We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yisel Arias. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yisel below.

Yisel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

The idea of my business started when I was eighteen years old as a senior in high school during COVID. I was at my aunts house surrounded with family while we were sitting around talking then began t0 brainstorming on how to start with sports reporting and my social media name which then lead to the official name for my brand, Alpha Athlete Vision. At that time, I already knew that I wanted a career in the sports field just wasn’t exactly sure what area of the sports industry.

The decision of sports reporting wasn’t something I just came up with. It took some thought. Before my official beginning of sports reporting, I began to network and reach out via email and on social media with women in the sports industry. I wanted to connect with them and I asked for them to provide insight and information on their paths within the male dominated industry of sports. Since this was during the pandemic, I was still able to meet some amazing women and was still able to connect with them via ZOOM calls. From there I began to build a connection that remains to date. It was so interesting to hear their stories and journeys. It was during these successful connections with different women in the sports industry that I decided sports reporting was what I wanted to pursue.

I initially did not have any idea how I would began. It was then that my family came into play. I mentioned it at the kitchen table surrounded by family and everyone provided ideas and options and then my journey began. At that time, I was not thinking if the ideas would succeed, I just wanted to move forward and begin interviewing local athletes in hopes that it would create a positive impact for the athletes and hopefully be able to bring positive recognition to athletes worldwide!!

First I had to buy a microphone and decided to drive to my local Walmart and I purchased my first microphone. It was a tiny microphone. Then my first interview, I remember like it was yesterday. I was nervous and it was a softball game in Holtville, California. My camera person was my older brothers girlfriend which is now my sister in law. Believe it or not I still have the interview. That was my launch. I began interviewing local athletes and although I was nervous, I knew then that sports reporting is what I want to do!! I want to pursue a career and do something that I truly enjoy and along the way create a positive impact with everyone that I meet along the way,

It is definitely a learning process and I know that the industry in evolving but I know that I can succeed because I am willing to put in the hard work and dedication it takes to make my dreams a reality.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the industry because of my love for sports. At an early age, I was interested in sports. I got into the sports industry after meeting with several inspiring women within the sports industry in various fields then decided sports reporting was for me. After sharing my dreams and aspirations with my family around the kitchen table, I decided to move forward. I went out bought a microphone and began to interview local athletes. I began to load all my interviews via social media. Looking back to when I started and compared to present day, I can identify how my interviews and coverage have evolved.

The purpose of my business is to provide athletes with recognition and hopefully opportunities with the sports interviews for those who want to pursue their dreams in their respective sport. The interviews and or media coverage provides recognition and demonstrates their hard work and distinguished performance in practices or games. As a former athlete, I know first hand what it is like to put in hours in the gym to be able to perform a sport of choice and to be able to give back and recognize athletes for their performance is meaningful to me.

I also dedicate my time to providing video compilations of athletes upon request. I am flexible in the media coverage and the interviews that are provided. and work with the I dedicate my time into these athletes games. I put in hours, and sometimes days to ensure all have a positive experience and are satisfied with the coverage.

There are several things that set me apart from others but, the I feel the most significant is my drive that I have within. The strong mentality of succeeding. Also that I understand and am willing to put in the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice for a dream.

I am most proud of is the belief I have in myself even when I first began I wasn’t sure where the journey is taking me. There is no plan. Just the confidence and belief in providing a special experience for the local athletes and in the future providing a positive experience with athlete in sports reporting.

Something I want people to know about me is that I am not the type of woman you should doubt. I will succeed!!!

I want people to know is that it requires for one to to truly believe in themselves, Also to be grateful for the ones that believe in you as well. As long as you believe in yourself that itself can take you so far in life. It’s not an easy journey and one may be knocked down more times than the moments one will succeed but one thing I have come to learn is to embrace the setbacks in the journey. It will make the success and achieving the goals even better.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of obtaining new clients is through networking. Since my business in on social media platforms especially through Instagram, my networking is mainly through there. Usually coaches, parents, and or community members will directly reach out to me about covering their games, events, and or athlete(s). It is also by word of mouth within the local community. Once word gets out about athletes being covered locally, people would begin viewing my page and reach out in person during games and events.

When would reach out directly, I provide them the option to to look at my work via social media first so they can see a glimpse of what I do. At the end of the day the work I put out there speaks for itself and my business’, Once they agree to a coverage with date and time for the interviews to occur, I make sure to thank the athletes with a thank you message and ensure to stay connected. As a sports reporter I want to make sure these athletes who give me a opportunity know they are appreciated. So it is important for me to make sure I build a relationship with the athletes, and really stay connected and that’s the great thing about social media platforms.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that my passion and knowledge for the various sports helps build my reputation as a sports reporter. I can speak well about sports. I attend these various sports events and am able to speak about there stats during a game just watched and provide and insightful sports interview.

Knowing and learning about the athletes and their sports that they perform in prior to my interview also build my reputation of keeping up with their progress. It is about keeping the connection with the athletes. The relationships and connection with not only the athlete but their families, coaches, and the community in on ongoing reputation builder.

Another big thing that has helped my reputation is being the individual that I am, As a male dominated industry, it was challenging and a women to begin sports reporting and to be taken seriously. I take what I do seriously because I want the athletes to get the best of me. I am constantly reviewing and studying sports to evolve with the sports industry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: theyiselariaschavez
• Facebook: Theyisel Arias Chavez
• Youtube: The yisel arias chavez

Image Credits
@el.noir.pix.photography @yiselariaschavez