May 02, 2008
My Dad
By Joel Welsh, Showcase U CEO
I'm the CEO of Showcase U. I'm a former college basketball player. I'm a permanent husband. I'm an entrepreneur who has been with startup companies my entire 25 year business career. I'm a current baseball player (that's hardball!!) in an over 45 and over 35 year old men's league (won a national championship in 2002). I'm a former high school tennis player and a current church choir member.
I am many things that have brought me to this moment in my life. And this moment is extraordinarily exciting. We're starting a brand new company with the goal of helping high school student athletes become women and men. And not just in the chronological sense. They can do that on their own. Showcase U will play its part in guiding young women and men along the path of becoming the wonderful people ... collegiate athletes, college students & roommates, friends, mothers, fathers, successful career professionals, whatever they aspire to be. It will be a small part that we will play, but it will absolutely be a part. And I'm proud of that.
I've had my share of successes in my 47 years and my share of defeats. As I reflect on all of that I am constantly, even daily, reminded of the foundation that sports and striving for excellence has given me. That spirit of achieving goals, dedication to victory and always looking forward to the next contest has served me well.
And so, as I dig just a little deeper in my reflection, as I picture in my mind those early days of my youth ... throwing a ball in the backyard, shooting hoops in the driveway, sitting in the bleachers at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium ... there is a constant presence who was there with me. Encouraging, yes. But much more important than that, just there.
Thanks Dad.