Tag Archive for: family

Miami Herald: Silva’s surprise reunion

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Inside the surprise that had Heat’s Chris Silva thinking he was ‘seeing a ghost’

By Anthony Chiang

Basketball worked to separate Chris Silva from his family. Seven years later, basketball helped to reunite Silva and his family.

A native of Gabon, Africa, Silva left his home country in 2012 just days away from turning 16 to come to the United States with a dream of making it to the NBA. Silva, now 23, had seen his parents and three brothers only once since then, and that was when he returned to Gabon for two weeks to renew his visa as a sophomore at the University of South Carolina.

But just hours prior to Friday’s home win over the Pacers, the Heat, the NBA and NBA Africa teamed up to surprise Silva with his mother, Carine Minkoue Obame, following the team’s walkthrough. It marked the first time he had seen his mother in three years.

Silva, who is playing on a two-way contract with the Heat, was caught completely off guard.

“As a matter of fact, I talked to her like two days ago and she was still back home on Christmas,” Silva said in advance of Saturday’s Heat matchup against the 76ers at AmericanAirlines Arena. “We were just talking, catching up and all that. I saw right after the walkthrough, I saw her walking in and I couldn’t believe who it was. I thought I was seeing a ghost. After I realized it was her, I couldn’t help myself. I was emotional.

“This is a great league. For them to do something like that for me means a great deal. It shows the heart of the people running the league and NBA Africa. I just thank them, I’m grateful for them doing this.”

The Heat documented the surprise. The video showed a shocked Silva as his mother walked onto the AmericanAirlines Arena court, with teammates and coaches huddled around him. It unfolded like this:

“The holidays also are really about being around the people you love, and mostly everybody feels very grateful that you’re able to spend that quality time,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said to the team in the video, setting up the surprise for Silva.

“But I always think about Silva,” Spoelstra went on to say. “When was the last time you saw your family?”

“Three years ago,” Silva answered.

“We have a great surprise for you,” Spoelstra said. “Merry Christmas, brother.”

That’s when Silva’s mom walked through the tunnel and onto the court.

“That’s my mom!” Silva said in the video, seemingly in disbelief moments after realizing it was his mother and quickly bursting into tears.

Following Friday’s game, Spoelstra called it “one of the most special moments I’ve been a part of in this profession.”

“This has been in the works for about a month and I was so nervous bringing the group together,” Spoelstra said. “… To be a part of it as an organization, to be able to make this happen with the NBA and to be able to experience and have Chris experience this moment, it was really incredible. And hearing the gasps and the responses from his teammates is something I’ll keep with me for a long time.”

Heat wing Jimmy Butler said of Silva’s moment: “That’s love right there. Family is everything and that will always be bigger than basketball. For his mom to be here is special. He has been away from her for so long and he’s working incredibly hard. … I hope that they stay up all night and talk about what they missed over these past three years.”

When Silva first arrived to the United States from Gabon in 2012, he didn’t speak English and had never been on an airplane before the long trip. Once Silva made it to the United States, he attended and played basketball at Roselle Catholic High in New Jersey before playing four college seasons at South Carolina.

At first, the transition to the United States was a tough one.

“Coming here and not knowing anybody, speaking no English, it was a challenge at first,” said Silva, who did not play in Friday’s win. “Basketball just helped me get through all of this, get away from those sad moments. It definitely helped me get through all of this. Basketball then made my family come here, I’m just grateful for this game.”

Spoelstra remembers when Silva revealed his story to the team during training camp in early October. While Spoelstra didn’t know much about Silva’s background before the Heat signed him as an undrafted free agent this past offseason, he learned a lot about Silva in that moment.

“Back in training camp, one of the nights, one of our sessions, some of the young guys told their stories to the team and Chris’ story stood out,” Spoelstra said. “Incredible bravery on his part to be able to come to a new country, didn’t speak the language, didn’t know anybody, to chase a dream. We feel that we’re a place where we can make dreams happen. But I had goosebumps. Everybody has goosebumps when he was telling that story. Then to fast track three months to be able to be a part of something like this is something I’ll take with me for the rest of my career.”

Silva entered Saturday averaging 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 9.5 minutes in 25 games with the Heat this season. With two-way contract players allowed to spend up to 45 days in the NBA during the G League season and the rest of the time with their team’s G League affiliate, Silva has yet to be sent down to the developmental league.

The Heat will have enough room under the hard cap to convert Silva’s two-way contract to a standard NBA contract starting Jan. 14, and Silva has enough two-way days available to play in every one of Miami’s games before then. The Heat has an open roster spot with just 14 players currently under standard deals.

If Silva has his two-way deal converted to a standard NBA contract, that will be another memorable day. But Friday stands alone.

“Today has been crazy,” Silva said. “From seeing my mom and catching a good win, all that, it’s crazy. I’m shook.”

Silva will have his mother with him for the next 10 days. And he can’t wait to spend time with her.

“I don’t know much about Miami, but I’m going to find out about Miami,” Silva said. “I’m going to try to take her out to dinner to some nice places and spend a lot of time with her.”

View the full story on Miami Herald.

Miami Herald: Family is Heat Rookie Chris Silva’s Motivation

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Heat rookie Chris Silva’s motivation? Family and the dream to one day be reunited.

By Anthony Chiang

Running can be symbolic of so many things.

For Heat forward Chris Silva, running is symbolic of his unique journey and hope to one day be reunited with his family.

The undrafted rookie describes himself as more of the long-distance type who is known for his two-mile runs following basketball workouts. Silva prefers to run on a track or any circular path.

That’s where the symbolism comes in.

“It just unblocks my head. All I think about is making it,” Silva said of running. “There’s something about it. I like to do a circle because when I get tired in a circle, I know I can’t stop here. I have to finish to get back to the house.”

Playing under a two-way contract with the Heat, Silva (6-8, 234 pounds) is currently on his own circular path trying to make it back home to his family. He’s averaging 4.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in 18 games in his first NBA season.

A native of Gabon, Africa, Silva left his home country in 2012 just days away from turning 16 to come to the United States with a dream of making it to the NBA. He has seen his parents and siblings only once since then, and that was when he returned to Gabon for two weeks to renew his visa as a sophomore at the University of South Carolina.

“Two weeks felt like two days, to be honest,” said Silva, 23, of his lone trip back to Africa to visit his mother, father and three brothers. “I don’t think anybody besides my uncle has ever seen me play basketball.”

Silva’s uncle, Miguel, will watch him play again Wednesday when the Heat faces the Celtics at TD Garden. The Heat (14-5) begins a challenging back-to-back set Tuesday against the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.

Miguel, who is Silva’s legal guardian, lives in Boston and is one of Silva’s only relatives in the United States. The two have been through a lot together.

Miguel stayed up all night to track the four different flights Silva took to first arrive to the United States from Gabon. Silva didn’t speak English and had never been on an airplane before that long trek, with Miguel worried he would get lost along the way.

Once Silva made it to the United States to attend and play basketball at Roselle Catholic High in New Jersey, there were tough times Miguel had to talk Silva through. Silva was homesick almost immediately.

“He felt lonely. He wanted to see his mom, his dad,” Miguel recalls. “But he couldn’t make it. I remember at some point, the high school told me he had been down and they wanted to send him home to see his family. I said, ‘No, I’m going to talk to him because he just got here.’ I didn’t want him to want to go back right away.”

Miguel told Silva: “It’s a struggle, I understand. You feel lonely. I also got to the point after three months that I wanted to go back home, too. You’re going to be fine. You got good people who love you.”

Now, Miguel sends daily updates to their family in Gabon regarding Silva’s accomplishments — from being voted onto the SEC’s All-Defensive team in each of his final two seasons at South Carolina to playing for the Heat as an undrafted rookie.

While attending the Heat’s Oct. 23 season opener against the Grizzlies at AmericanAirlines Arena, Miguel sent a short video to the family of Heat public address announcer Michael Baiamonte introducing Silva when he entered his first regular-season NBA game.

“I have to update the family pretty much every day,” Miguel said. “They try to watch him play online, but the internet is so messed up over there. Now they have WhatsApp, so I can take a picture or record a video and send it to them.”

The time change also makes it difficult for Silva’s family to watch any of his games. A 7:30 p.m. Heat home game begins at 1:30 a.m. in Gabon.

“It’s a luxury to have cable in Gabon, especially to have those channels for those games,” Miguel said.

Silva has grown accustomed to going through life on his own, though. It has been seven years since he arrived in the United States.

“After spending all these years doing it by myself, I kind of got a hang of it,” Silva said. “But it would be nice. I don’t want to say being away from them is difficult, but it would be nice once something is hard or I have a good game to go home and see my mom. Talk to somebody in the family.”

View the full story on Miami Herald.

ALEXUS COOPER SIGNS WITH IPZ

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InterperformancesUSA Grows with Addition of Eastern Kentucky Guard

WARREN, NJ, April 4, 2017 – Alexus Cooper, a standout guard for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

Hailing from Rocky Mount, NC, the 5’8 guard was named to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2015-16 as a junior. In her senior season, Cooper was named to the 2016-17 CoSIDA All-District Team.

On her senior night, Cooper tied her career-high of 26 points connecting on eight of 12 three-pointers against Tennessee Tech. Cooper put together an impressive senior campaign, as she ranked in the top 15 of five categories among OVC leaders. Cooper ranked #4 in minutes played averaging 34.3 per game, #5 in three-point field goals made per game with 2.4, #8 in steals per game with 1.6, #9 in three-point percentage shooting 36%, and #13 in scoring, averaging 12.7 points per game.

“I’m so excited to be working with IPZ,” said Cooper. “With such promising success, I couldn’t imagine being elsewhere to begin my professional career. I know they only want the best for their athletes; I’m fortunate to be a part of the IPZ family.”

“I’ve had the luxury of working with a lot of basketball players over the past 15 years, but Alexus is one of – if not the – most hard-working and intelligent athletes I’ve worked with,” said Shawn Farmer, IPZ’s managing director of basketball. “Alexus has outstanding character and I look forward to seeing what her future holds.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

KELILA ATKINSON JOINS THE IPZ FAMILY

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InterperformancesUSA Represents Wake Forest Guard

WARREN, NJ, March 31, 2017 – Kelila “KayKay” Atkinson, a 5-foot-10 guard out of Wake Forest University has chosen to be represented by InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

Atkinson is a native of Woodbridge, VA, and began competing with the Deacons in the 2013-14 season. In her collegiate debut on November 22, 2013, Atkinson tallied 20 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two assists.

Unfortunately, Atkinson suffered setbacks due to injuries and was unable to compete during the 2015-16 season and was subjected to limited playing time in her senior campaign.

During Atkinson’s senior night on February 26, 2017, “KayKay” put up 15 points, brought down six rebounds, and had two blocks against the Louisville Cardinals. Over Atkinson’s career at Wake Forest, she shot 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc.

“As I leave the chapter of college and enter into the workforce, I aspire to do my best,” said Atkinson. “I want to be the best competitor, team player, friend and advocate that I can possibly become. I want to inspire youth in any capacity that I am capable. I want to enjoy every moment of being a member of IPZ. Their motto embodies what I value…Family. Integrity. For Life.”

“Kelila is the whole package, not only is she an outstanding athlete, but an amazing person as well,” said IPZ’s Managing Director of Basketball Shawn Farmer. “I watched Kelila play prior to her injuries, and WNBA scouts were raving about her. She is an exceptionally talented player whose college career was interrupted by injuries, but is now healthy and will be a productive player in the pros.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Hurley Family Values…IPZ Family Values

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As the University of Rhode Island Rams play their second round matchup of the NCAA Tournament versus the Oregon Ducks tonight, the IPZ family is rooting for Rhody! Coached by Dan Hurley – son of IPZ Board Member Bob Hurley – URI earned its way to the tournament by winning the A10 Championship a week ago, and advanced to the round of 32 following their 84-72 victory against Creighton in the first round of the tournament on St. Patrick’s Day.

Hurley family values: Rhode Island batters and beats Creighton in NCAA tournament

SACRAMENTO — Hurley spent his formative years learning basketball from one of its greatest teachers: his father, Bob Hurley Sr., the Naismith Hall of Fame coach of the legendary St. Anthony High Friars in Jersey City. And while the Friars have produced plenty of big-name players over the years — including Dan and his brother, Bobby — the fundamental values of the program have never changed: namely, that basketball games are won through ferocity, intensity, physicality and a commitment to defense.

Those are the values Dan Hurley has taken with him to the various stops in his own coaching career, beginning at St. Benedict’s Prep in New Jersey, which he turned into a national power, before spending two years at Wagner College and then heading to the University of Rhode Island in 2012. Those are the values that propelled the Rams on Friday to their first NCAA tournament victory since 1998.

With his father and his brother Bobby watching from the stands, Hurley’s Rhode Island team, the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region, battered and bruised No. 6 Creighton on its way to an 84-72 victory in the program’s first NCAA tournament appearance in 18 years. The Rams advanced to face No. 3 seed Oregon on Sunday for spot in the Sweet 16 and a trip to Kansas City next weekend.

“I think we’re built in the image of my family,” Hurley said. “Obviously, we’re all very intense, very passionate about basketball, very passionate about helping young people develop. And I think we also … this team reflects a little bit of the city I grew up in, Jersey City.

Read the full story here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/03/17/hurley-family-values-rhode-island-batters-and-beats-creighton-in-ncaa-tournament/?utm_term=.1a41fb49b95d

Lies My Father Told Me

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No, my dad never lied to me. In fact, he’s the person I’ve most respected for my entire life.

Back in 1975 or ’76, I was back in New Jersey for a day courting my future bride. I had the day off from my sports writing job, and we decided to take in the above titled movie at the Loew’s Journal Square Theatre in Jersey City.

It’s a huge “old school” style theater…and we were the only people there. That gives you an idea of how successful the movie was.

But the story was sincere…about a boy and his grandfather, and his difficult relationship with his father, and it stuck with me. Lucky me, I always felt, that I never experienced that.

Over the past three months, I’ve met numerous parents…and some grandparents…of young men and women currently playing college sports and who hope one day to have the opportunity to play professionally.

It’s been heartening…and crushing.

For the most part, the parents are wonderful. A dad in North Carolina asked all the right questions, with his only concern being the future for his son. A couple on the West Coast was adamant that the individuals and firm who they would retain to help their sons needed to focus purely on the boys…not the parents. How’s that for refreshing?

But every now and then I’ve hit a roadblock – never from a player (or grandparent)…but occasionally from a parent. They undoubtedly know their child better than I do. But they also suddenly – regardless of their profession – know how to provide the best professional counsel for their children better than we can. And my concern for them is simple: what is nothing but love and a great relationship right now…could sour once business decisions start being made.

My dad – that guy who never lied to me – once saw me wasting considerable time trying to fix something on my car. “Robbie,” he said, “sometimes the most important thing you can know is what you don’t know. And that’s when you should ask someone you trust what you should do.”

Last week, I was sharing some of my recent experiences with a friend who’s the editor of a business magazine. He mentioned that a rerun of the great ESPN piece, Broke, had aired that weekend. It’s an eye-opening piece that every young athlete…and their parents…should watch. (And I love seeing some of my old friends from the media in the film.)

Unfortunately, dad (“Gramps”) is no longer around or I would ask him to come with me on some of these recruiting visits, and tell some of his stories. He was always a lot more convincing than I was. For now, I’ll just keep accentuating the realities about what young athletes might face, and how we might be able to help…and let ESPN remind folks of the dangers.

JACK GRIFFIN SIGNS WITH IPZ

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Missouri State Soccer Captain Joins InterperformancesUSA    

WARREN, NJ, February 8, 2017 — Jack Griffin, a central midfielder who made an impact for the Missouri State University Bears since his freshman debut, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The Beverley, England native was a mainstay in the Bears’ lineup playing in 71 of the Bears’ 73 matches during his tenure. Jack is known for his leadership and as captain his senior season, he led the team to a successful campaign.

Griffin compiled numerous honors beginning in his freshman year when he was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team. The following season, Griffin received an All-MVC Honorable Mention. In 2015, he was the only Bear to be named to the All-MVC First Team and he capped off his senior campaign in 2016 with All-MVC Second Team honors. Griffin was also selected to the All-West Region Third Team twice, in 2015 and 2016.

“I really like the way InterperformancesUSA is run, I believe that I am genuinely cared for and it feels like I have joined a family,” said Griffin. “I am very excited to see where this can go, I feel we will achieve great things throughout this relationship and I cannot be more grateful to be a part of IPZ.”

“Jack is a prototypical holding midfielder who has the ability to control the rhythm of the game,” said Jeff Curtin, Managing Director of IPZ. “He breaks up a ton of plays defensively, is very strong in the air, and is technically gifted with the ball at his feet. Jack has the mindset and approach to be a great pro and we are delighted to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

Watch Griffin’s highlights from 2016 here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Jeff Curtin Named Managing Director of IPZ

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WARREN, NJ, February 2, 2017 –  Jeff Curtin, previously the managing director of InterperformancesUSA’s (IPZ) soccer group, will add responsibility for the day-to-day management of the firm, effective immediately.

Curtin will also remain the managing director of the soccer division. He will continue reporting to IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito.

“I am excited and honored to take on the role as Managing Director of IPZ. Bob has put together an exceptional team and I am truly happy to be a part of it,” said Curtin. “IPZ has built its foundation on integrity and family, two principles that are at the core of who I am and what I value as an individual. I am convinced that we will capitalize on our early momentum and be a true resource and partner for our clients.”

Curtin was an All-American soccer player at Georgetown University, where he earned his B.S. in Business Management. He was the 14th overall selection in the 2006 Major League Soccer Super Draft.  In his first year with the Chicago Fire, he was a member of the Fire team that won the U.S. Open Cup.

Following two seasons with the Fire, Curtin moved on to D.C. United before injuries ended his career.

Curtin’s passion for sports never ceased, as he conducted both coaching and training clinics for numerous top level youth clubs, including the youth development programs of the Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union.

“Jeff has hit the ground running with IPZ and his willingness to assist with the management of the firm will help fuel our growth,” said Zito. “His knowledge of sports beyond soccer has been evident, along with his commitment to IPZ’s values of integrity and family.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

David Garrard Joins the IPZ Team

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WARREN, NJ, February 1, 2017 — Former NFL All-Pro quarterback David Garrard has joined InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) as a consultant for the football group, the company announced today.

Garrard had a successful NFL career that spanned over a decade, the majority being with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was also a member of the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets’ organizations. During his NFL tenure, he made two playoff appearances and earned a spot in the 2009 Pro Bowl.

In addition, Garrard began his philanthropic efforts off the field at the beginning of his professional career. He started the David Garrard Foundation aimed to help single mothers battling Breast Cancer, as his mother did, as well as children dealing with Crohn’s Disease, which Garrard himself has battled.

Garrard’s passion for helping others paired with his experience as a professional athlete and success after his playing days, will be exceedingly beneficial to IPZ athletes.

“Joining the IPZ team will enable me to work with young athletes once again, and provide guidance at a critical time in their lives,” said Garrard.

“As an athlete, David was a ‘player’s player,’ someone everyone looked up to for his integrity and values. We are thrilled David has joined IPZ for the same reasons,” said Robert Zito, Managing Director of IPZ. “He has lived his life consistent with the values we are built on: integrity, family, and an understanding that life offers opportunities not just now, but later in careers. We help our athletes plan for both.”

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

 About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

JACK ELLIOTT CHOOSES IPZ

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Philadelphia Union Draftee is Newest Addition to InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, January 23, 2017 – Jack Elliott, the Philadelphia Union’s fourth pick in the 2017 MLS draft, has signed with InterperformancesUSA (IPZ), the company announced today.

The London, England, native towers over his competition standing at 6-foot-5. Elliott was a center back and defensive midfielder for West Virginia University and he missed just one match in his four years with the Mountaineers. During his senior year, Elliott led a WVU defense that posted eight shutouts, and he was named to the All-Great Lakes Region First Team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), as well as the All-MAC (Mid-American Conference) Second Team.

In addition to his on-the-field success,  Elliott excelled in the classroom posting a 3.96 grade-point-average which landed him three Academic All-American honors. He was the first WVU men’s soccer player to achieve this feat.

Elliott expressed his gratitude to all who have helped to make this possible, “Thank you to the Philadelphia Union for giving me this opportunity,” Elliott said after the draft. “It’s something that I have been working toward for a long time and will continue working at. A great thanks to everyone that has supported me throughout the years.”

“Jack is a physically imposing defender who has the ability to initiate a team’s attack with his great vision and quality distribution,” said Robert Zito, Managing Director of IPZ. “He embraces one-on-one defensive battles, is technically gifted with both feet, and is an extremely intelligent individual both on and off the field. Jack has been a pleasure to work with since our initial contact and we are thrilled to have him officially join the IPZ family.”

Watch Elliott’s highlights from 2015-2016 here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.


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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com