This was my very first tennis feature in a series that I started on Tennis.com’s “Baseline” which shined a light on small businesses in the world of tennis. This series became a staple for Baseline and helped connected tennis enthusiasts around the globe with both underrated and up-and-coming brands.

This piece that launched the series was about “The Courts” a little slice of tennis heaven in the middle of the California desert. I spoke with owners Leah and Adil about how it all came to be.

Many professional athletes make the common assumption that they’ll be in the game for decades, but the average career timeline of 3 1/2 years says differently. It was such a pleasure to talk to a few top financial advisors and hear how they help their pro clients achieve financial literacy. Communication, transparency, and vulnerability seem to be the key in creating a brighter tomorrow for their athletes, one that sees them reap the benefits of their labor long after the game ends.

I had so much fun writing this piece on Kristen Stewart who played Princess Diana in her latest film Spencer and the young/talented Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry who play Prince William and Harry. I found it very interesting that Stewart was “intimidated by the kids,” but with director Pablo Larrain’s guidance she quickly transformed into a lioness that would do anything to protect her kids —like Diana.

I forgot about life while watching this spicy and absolutely sublime short, directed by Gbenga Komolafe. ✨ It seamlessly employs comedy while diving into the challenges of a trans woman in Koreatown. It’s refreshing to see a transgender story not infused with somber tones, but rather sparkly and uplifting beats! Good for the soul.

I spoke with Jim Courier back in 2020 before an unusual edition of Roland Garros. He gave his thoughts on the Romanian and his overall take on a Roland Garros unlike any other.