“Team Talk”: Considerations for Working with International Athletes

Session Description:

Sports cross cultural and geographical borders all the time and athletes often accept contracts or opportunities to compete that require relocation. This Team-talk session will focus on the unique challenges met by athletes crossing these borders and needing to assimilate to a foreign culture, team, and environment. By identifying the challenges for both the athlete and members of the “team behind the team” facing these circumstances, participants will also be able to discuss opportunities to effectively engage the athlete and heighten performance outcomes within the organization.

 

By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss the unique challenges faced by athletes from foreign countries and different cultures.
• Identify strategies to engage international athletes and help them overcome challenges to improve performance outcomes and overall well-being.
• Demonstrate the unique needs of international athletes to other members of the “team behind the team” in order to enhance communication and achieve success in all areas related to athlete care.

 

Speaker Bio:

Luis Perez is in his eighth season in the Royals’ organization and is in his first year as the Major League club’s Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. He will also serve as the Latin America Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the sixth-straight season. He has also served as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Surprise (Rookie) affiliate. Perez joined the Royals in 2010, after working at the University of Central Missouri as the baseball team’s strength & conditioning coach in 2009.  He played for the Mules from 2006-08 and also played two seasons at Western Nebraska Community College.  He graduated from UCM with a degree in Exercise Science. Perez, a two-time Coach of the Year recipient, resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Megan, and daughters, Ellie and Kenley.