#33 World Champion At Age 23... What Now? with Trofym ANDERSON

#33 World Champion At Age 23... What Now? with Trofym ANDERSON

Athlete Case Study: Rower for George Washington University; 3 High school National Championships; Winner of 2 Canadian Henleys; 2014 World Champion at coxed four; Under 23 senior Developmental Team for Canada

_________________________________________________

March 12, 2015

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BACKGROUND

On today’s show, Trofym will tell us about his journey from where we was as a young kid, to how he got to where he is now. He will share his experiences as an “obese” young boy who was pushed to the limit at an early age and became an elite rower and received multiple scholarship offers from the United States. He explains WHY he decided to compete and receive and education in the US instead of staying home in Canada. We will get many lessons from today’s episode as Trofym expresses the importance of Never giving up and always making sure you are “10x better.”

BIO

• Born, Trofym Anderson, from Ontario, Canada.

• Trofym grew up as an only child.

• Started rowing in the 9th grade; eventually transferred schools and rowed for the best high school in Canada, E.L Crossley High School; has won a total of 3 high school Championships; has won 2 Canadian Henleys; was 7th in the men’s 8 at the 2010 Junior World Championships.

• Received Scholarship offers from the University of California, British Columbia, and George Washington, which is where he attended and received his bachelor's degree in Business

• Finished 5th in the men's coxed four at the 2013 Under 23 World Championships; Won the 2014 World Championship at coxed four

• He is now preparing to get a shot at the next Olympics with the Canadian Under 23 Senior Development Team

• Currently working on masters degree in Sports Management; has done research at the last 2 Olympics; desires of working with the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland

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PERSONAL QUOTE:
“You always gotta make sure you are 10x better than the next guy.”
-John Ruscitti

Key Mentors in his life:

• John Ruscitti: His high-school coach that pushed him through and helped him overcome the adversity of being an undersized rower

• His Uncle Harry (ex-NHL Player): Trofym was obese at an early age and his uncle got him up early in the mornings at 5am and pushed him to the limit

Key Discussion Points:

• When was one of your biggest struggles?

• When was your lightbulb moment?

• When was your proudest moment in life so far?

• Why did you choose to go to a US college over a Canadian College?

Key Lessons:

• You can change if you want to, its all about taking that first step

“My biggest lesson was just never giving up no matter what.” TA @ 16:12

• Nothing ever comes easy, you have to work hard always

• We don’t always know our talents or what we are good at until we branch out and try different things

• Sometimes we need to stop what we are doing, look at our situation and ask ourselves what we are willing to do to get what we truly want

“It was that day that I said...‘I gotta stop what I’m doing. I gotta revamp everything, I gotta look at my training..I gotta get a strict week program..I needed to get serious with my training..it all started there.” TA @ 24:19

• Once we make the decision to make a positive change, we should never look back

• If you’re serious about whatever you’re doing, demand more of yourself, put a plan together, and associate yourself with the best

• Winning at the highest level comes with struggle and obstacles along the way

“It’s not because we won, but its because during the 9 years to get there, there were just so many obstacles and so many miserable days.” TA @ 27:15

• Having a champion like mindset means you know you can always push to be better

• When choosing a school for your sport, it's important to think about what you truly want out of it

“In trying to choose where I wanted to go… ‘ do I want to go to a massive, already established team, and maybe be the guy that helps continue to make the team as good as it is..or do I want to come to a smaller team at George Washington..take them from the absolute bottom, to now finishing 14th in the country last year.” TA @ 36:51

• If we stay in our comfort zone, we will stay where we are; you have to get a little uncomfortable in order to improve

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TROFYM’S TIP JAR

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Nothing is impossible

One thing you like to do when you come to a new arena to compete?
Walk around really slow and look at everything, become comfortable with the area

Sleep & Morning ritual:
In bed by 9 or 10pm, wake up at 5am, stare out the window..check my phone, 2 shots of espresso; 20 minutes to get ready, bike to practice, 20 minutes of core stretching; row for 90min-2hours; get home and have breakfast. “Maximize your day by starting early.” -TA

One way you’d like to improve yourself as a person?
Reading more and further educate myself

One tip on how to live a little bit healthier?
Planning; writing down a weekly plan on Sundays

Knowing everything you know now and having all the resources now available (ESS, Beyond Athletic Podcasts, Mentors), if you had a do over, what would you do differently?
I would have started rowing the single earlier; challenged myself as it was something that I always avoided

INFO

Past/Current Teams:
Current: George Washington University Men’s Rowing; also Under 23 Men’s Canadian Team
Past: Canadian Junior National Rowing Team

Mentioned:
Ontario, Canada
Canada
E.L Crossley High School
Canadian Henleys
2010 Junior World Championships.
University of California
British Columbia
George Washington
2013 Under 23 World Championships
2014 World Championship
Olympics
Under 23 Senior Development Team
Sports Management
International Olympic Committee in Switzerland
John Ruscitti
George Washington University Men’s Rowing
Under 23 Men’s Canadian Team
Canadian Junior National Rowing Team

Resources:
Tim Ferriss; Speed Reading
Audible.com

 

Follow Trofym:
Twitter

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Parting Pieces of Wisdom

"10x better, that’s the way you gotta approach everything, this goes for any sport...even if you’re in a sport that doesn’t require as much cardio or is more technique based..always being able to improve...always FINDING and area you can improve on" -Trofym Anderson

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#31 Learn To Silence Your Ego with Gabi KOEVA

#31 Learn To Silence Your Ego with Gabi KOEVA

Athlete Case Study: Bulgarian Women’s National Volleyball Team, Middle Blocker for Beşiktaş Women's Volleyball (Istanbul Turkey).  Elite Sports Students Mentor  

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February 24, 2015

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BACKGROUND

On today’s episode we will talk about how Gabi got to where she is today. We will discuss how she decided to play volleyball instead of basketball, as both of her parents are former basketball players, but at her age, volleyball was the only option. She explains some of her struggles and decisions she has had to make over the years, as well as some of the mentors she’s had to help her. She also shares how she handled being a bench player while playing for the Bulgarian Women’s National Team and the importance of silencing your ego and continuing to work hard no matter what situation you may face.

BIO

• Born, Gabriela KOEVA, from Pleven, Bulgaria on July 25, 1989.

• 6’2” (188cm) Middle Blocker, Volleyball player

• Grew up in the basketball gym, as parents are former players of the sport.

• Attendended National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski" in Bulgaria

• Has played professionally in Bulgaria, Switzerland, Italy and Turkey.

• Was invited to join the Bulgarian Senior National Team at 17 years old. Has been a member est. 2007, received the Bronze medal in 2011 for the European Volleyball League, and the SILVER in 2012.

• Business Administration Major

• One of Elite Sport Students founding Mentors

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Listen ON-THE-GO (00:55:44) NOW -or- mobile via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps!

PERSONAL QUOTE:
“Remember that talent is only 1% of an athlete’s life, and the other 99% is hard work, hard work, and more hard work.” -Gabi’s Father

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HER LIFE:

Dragan Nesic, the first coach to send Gabi an invitation for the Senior National Team, whom she learned the most from volleyball wise; Svetlana Ilic, Gabi learned a lot from her while playing in Switzerland, was one of the only coaches she had to emphasize importance of mental preparation.

Key Discussion Points:

• When was a time you struggled in your sport or life in general?

• How did you mentally handle being one of the bench players?

• When was a time during a match that you made a mistake, and what did you do to move on from it?

• When was your lightbulb moment?

• When was one of your proudest moments?

• What lead you to your studies that you’ve recently completed?

• What is your current plan to be successful in your life and sport?

Key Lessons:

• Accept failure!

“We all fail on a daily basis. I think its important that we learn from our failures.” GK @ 10:22

• We need to learn to silence our egos and look objectively at the situation we are in

“After all, its the National Team and all the best players from your country are playing there..you have to give them respect..good players, they are not just random people on the court.” GK @ 13:16

• Focus on your skills, getting better, and proving yourself at every practice

• Competition within the team is what helps evolve players

• Egos can be good and bad in some ways

• Find a way to compete and add value to your teammates, make them better

• Do your best to move on quickly from the mistakes you make while competing

“I talked to myself.. ‘the set is gone, it was just one point, you made a mistake, it was not your fault, focus on the next set, start over, do your thing, try to keep in mind the goals you have, focus on the small things, FORGET about it.” GK @ 17:28

• The whole team loses/wins a game, not just one individual

• If you dwell on the last mistake, you are most likely to keep making more

• Sometimes you have to change your scenery or location to be closer to your success

• The most successful people are those who challenge themselves, looking outside the box

• Have your OWN vision for what you want in the future and create small goals to achieve that vision

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:55:44) NOW -or- mobile via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps!

ATHLETE'S TIP JAR

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always see the positive in every situation; things are how they are, its in our power to understand them how we want.

What is the first thing you do when arriving to a new team or arena?
Team: I look forward to the first couple of practices so I can see how the coach is working with the team, so I can understand their perspective.
Arena: I check out the lights, they can be disturbing sometimes

What personal habit do you believe has contributed most to your success?
When I start something, I really want to finish it.

Sleep & Morning ritual:
I sleep between 8-10 hours; I have breakfast, coffee/tea, I am up a few hours before practice, on the court half an hour before doing warm up/ mobility exercises.

What is one way you’d like to improve yourself?
Always try to learn something new, reading books

How do you cross-train to stay fit when you aren’t playing your sport?
I go swimming a few times a week

What is one book you would give away as a gift and why?
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday; I would give this book to anyone who is struggling with something in life, sports, business, etc.

If you had a do-over, knowing everything you know now with all of the new resources (Beyond Athletic Podcasts, ESS Mentors, etc.) ,what would you have done differently and why?
I think things would have happened quicker for me, after listening to other’s experiences on a podcast, I would have learned a lot quicker.

INFO

Charity/Organizations They Add Value to:
Elite Sports Students; Mentor
Possibly a summer camp, 2015,  in Braham, Minnesota, run by Noah Dahlman

Past/Current Teams:
Past: VC CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria; Voléro Zürich,Switzerland; Minerva Volley Pavia, Italy
Current: Beşiktaş Women's Volleyball; Bulgaria Women's National Volleyball Team

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Contact GABI

Gabi's Blog | Facebook | Twitter | ASK GABI Q's Here

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Definition of Being An Athlete?

"Very important in our society; sports are famous, entertainment; people feel a direct impact from sports. If you have a role model, you are interested in all aspects of their professional and personal life. We as athletes should be giving a good example to the young kids. We are influential and
should take it seriously" -Gabi Koeva

RESOURCES

Books Mentioned:
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Relentless: The Ultimate Mind & Body Challenge by Tim Grover

Also Mentioned:

Vlado Jaksic; Basketball Peace Ambassadors; Video

Braham, Minnesota
Noah Dahlman
VC CSKA Sofia,
Voléro Zürich
Minerva Volley Pavia
Beşiktaş Women's Volleyball
Bulgaria Women's National Volleyball Team
Elite Sports Students; Mentor
Beyond Athletic Podcasts
European Volleyball League
Pleven, Bulgaria
National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski"
Bulgaria,
Switzerland,
Italy
Turkey
 

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-Ryan (Owner @ EliteVolley.com)
____________________________
Elite Volley Agency
SRB Mobile: +381628905135 | USA Mobile: +13233623829
Sports Podcast: www.BeyondAthletic.com/listen
Agency: www.EliteVolley.com 
 

#29 See Yourself As Exceptional (Not Ordinary) with Norisha CAMPBELL

#29 See Yourself As Exceptional (Not Ordinary) with Norisha CAMPBELL

ATHLETE CASE STUDY | Feb 13, 2015

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BACKGROUND

On today’s show we will talk about Norisha CAMPBELL’S duties not only as a mother, but also as a professional athlete and a very talented singer. She competed in one of the biggest singing competitions in Germany. Having these talents has given her energy throughout her life and they allow her to pursue EVERYTHING she is passionate about. We’ll talk about how she balances each of these aspects in her life.

BIO

• Born, Norisha CAMPBELL in California, USA, on September 21, 1980.

• Norisha grew up in a single parent home of five kids, two brothers and two sisters. She was born in California, but grew up in Florida, later moved to Texas. Was introduced to volleyball in the 7th grade.

• Has a nine year old daughter, Aniya, who sings and plays tennis.

• Norisha has been living in Germany since 2002.

• Graduated from Florida State University where she played as a Middle Blocker

• Received NCAA All-American honorable mention. Was on the USA Women’s National Team from 1999-2002, and then again in 2007-08. Best finish as a pro player was fifth place in the Champions League with VBC Volero Zurich. Was on “The VOICE of Germany” in 2013 and made it to the “show down.” She is also currently a singer in Germany performing live at various events.

MOST GRATEFUL TODAY FOR:

“That I am surrounded by wonderful friends, I have such a great family, I’m blessed with my daughter, I’m grateful that I have health.” -Norisha Campbell

PERSONAL QUOTE:

"Your destiny is not determined by what others think and say about you. It is determined by  what you think, say and do. Anything is possible when you believe that you are exceptional and not average” - Norisha Campbell

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HER LIFE:

Her mother: “My mother was strong and she’s also Christian and spiritual...and she always taught me to go beyond average and to never limit myself.” -Norisha Campbell

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:46:36) NOW -or- mobile via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps!

Key Discussion Points:

• When was one of your biggest struggles?

• How were you able to humble yourself?

• As someone who was the first person IN and first person OUT of the gym, what was it that you were doing during those time slots?

• When was a time that you took a risk, and you failed? How did you move forward?

• When was a light bulb moment in your career?

• When was one of your proudest moments so far in life?

• What has you most excited these days? (hobbies, projects, goals, etc.)

Key Lessons:

• Prepare yourself for opportunities that may come your way, and when they do use them wisely

“I went to practice everyday, I worked my butt off, I never complained, I was the first one to be in the gym and the last one to leave the gym because I wanted to work hard to earn my spot.” NC @ 10:50

• Always look ahead when you feel yourself in a difficult situation

• Humble yourself and always encourage others instead of complaining or being negative

• Always work on your weaknesses

“When I stayed after practice, I worked on my weaknesses, on my weak points, like my serving was my weak point and my blocking was my weak point….I gave myself a GOAL.” NC @ 12:59

• ONE mistake, ONE point, never loses a whole game or match, EVERYBODY makes mistakes

• Average athletes give just enough, Exceptional Athletes give beyond what is required

• When it feels like you have nothing left to give, and you push a bit more, that is when you have given 100%

“That’s when you improve, when you feel like you can’t give but you push anyways, THEN you have given that 100%.” NC @ 20:54

• Having multiple passions doesn’t mean that you can only pursue one

• As an athlete, whether you like it or not, you will always have eyes on you, and many will look up to you as a hero

• As much as we love our sports, it’s important to have something to fall back on when our career is over

• Living abroad gives you the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, learn the different cultures, different languages, and overall a different way of life than you are used to, as well as the opportunity to GROW UP

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:46:36) NOW -or- mobile via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps!

Norisha’s TIP JAR

What is the best advice that you have ever received?
If opportunity doesn’t knock, then you I should build a door, sometime you have to create an opportunity, go out and make it happen.

How do you adjust to a new team/arena?
I look around and explore the gym, get a feel for the environment, I take myself away from everything and everyone, meditate through prayer, and then visualize how I want the game to turn out.

What personal habit do you believe has contributed most to your success until now?
If I start something I’m determined to finish it.

Sleep & Morning ritual:
I try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Normally I wake up at 7 to get my daughter ready for school. When I wake up, I go to my kitchen, and I look and stare in the fridge. I try to have at least an hour to myself.

Give a tool/habit you love to use to stay healthy:
I educate myself on health by reading books. I work out and train on a daily basis. 

A useful tool or tip for eating on the go -OR- for traveling in general?
I eat to be healthy. Try to pack a healthy snack such as nuts and fruits. I find it more convenient to pack a healthy snack or lunch. Try to avoid fast food.

How would you like to improve yourself as a person?
I always try to be a better friend, mother, and athlete.

What book would you give away and why?
I would give away “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy, It teaches you how to put your life together, and taking tiny steps.

With the resources you have now that you didn’t have before, if you had a do-over, what would you do differently to set yourself up for success?
I would have looked for a mentor, and maybe a hero, and I would have followed that person. I also would have read a bit more.

INFO

Charity/Organizations/Action they take to Add Value:
Volunteer work with little kids in schools. She also visits the elderly who may be alone that living in her apartment building, taking the time to talk and listen to them. “Sometimes time is the best thing you can give.” -NC

Business/Work:
Professional Volleyball Player
Singer in Germany, performs at big events

Past/Current Teams:
Current- Rote Raben Vilsbiburg, Germany
Past-  Barcelona, Spain; VBC Volero Zurich (Switzerland)

Recommended Books:
The Bible
“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy
“The Dream Manager” by Matthew Kelly

Tags:
California, USA,
Florida
Texas
Florida State University
NCAA All-American
USA Women’s National Team
VBC Volero Zurich
“The VOICE of Germany”
Rote Raben Vilsbiburg

Follow Athlete Here:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Definition of An Athlete?

"A person that not only plays their sport as a living, but because they enjoy it and its a passion that they have and the same lessons that they learn on the court they use off the court. A role model and a leader, on an off the court." -Norisha Campbell

Pieces of Wisdom

“Take the gifts and the dreams that you have a live them out, we only get one life, we don't get another opportunity after this..JUST GO FOR IT.”-NC

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#27 What Could Be More Important Than Talent? (You'll Never Guess) with Bassam BEIDAS

#27 What Could Be More Important Than Talent? (You'll Never Guess) with Bassam BEIDAS

ATHLETE CASE STUDY | Feb 4, 2015

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:58:31) Now -or- via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps on Smartphones/tablets!

BACKGROUND

Today we will be talking with Bassam BEIDAS of Lebanon. He is a tennis player who played for a college in the United States and is now a professional. He has been rehabilitating his injury that has caused him to be absent from competition and plans to make a comeback. We will get into his story of how he got started, his struggles, light bulb moments, and some of the requirements he had to follow as an athlete while attending Pepperdine University and how proper eating habits translate to better performance. We will also talk about the feeling and emotional aspects of having an injury and the attitude to have when making a comeback,
being RESILIENT and RELENTLESS.

BIO

• Born, Bassam BEIDAS, in London, England on December 26, 1988.

• Grew up in Cairo, Egypt, currently living in Beirut, Lebanon. Bassam is of Lebanese descent, but due to the Civil War in Lebanon, his family resided in Egypt. He has two older brothers and an older sister.

• #20 ITF Juniors Ranking (Under 18)

• Three time NCAA All-American and ranked 11th in singles at Pepperdine University. Graduated from there in the Summer of 2011. Immediately entered the pro tour post graduation. Has a Career High ATP Ranking of 499.

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MOST GRATEFUL TODAY FOR:

"The fact that I am physically capable to continue to pursue my dreams despite my injuries." -BB

PERSONAL QUOTE:

"Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail" - Roy Keane (Footballer for Manchester United)

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE: 

"My parents for giving me opportunities in tennis that most people wouldn't get where I grew up. They didn't motivate or push me because I did most of that myself, but they opened doors for me." -BB

Key Discussion Points

• What is an example of a daily diet you followed at Pepperdine University?

• What was one of your biggest failures or struggles that you had?

• When was your light bulb moment?

• When was your proudest moment?

• Being able to attend college in the US, what are some of the things that stood out to you in that made your experience great?

• What’s got you most excited these days?

• What can we see coming from you in the future?

Key Lessons

• Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of reaching peak performance

• When it is game time, clear your mind before you even get to the courts, and leave all negative thoughts outside of the arena

“..I didn’t leave it in the locker room, so when I walked out to play the singles, I was still in that crappy mindset where I was just in a haze and I lost the singles match.” BB @ 16:49

• If you are one of the older or more experienced on your team, fulfill that role and be the leader, hold others accountable

• As a collegiate athlete, you have to be able to handle constructive criticism

• Injuries have a way of opening our eyes and seeing the bigger picture

• As a competitive person, if you want to achieve the highest levels, compare yourself to the best in the world, and work to reach their level

• The college/athletics system in the United States provide many opportunities to those foreign to the country

“From the moment I set foot there, the way they take care of you, you have people helping you plan your classes, helping you study, helping you get through your classes, the coaches are willing to help if you ask them to, it was kind of a family atmosphere.” BB @ 28:06

• Life is about taking risks and making choices to find your way or path in life

• Getting a degree in college will give you more opportunities after your athletic career is finished

• As an athlete, is it healthy to find some kind of balance between your school, athletic, and social life

• Under 100 people a year make a living from tennis

• Always have a slight idea of what you want to be involved with when your athletic career comes to an end

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:58:31) Now -or- via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps on Smartphones/tablets!

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:58:31) Now -or- via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps on Smartphones/tablets!

BASSAM’S TIP JAR

What is the best advice you have ever received?
No matter how bad you think you can be on tour, it's always better than the alternative

Sleep & Morning ritual:
Between 7 and 8 hours of sleep. The first thing I usually do when I wake up is roll  my hips out and doing a couple of light exercises to get my hips moving in the morning.  

What is one of the first things you do when you come to a new arena for competition?
Its usually a new country, I  check out the area, find out where I can get my essentials, restaurants. Check out the courts, meet the trainer, physiotherapists, hits some balls, and sweat it out a bit on your first few days.

What personal habit do you believe contributed most to your success?
My intensity in training

Name one way that you like to improve yourself as a person
I like to read about things all across the spectrum

A learning resource you love to use…
I love using blogs and other such sites to keep up with the latest on strength and conditioning, rehab, and sports nutrition.

Give a tool/habit you love to use to stay healthy:
Well, at the moment I have been doing a lot of rehab for my back so I am in and out of the gym all the time. I also have my exercises I do at home but I spend plenty of time in the gym too.

A useful tool or tip for eating on the go -OR- for traveling in general?
When I was travelling to tournaments I always took a foam roller with me and packets of nuts so I wouldn't have to go around searching for a healthy snack.

If you had a do over for you athletic career, and had all of the resources that are available to you now, what would you do differently so set yourself up for success?
I would have taken better care of my body and eating healthier earlier in life

What book would you give away as a gift and why?
Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom, there are a lot of lessons you can take from this book.
 

What's a cause or thing/action you like to do to add value to other peoples lives that you either know or don't know at all?
The last few years I have taken more of an interest in politics (from an Arab perspective mainly). I like to read a lot and transfer what I know and think to open other people's eyes to what really goes on in the world (usually via Facebook). I think my generation is becoming more politically aware than perhaps the one that came immediately before them and this can lead to positive changes in the world. I definitely have plans to contribute even more once I am settled in whatever I am going to do after tennis.

INFO

Past/Current Teams:
Pepperdine Men’s Tennis

Books Mentioned
Relentless by Tim S. Grover
Becoming A Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett
Ready to Run by Kelly Starrett
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
 

Follow Athlete Here:

Facebook | Instagram 

A Piece of Wisdom from Bassam

“The one thing that you can translate into any area of your life is dedication...dedication and discipline will take you places” -Bassam Beidas

Definition of An Athlete

"The term athlete is such a vague term..I would say an athlete is someone playing sport and competing...the desire to push yourself into competition is what separates someone who plays something as a hobby and someone who is an actual athlete"

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