What’s your Messi moment? 🔥

Good morning. It's "best of" season. 

Spotify Wrapped dropped last week and, as December rolls on, news agencies and organizations alike will continue to name their top individuals, moments, items, and more for 2023. 

This week, TIME announced Lionel Messi as the 2023 Athlete of the Year. 2022 was a diamond year for Messi as he led Argentina to a World Cup victory and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players ever. He then captivated a new country and arguably sparked a new generation of soccer fans when he joined the Major League Soccers' Inter Miami CF earlier this year. 

Messi not only had a strong season with Miami and won his eighth Ballon d'Or award, but his impact on the sport can not be ignored. For example, Messi's Miami transfer announcement resulted in more Miami jerseys sold in a 24 hour period than jerseys for established household names like Tom Brady and LeBron James. 

"Messi Mania" is the exact type of movement that we want to celebrate as we race towards the end of year. It demonstrates that the love of sport is real and pure. 

This December, I challenge you to identify your Messi moment from the year and celebrate it. Reflect on a moment (or moments) where you made a strong impact on your company, your training, your life, etc. and sit with that moment. What do you need to do build upon that moment and close the year strong? 

Enjoy your week, folks! 

-- Taylor and the CG Sports Co Team 

OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:

P.S. Nervous about missing upcoming news from CG Sports? Follow us on Instagram (@cgsportsco), Facebook (CG Sports Management), and, of course, our weekly newsletter.

The World Cup continued with a stop in Gällivare, Sweden for the first time in 12 years. Rosie Brennan joined fellow U.S. teammates Jessie Diggins, Sophia Laukli, and Julia Kern for a third place finish in the women's 4x7.5K team relay. 

Additionally, Brennan tied for sixth place in the women's individual 10K race. Brennan explained to the media, "I’m generally in a good place right now and am enjoying each day. I’m also really thankful that I get the opportunity to race every weekend!”

The 2023 Toyota US Open Championships splashed into action in Greensboro, NC this past weekend. Many of swimming's biggest names were present, including Lilly King and Kieran Smith. 

King took home a silver medal in the women's 200 breaststroke (2:23.98), while Smith posted top finishes in the men's 200 free (5th - 1:47.08), 400 free (2nd - 3:48.72), and 200 back (2nd 1:57.51). 

Click here to view full results for the 2023 Toyota US Open Championships. 

Mandy Marquardt recently joined the Shifting the Perception of Type One Diabetes podcast. While live, the group discussed Marquardt's journey and career living, racing, and thriving with Type One Diabetes. 

Shifting the Perception of Type One Diabetes is part of the Team Type One Style podcast. Team Type One Style is the UKs first and only cycling running & triathlon teams to be made up entirely of athletes living racing and thriving with type one diabetes.

8 reasons NCAA coaches need to build their brand 

It’s brand building season! This is the time of year where many coaches are doing exciting things within their teams and are starting to see results from their athletes. But wouldn’t it be nice if as you were seeing results you were building your brand along the way? Your brand is how you are perceived in the market. What’s great is that your brand is 100% within your control

Building a professional brand is crucial for NCAA coaches. Here are 8 reasons why:

  1. Recruitment and Player Attraction: A strong professional brand can make a coach more appealing to potential recruits and their families. Players are more likely to commit to a program led by a coach with a positive and well-established reputation.

  2. Program Visibility and Credibility: A coach's personal brand contributes to the overall visibility and credibility of the program. A respected and recognizable coach can attract attention and interest in the team, both from the media and potential sponsors.

  3. Alumni and Donor Relations: A well-defined brand can strengthen relationships with alumni and donors. Alumni who are proud of their coach's accomplishments may be more inclined to support the program financially, which can contribute to the overall success and growth of the athletic department.

  4. Career Advancement: A strong personal brand can open up opportunities for career advancement. Whether within the NCAA or transitioning to other coaching positions, a well-established brand can make a coach more appealing to athletic directors and hiring committees.

NCAA coaches should invest in building their professional brands because it not only benefits them personally but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of their programs. A well-established brand can positively impact recruiting, program visibility, career opportunities, and relationships with key stakeholders.

Visit www.cgsportsco.com/cejih-explains to read the remaining four reasons why NCAA coaches need to build their brands! 

That's a wrap on Santiago and the 2023 Parapan American Games! Congrats on your six medals, McKenzie! 

📷: Mark Reis/Joe Kusumoto/USOPC

arena 

Since its inception in 1973, the arena brand has worked together with the best swimmers in the world to establish a deep connection with water sports and athletes of all manners. Arena is continuously striving to push the boundaries of innovation both in and out of the water, maintain authenticity in the sport, and passion for the sport.

Additionally, the arena brand is committed to creating a positive impact for you, the environment, and our communities. Their sustainability journey has helped them create three steps that have helped them define their values and ethics through to their commitment to act, inspire, and innovate. 

Click here to shop all that the arena brand has to offer. 

Champion's Mojo, Episode #238: "Making Waves at 93: The Inspiring Journey of Joan Campbell, Competitive Swimmer" 

Get ready for an uplift as we share an inspiring chat with the marvelous Joan Campbell, founder of the Florida Aquatic Combined Team (FACT). A competitive swimmer who started making waves at the age of 59, Joan is now 93 and a true testament to the power of vitality and determination. You'll hear about her incredible journey of not just taking up competitive swimming late in life, but also achieving top ranks worldwide. Learn about her rigorous training routine which includes swimming multiple times a week, walking and weight training. You will be riveted as she recounts her thrilling experience of swimming the 200 butterfly at 82! Joan drives herself to swim meets.

Hangout with us on the pool deck as Joan shares her life beyond swimming. She talks about her friendship with fellow swimmer Martha Henderson and their shared passion for the sport. Listen as she delves into her professional journey serving as the vice president of a large insurance company - her competitive spirit is evident both in and out of the pool! Joan gives us a peek into her future goals, discusses the camaraderie she shares with fellow swimmers, and opens up about her enduring love for the water. Joan's motivating story is one that truly exemplifies that age is just a number and it's never too late to chase your passion!

Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.

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