Thank you, Rafa 🎾
Good morning.
In many ways, sports are built for rivalries. Teams (or individuals) compete for victory and someone will be victorious at the end.
But, in many more ways, sports are built for friendships. It’s on the courts, in the pool, on the field, etc. that we push one another to go farther, be better, and achieve more. We grow courageous and strong in more ways than we could have ever imagined because of those around us.
Tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal exemplify that friendship that grows from sport and making each other better athletes throughout the years.
This week, Nadal will play his last match and retire at the conclusion of the Davis Cup. Federer penned a heartfelt reflection on their friendship, rivalry, and Nadal’s career, highlighting multiple lessons from challenging him to helping him reimagine his game. But most importantly, Federer proudly stated, “You made me enjoy the game even more.”
Congratulations on a storied career, Nadal, and, thank you both, for demonstrating what it means to be both friends and competitors in sport!
— Taylor
Other news this week:
Katie Grimes named to 2024 Scholastic All-American list for her successes in the pool and in the classroom!
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.
Anita Mitchell
Anita Mitchell, author of God Took My Arms but He Gave Me THIS GIFT, joined the South Florida Writers Association for the most recent edition of their Authors Showcase Series. Host David Rolland discussed Mitchell’s book, how she met Abbas, and more.
Owen Cravens
Looking Forward, the documentary short film by Devon Gulati, premiered to the world at the 13th Annual Key West Film Festival this past weekend.
The film chronicles Owen Cravens’ path to the Paralympic Games, highlighting his emotional depth, physical prowess, and dedication on/off the racecourse.
Lindsay Looney
The NCAA recently announced the former student-athletes who have been nominated for the NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award and Lindsay Looney is among the honorees.
The award, celebrated in January, highlights former student-athletes for their contributions to their campuses and communities, including their academics and athletics.
Personalize Your Merchandise
Merchandise is a powerful part of your branding. Many will turn to it at some point in their journey for one or more reasons: to share your brand with people, to ask people to support you/your brand during a specific time, or while you are a member of a team.
One way to make your merchandise more meaningful is to create personalized versions (that still feature your logo).
Mandy Marquardt, U.S. National Cycling Champion, recently launched a prime example of this with a personalized (and exclusive) t-shirt line. In her newsletter, Mandy explained that the small batch line was created to commemorate Diabetes month (November), November 14th - Diabetes Awareness Day (email originally sent day before on November 13th), and Mandy’s diabetes diagnosis.
The shirts incorporated her logo, a meaningful phrase, and symbolic imagery connected to the launch. Included within the body of her newsletter was the following photo, walking readers through the shirt’s design.
The next time you are designing merchandise for an event or are prepping the marketing to sell the merchandise remember the following:
Ensure that your logo is clearly identifiable. This is brand recognition, folks.
If you are incorporating personal decisions into your design (such as the fabric choice or color), tell people. This helps them to connect with you.
Explain the meaning behind additional graphics and quotes. This will increase the connection that your community has to your design.
Curious to learn about another sports marketing or publishing topic? Email us your suggestions!
Our very own Beth Bailey has launched her own website and brand using our brand camp process! If you are a water polo athlete or parent seeking mentorship and coaching, Coach Beth Bailey is here to help!
Sponsor Spotlight: Honey Stinger
Do you feel sluggish hours after a work out? Do you struggle to feel energized before working out? The Hive is here to help.
The Honey Stinger Hive was created for those who appreciate and love their individual sports. Honey Stinger seeks to provide optimal nutrition centered around honey-powered fuel. As a community, the Hive seeks to empower athletes from all walks of life and to share their stories, creating more connections between athletes.
Honey Stinger's honey-powered fuel is showcased in several collections from waffles to energy chews to cracker bars. Visit www.honeystinger.com to shop the collections.
Champions Mojo, Episode 262: “Filmmaker Finds Redemption in the Pool: Michele Kuvin Kupfer’s Journey Back to Swimming”
What happens when life's challenges pull you away from your passion, only to lead you back years later with a renewed sense of purpose? Michele Kuvin Kupfer, a former member of the 1980 Israeli Olympic swim team and filmmaker, invites us into her world—a world where swimming was once both an escape and a refuge. Despite facing hurdles due to her Jewish background and personal struggles, Michelle's return to the pool as she approached 60 is a story of resilience and transformation.
Her journey back to the Maccabiah Games in 2022 alongside her Israeli teammates highlights the enduring power of sport to heal. Michele is the Co-Director and Executive Producer of the new film Parting the Waters, a Feature-length documentary about trauma, hope, and courage. Besides being a documentary filmmaker Michele is also a behavioral therapist, and educational consultant. She is the co-founder of Difference Diaries, a documentary short film series focused on adolescents and young adults with chronic illness.
We also explore the historical and emotional significance of the Maccabiah Games for Jewish athletes, including the unbreakable bonds forged through shared challenges and triumphs. Michelle’s journey is further amplified through her work in film, where she shares stories of chronic illness and mental health, reflecting her commitment to resilience and community. From overcoming fear to finding joy in new beginnings, this episode celebrates the inclusivity and empowerment swimming offers, inspiring listeners to live fully and embrace life’s possibilities at any stage.
Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.
Craving more from the Champion's Mojo team? Grab your copy of Kelly Palace's Take Your Mark, LEAD! and Maria Parker's Do Tough on Amazon!
