the lives of young Hispanic athletes. He has established scholarships, donated to his alma maters, and hosted junior tournaments. “Giving back to my community is really important to me,” he says. “I love coaching top Mexican juniors and seeing them succeed.”

Lopez’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. As a Mexican-American in a predominantly white sport, he faced adversity but ultimately found his place and made a lasting contribution to tennis.

Categories: Tennis

Unbox Sports Launches to Empower Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

By Nilay August 29, 2024 0

Unbox Sports: Empowering Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

The tennis industry has witnessed a groundbreaking development with the launch of Unbox Sports, a sports agency dedicated to elevating the value of professional tennis coaches. Founded by Yannick Yoshizawa, a seasoned industry veteran, Unbox Sports aims to create a new community for coaches, providing them with talent representation, service consultation, and a platform to showcase their expertise.

Yoshizawa, who has worked with the WTA and other tennis organizations, recognized the need for greater recognition and support for coaches. “You all make a huge difference and you aren’t recognized enough,” he told a gathering of tennis professionals at the launch event.

Unbox Sports offers a comprehensive range of services to its clients, including dedicated benefits, universal certification, media exposure, contract negotiations, and commercial investments. The agency believes that coaches should not be put in a position where they have to ask for more money or settle for less than they deserve.

“We want to support you, and if that means being the bad guy sometimes, so be it,” Yoshizawa said.

The agency has already signed five renowned coaches to its roster: Wim Fissette, Naomi Osaka’s coach; Sandra Zaniewska, Marta Kostyuk’s coach; Tom Hill, Peyton Stearn’s coach; Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh, an ATP and WTA coach; and Carlos Kirmayr, GPTCA National President of Brazil and WTA coach.

Fissette, who has coached some of the world’s top players, expressed his enthusiasm for Unbox Sports. “I always loved coaching, but looking for jobs, speaking to agents, negotiating, getting the contract done—these were all things that I didn’t like and was also difficult,” he said.

Unbox Sports believes that there is untapped potential for coaches to engage in brand deals and media exposure. Zaniewska noted that coaches have the time and expertise to contribute beyond their work with players.

“There is space for it, and there is interest for it,” she said.

However, Fissette pointed out that good sponsor deals for coaches are not as common as in other sports. “They constantly show coaches on TV. If you watch Alcaraz, you see his coach all the time after every point,” he said.

Unbox Sports aims to change this by leveraging the accessibility of tennis coaches and their visibility on television. The agency believes that coaches can become valuable partners for brands and media outlets.

Categories: Tennis

Palestinian Swimmer Makes Statement at Olympics, Despite Adversity

By Nilay July 28, 2024 0

Yazan Al Bawwab, a 24-year-old Palestinian swimmer, made a powerful statement at the Paris Games by representing his homeland, despite its lack of basic amenities like food and water. His sole Olympic race, the 100 meters backstroke, lasted less than a minute, but his presence in the water carried a profound message.

Al Bawwab, who pointed to the Palestinian flag on his chest after the race, emphasized the significance of representing a homeland that struggles for recognition. “France does not recognize Palestine. Yet here I am with a flag on my chest,” he said. “I’m very, very happy… to raise my flag, to have time just for Palestine, a lane just for Palestine. I think this is my message of peace.”

Al Bawwab’s journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. Born in Saudi Arabia to a homeless refugee father, he faced adversity from a young age. However, he drew inspiration from his father’s resilience and the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. “I look at people like my dad who came from nothing,” he said. “I’m never complaining in the pool, I remember people in Gaza, people in Palestine that suffer properly.”

Despite the hostility he has faced from some quarters, Al Bawwab remains determined to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians. “A lot of people don’t want us to be here. They don’t want to see the flag. They don’t want to hear my country’s name,” he said. “They don’t want me to exist. They want me to leave. But I’m here.”

Al Bawwab’s story highlights the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, who often train in difficult conditions and risk their lives to compete. He mentioned the tragic loss of his Asian Games roommate and a young fan in Gaza, as well as the struggles of weightlifter Mohammad Hamada, who lost weight due to food shortages.

“We’re trying to educate people about how to swim and teach… but there’s a war going on,” Al Bawwab said. “What are you supposed to do when there’s a war? You can’t talk to people.”

Al Bawwab’s Olympic journey may have been brief, but his message of peace and resilience resonated far beyond the pool. He represented not only Palestine but also the countless athletes who overcome adversity to pursue their dreams.

Categories: Others

CSA Hosts DEI Indaba to Address Representation in National Cricket Team

By Nilay July 25, 2024 0

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is hosting a three-day Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba to address the lack of representation in the national men’s cricket team. The conference aims to develop a roadmap for ensuring a demographically-reflective team by the 2027 ODI World Cup at home.

CSA has shifted the focus from solely addressing racial representation to a broader approach that encompasses the entire cricketing infrastructure. The conference will examine issues such as the declining participation of players of Indian heritage in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the absence of white players in Limpopo.

The lack of black African representation in the national team has raised concerns, with only one black African player in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. CSA acknowledges the need to develop the game holistically, especially in areas where talent gaps exist.

The conference will feature a panel discussion with black African batter Khaya Zondo, women’s international bowler Tumi Sekhukhune, and former selector Patrick Moroney. The re-introduction of a selection panel is being considered, as it would provide diverse perspectives and foster broader thinking.

CSA emphasizes that it will not revert to quotas but will set average goals for representation. The national teams are required to field at least six players of color, including two black Africans, on average over a season.

The SA20 franchise league, in which CSA holds a majority share, has no transformation targets. However, CSA hopes that franchise owners will consider South Africa’s history and efforts towards redress.

Categories: Cricket

Angel Lopez: From Outsider to Pillar of Tennis in His Community

Unbox Sports Launches to Empower Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

Palestinian Swimmer Makes Statement at Olympics, Despite Adversity

CSA Hosts DEI Indaba to Address Representation in National Cricket Team

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products

Login

Tag: Representation