Treading water: life, football, and community
Life has a way of surprising us, often in ways we least expect. Last year, two major life events collided: my wife’s cancer diagnosis and the start of a new job. These transitions have reshaped my perspective, challenged me in unexpected ways, and taught me lessons I never knew I needed.
Through it all, I’ve been reminded of the power of resilience—not just in personal battles but also in the pursuit of something greater. My work over the last six months has felt especially meaningful. I’ve had the privilege of supporting the launch of Major League Soccer’s 30th franchise: San Diego Football Club.
Bringing a professional sports team back to San Diego isn’t just about soccer. It’s about community, education, and innovation. The Mansour Group, which leads this effort, sits at the intersection of sports performance and purpose. SDFC operates under the Right to Dream model, a purpose-driven approach to developing talent and creating opportunities. With a mission to become the epicenter of football excellence & innovation in North America, the club is already making waves. I’ll dive deeper into that in my next post.
What has kept me going through these past months, both personally and professionally, is the unwavering support of friends, family, and colleagues. To those who picked up the phone, sent food, visited, or simply checked in—you’ve helped more than you know. Those virtual hugs are felt, and I can only hope to return even a fraction of that kindness.
Laura captures it best in her own words:
“If you’re reading this, you’re more than likely one of those people—calmly treading water next to us, holding us up, and keeping us breathing. Thank you to all you lifesavers and lifeguards out there. You’re doing more than you know. I’ll be coming to tread water next to you soon, maybe even put a hand on your back. But for now, I’m just hanging on for life—and onto my few lovely eyelashes.”
Thank you all!
