#7 - Xavi Acosta: Working at Austin FC, Soccer Ops, Sports Management Studies

BIO:

Christo Van Rensburg is a former pro tennis player, hailing from South Africa. 

He was ranked #1 in the world in doubles, won 20 top-level doubles titles during his career, including one Grand Slam men’s doubles title in 85’. Christo ranked as high as #19 in the world in singles, and is one of only two men to beat Pete Sampras in straight sets at Wimbledon.

Christo’s wife, Monica van Rensburg (Reinach) also played at Wimbledon, along with her sister, Elna Reinach, making them a truly elite tennis family — but the most humble, welcoming, and incredible people you’ll meet. 

Christo and the fam now run “Dropshot Series”, a tennis tournament promotion company hosting pro tennis events in Austin, TX. They’ve hosted several USTA/ ITF level events and are now hosting the very first WTA Tour event — The ATX Open — which is 1 of only 5 women’s only WTA Tour level events in the USA.

Christo runs Dropshot Series with Bryan Sheffield, Tournament Promoter and Founder of DropShot, who also owns stake in MLS team Austin FC, and founded Parsley Energy.

In addition to all this, Christo also gives back to the game by way of coaching — and coaches elite players like Fernanda Contreras Gomez along with having captained South Africa in the Davis Cup, coaching up players like University of Georgia’s Philip Henning.

Connect with Christo:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christo-van-rensburg-23802511/

Find out more about Dropshot Series:

- Website: https://dropshotseries.com

Find out more about ATX Open:

- Event info: https://atxopen.com/event-info/

- Partners & Sponsors: https://atxopen.com/partners/

- Buy Tickets: https://atxopen.com/tickets/

- To watch the ATX Open on TV or via streaming tune into The Tennis Channel!

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxopen/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtxOpen

Sponsorship Inquiries for ATX Open:

- Contact Unrivaled Group: https://unrivaledgroup.com

Key Topics:

* Christo’s Playing Career

   * Competing with top talent and learning from them

* Coaching

   * Remembering those who helped you, and giving back to those coming next

* Christo’s adventure into the Tennis Tournament Promotion business

   * Dropshot Series

   * ATX Open

* Christo meeting his wife

Recorded in September 2022 in Austin, TX.

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec  

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268  

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

(Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)

#atxopen #atx #tennis 

Florian Hemme is an expert within the field of sports management and sports finance. Born in Germany, he now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a business degree, two masters degrees in Human Resource Management and Sports Management, and a PhD in Sports Management from UT Austin. He now lectures on sports finance and other sports industry related topics. I’m honored to have had “Dr. H” on the podcast and been able to chat with him.

Connect with Florian Hemme:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianhemme/

Topics Discussed:

• What is Sports Finance?
• Return on Investment in Sports; difference from other investment vehicles regarding profits
• Accounting and Financial maneuvers used uniquely within sports
• Financing of stadiums
• Different League Structures
• More on College Athletics
• How To Perform Better
• Parenting
• Polarization in America
• The value of Contemplative Practices like Meditation
• Advice for those wanting to work in sports

Recorded on May 23, 2022

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

(Also available on ALL major audio platforms within the USA as well as most globally.)

James Santore is the founder and CEO of Three Two Strategies — a firm based out of Philadelphia offering marketing services and strategic consulting to venture funds, startups, athletes, and more. James is Philadelphia born and raised, played D1 baseball at La Salle University as pitcher, founded the La Salle Legends Foundation, and served as Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at SeventySix Capital before moving on to work in Chicago with Fubo Gaming as Strategic Partnerships Manager. James serves on the board of Crypto Curr3ntly and also blogs, skates, lifts heavy, and we’re honored to have a legend in the making like him on as a friend of the show.

Connect with James here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessantore/
• IG: @jamessantore

Learn more about Three Two Strategies here:

• Website: https://www.threetwostrategies.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/32strategies/

Topics Discussed:

• James’ upbringing — how fitness has always been top of mind as a way to stay disciplined
• James time playing D1 baseball at La Salle:
• James career journey:
• Mindset:
• Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys trash talk, pre-season predictions, James’ favorite Philadelphia sports moments
• James’ biggest inspirations, advice for those trying to break into the sports industry or start their own businesses, along with tips for leading a happy life

Recorded on July 29th, 2022

#sportsbiz #threetwostrategies #philly #philadelphia #seventysixcapital #fubo #marketing #sportsmarketing

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Kevin Rodriguez is a Sports Information Director at The University of Texas at Austin, highly regarded as one of the most competitive collegiate athletic institutions to not only work at, but also regarded as one of the biggest brands in sports and most successful in college athletics, having won the Learfield Director’s Cup the previous 2 years. Kevin is the lead SID for UT baseball and UT Women’s Volleyball, with the former fielding the NCAA Men’s Player of the Year and the latter being regarded as one of the most prestigious volleyball programs in the history of the sport (they’re the #1 lock to win the NCAA 2022 Women’s Volleyball Title). Kevin has done extensive work with these sports and more, directing information and serving as a key liaison between the players, coaching staff, media, and other key sports stakeholders. Kevin graduated with a degree in Mass Communications from Sam Houston State University, where he also served as an SID there for two years, along with having worked with the National Football Foundation and University of Memphis as a Director of Athletic Communications. Above all, Kevin is not only a savant within the sports communications field, but a hilarious and down-to-earth dude who’s helped me learn more about the sports space and gain experience in collegiate athletics.

Connect with Kevin:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krodthesid/

Keep up with UT Athletic Teams Kevin Works With:

• Texas Volleyball: https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyball
• Texas Baseball: https://texassports.com/sports/baseball

OUTLINE:

• Intro
• What a Sports Information Director is and why Kevin wanted to go into Sports Communications
• What is the role of an SID within College Athletics?
• How crucial are SIDs to the entire athletic program, and specifically the team?
• What it’s like working with one of the biggest brands in sports and most famous college athletics program at UT Austin
• What keeps Kevin going in the space despite the travels and at times long hours
• Advice for those wanting to break into sports communications
• Most memorable moments

Recorded on November 30th, 2022

#Sports #sportscommunications #collegeathletics  #sportsinformationdirector #sid #texas #longhorns #hookem #texasvolleyball #texasbaseball 

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Jeff Zeller is the Senior Director of NFT Partnerships and Business Operations at Crypto.com. He’s led a career at the intersection of sports, music, technology, culture, and content. Jeff’s worked with iTunes as a Content Producer, A&R as a Creative Intern working with artists such as the late legend AVICII & also found Marshmello during his rise to stardom, along with serving as CEO of “Dancing Astronaut” which was a media company covering the dance and electronic music scene. Jeff went on to work with Sony as digital strategy Chief of Staff, then to ESPN as Director of Entertainment Marketing & Parternships leading partnerships for many properties such as “The Last Dance” with Peloton and Spotify, before moving into the crypto space. Jeff is a graduate of Stanford (where he played tennis), a Harvard MBA grad, and also the founder of AZ Management. Above all, Jeff is an incredible guy, a family man, and legend in the making — and we’re honored to have pontificated on life with him on this episode and call him a friend of the show.

Connect with Jeff:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzeller/
• IG: @jeffzeller ; https://www.instagram.com/jeffzeller/?hl=en
• Twitter: @jaz ; https://twitter.com/jaz?lang=en

OUTLINE:

• 0:00 Foreword
• 4:10 Start of Conversation
• Topics discussed:
• Working with iTunes as a Content Producer
• Working with the music industry
• Working at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and music with ESPN
• New adventure into crypto.com
• Much more!

Recorded on November 11th, 2022

#harvardmba #partnerships #sportsbiz #crypto #marketing #harvard  #nft

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Brandon Rhodes is the Vice President of Business Development at Overtime, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient, Co-Founder of “Hella Awkward” card game, and Co-Founder of the Michigan Sports Business Conference where he graduated from The University of Michigan’s business school. Brandon’s a strategic business builder and proven brand marketer with a track record of success across consumer products, tech, sports, and media tied to youth culture and worked in Global Brand Activation & Management, and Digital Strategy at PepsiCo’s Gatorade before joining the industry-disrupting Overtime. Above all, Brandon’s an awesome dude paving the way forward for the next generation of leaders within sports business and beyond — we’re honored to bring y’all this conversation with him.

Connect with Brandon:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsrhodes/
• IG: @overtimebrandon ; https://www.instagram.com/overtimebrandon/?hl=en
• Twitter: @overtimebrandon ; https://twitter.com/overtimebrandon?lang=en
• Purchase the Hella Awkward card game:

https://hellawkward.com/products/hella-awk-ward

OUTLINE:

• Foreword 0:00 - 05:11
• Start of conversation 05:11
• How Brandon knew he wanted to go the sports route
• Time working at Gatorade
• Running Business Development at Overtime
• Advice for succeeding in the space, getting your foot in the door, and more

Recorded on November 4th, 2022

#overtime #overtimeelite #sportsbiz #gatorade #michigan #msbc

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Cedric Golden is a sports columnist writing for the Austin-American Statesman. Cedric primarily covers Austin and Texas-based sports teams, such as The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns, and has covered various iconic sports moments from Texas’ 2005 National Title victory over USC, Super Bowls, College World Series, Final Fours, Title-fights in Vegas, and much more. Cedric is also an electric podcast host serving as co-host of “On Second Thought” with Kirk Bohls, host of Longhorn Confidential, and Longhorn Unfiltered podcasts. Cedric also serves as a professor of sports journalism at The University of Texas at Austin. Hailing from the piney woods of East Texas, Cedric graduated from UT Tyler, and has since led a legendary career as one of the best sports journalists not only in Texas — where he is adorned by the people — but in all of the USA. Above all, Cedric’s not only an inspiration to many, but an even greater person. We’re honored to call him a friend of the show.

Connect with Cedric:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-golden-57ab3b21/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CedGolden

Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/staff/5875395002/cedric-golden/

Topics Discussed:

• What inspired Cedric to become a sports journalist
• Seek a calling — not just a job
• The path to becoming a leading journalist
• What it was like covering the Cowboys vs Bills Super Bowl, meeting Stephen A. Smith and Mike Tirico early on in their careers
• Keys to succeeding as a sports journalist
• Cedric’s favorite moments of his sports journalism career:
• What makes University of Texas’ RB Bijan Robinson so special?
• Predictions for the rest of the UT Longhorns Football 2022 Season
• Thoughts on the current state of the culture and program of UT Football under Coach Steve Sarkisian
• Preview of Sam Ehlinger getting his first start in Indianapolis for the Colts this coming Sunday 10-30-22 — Cedric’s big piece he is writing on Ehlinger and his family to come soon
• Much more

Recorded on October 28th, 2022 in Austin, TX

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec 

#14 Matthew Collette: Producing Sportscenter, Winning Sports Emmys at FOX, Breaking into the Sports Production World | Smart Alec Show

Matthew Collette is an Emmy-winning executive producer with over a decade of experience within the sports media space — from live studio production, original content, show running, and building streaming channels, Matthew is one of the foremost production leaders in the sports media industry. An alum of Virginia Tech, Mathew began his career in production with the greatest TV show off all time — SportsCenter on ESPN —, then produced Olbermann on ESPN, before going on to win multiple Sports Emmy nominations and Awards as a Producer & Showrunner for “Garbage Time with Katie Nolan” on FOX Sports. He then added to the incredible resume having worked as a Coordinating Producer at IMG, a Senior Producer at Yahoo Sports, and now leads sports production as Executive Producer of Sports at the innovative B2B streaming giant coined “the next billion dollar company” at Atmosphere TV. Aside from a legendary career and incredible background of knowledge on production and the sports media space, Matthew is the most humble, easy-going, and incredible dude, that we’re honored to say is a friend of the show.

Check out Atmosphere TV here: https://www.atmosphere.tv

Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-collette-33b22135

Topics discussed:

• The importance of giving people opportunity — how Matt was given an opportunity at Sportscenter and turned it into a very successful career. We never know where the next major talent is going to come from and should give people their shot
• How to seize the moment and take advantage of opportunity when you get your foot in the door
• Advice for breaking into sports production
• What it was like working at ESPN’s HQ Bristol campus — what it was like running around campus to produce SportsCenter, Olbermann, and more
• What it felt like to produce Katie Nolan’s “Garbage Time” podcast at FOX Sports and not only get nominated for Sports Emmy’s but WIN multiple Sports Emmy’s
• His favorite moments and memories from his time at ESPN
• His time at Yahoo Sports, IMG
• The growth of Austin as a city
• Programming
• The evolution of the Sports Media landscape
• Atmosphere TV
• Much more

Recorded in September 2022

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=ulGRaagxSBCHROX0OEQCCA

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268 

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec

#13 Giovanni MontesDeOca: The Path to Playing Pro Soccer, Family, Discipline in All High-Achievers

Giovanni MontesDeOca is a professional footballer/ soccer player for Union Omaha of United States Soccer League (USL), League One. Gio was drafted into the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2021 Draft by his hometown club, FC Dallas — where he played in their academy at the highest level of youth soccer — and completed a life-long dream of making it to the pinnacle of American futbol. Gio — born into a family of soccer — served as team captain of the University of North Carolina men’s soccer team at the Division 1 NCAA level, previously played at the prestigious soccer program at Jesuit College Preparatory High School (Texas UIL 6A State Champions 2010 & 2017) before going on to play FC Dallas Youth Academy, and grew up playing for his family’s independent club, Wizard’s FC.

Connect with Gio:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannimontesdeoca

IG: https://instagram.com/giovannimdo10?igshid=NTlmMWMyMzg=

Topics discussed:

• The path to pro soccer — from the competitive youth level, high school, academy, D1 NCAA, onto the MLS & it’s minor league professional teams in the USL
• Importance of support systems allowing one to achieve success
• Discipline, grit, passion for success in any human endeavor
• Overcoming and persevering through injury
• The crossroads every athlete comes to when deciding whether to hang up the cleats; athlete identity
• Much more, enjoy!

Michael S. Peterson — known to as “Mike”— is a Managing Director at Pemberton Economic Group & a Professor at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business, where he teaches entrepreneurship classes centered on topics like FinTech, Internet of Things, New Venture Creation, & more. Mike graduated from Brigham Young with his MBA & also holds an MS in Technology Commercialization from UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Mike has worked on 9+ ventures with market potential upwards of $7B+ & is an entrepreneurship & business theory savant. Above all, Mike is not only a friend of the show, but an inspiration to many in having overcome entrepreneurial obstacles & depression. In his life, classes, & this episode he shows great courage through vulnerably sharing his story & sharing actionable steps for how he overcame these mental health troubles & now leads a fulfilled life.

“Despite the challenges along the way, the journey is still worth it — we are here to become something more, not to just get things or buy things but to really become & go on the journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves” - Mike Peterson

Connect with Mike Peterson:

* mikep.pro/book

    * How to Become a Professor from non-traditional path

* michaelspeterson.com

* https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetersonmba/

OUTLINE:

0:00 Foreword & Intro

4:12 Mike’s previous businesses & his favorite venture

11:45 Biggest takeaways from Mike’s 9 ventures

    - Positives:

        - Growth happens during discomfort

        - Meeting brilliant people

    - Negatives

    - 12:55 “Don’t let schooling get in the way of your education”

15:46 "Safe” traditional path guy v college drop-out entrepreneur

- Misunderstandings of risk

    - Perception of safety & security in corporate is false

    - Side hustle = great hedge against losing 9-5 income, $$$, & transferable skills making you a better employee & shedding spotlight on a project outside of traditional work

    - 20:31 You can bring side hustle lessons & perspectives to your 9-5 team or personal life

21:31 Risk orientation of entrepreneurs & “unconscious confidence” that makes them doers

- “Entrepreneurs are people who try to get things done & are oblivious to resources needed to get these things done”

- Tips for success

- The company started at Brigham Young to combat “sudden infant death syndrome” that went public after 10 years & they got rich

27:01 What’s the underlying key ingredient to persevere in entrepreneurship?

28:11 The importance of having equity in building wealth (vs just being on salary or an hourly wage)

- Entrepreneurship enhances the opportunity to impact lives of people on your team i.e. providing job opportunities to people you know

- Alec’s dad: Entrepreneurship is about creating opportunity for not only yourself but OTHER PEOPLE as stated above^

33:17 The dark side of entrepreneurship

-  Mike’s struggles with mental health, family life, finances, & more

- Low success probabilities

- Importance of Iteration

- 33:00 Battling deep depression

39:01 Is the source of this rampant depression in many males because of mens’ identity being tied to success & their ability to put food on the table? What are the implications of tying our self-worth to financial success?

- 41:01 Success is not linear.”

- Transcendental theory & detachment theory within this context

43:50 How Mike was able to see the beauty of life again:

- Practical actions to overcome depression

- 46:14 Importance of Writing

    - “The Jordan Peterson journaling program —

        - What’s life going to be like for me in 5 years if I continue on the path I am on?

        - What do you want life to be like?

        - The “mental cookie jar”

50:43 “We need you, we need your contributions.”

- empathy & understanding from those who’ve lived it =  crucial & inspirational to help those struggling right now

53:00 Value of Practical Natural Tactics to Improve Mental Health before going straight to medication

- practical applications

56:10 Do we delay our happiness too much in the American culture? “Once I have XYZ I’ll be happy….."

- Power of gratitude in Mike overcoming depression

- Utility of the gratitude journal

- Law of Attraction

1:06:42 “Last remarks: despite the challenges along the way, the journey is still worth it…”

Podcast info:

- Podcast website: https://smartalecshow.com

- RSS feed: feed:https://feeds.simplecast.com/ngBH2BfM

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/634MOIW582k2STgC06Rvl9?si=Zr4Fmx2nR6mqaeWNpFCfQQ&dl_branch=1

- Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-alec-show/id1577614268

- Amazon Music & Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96993c84-1664-4a67-921d-9b731fbdca99

Connect with Alec on Social:

- Linktree to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/smartalec

Recorded in January 2022