Meet Lazaro Talavera | Basketball Coach/Trainer and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lazaro Talavera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lazaro, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I am of Cuban decent. My grandparents fled Cuba to come to the United States for better opportunities and quality of life. They worked extremely hard to offer my parents the best life they could . Being first generation Americans, my parents took on these hard working qualities to build an even better life for their kids here in the United States. Seeing these examples of hard work and triumph gave me a great upbringing where my parents instilled important morals, values, and ethics that I will uphold throughout my life . I grew up as an honor student while playing basketball since I was 8 years old. I played high school basketball while attending a medical magnet high school. I then decided to shift my career goals and pursued a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing at Florida International University, where I am currently going to graduate in August 2024. With this, I also work as a head basketball coach and trainer at Elite Basketball Academy. I have trained a variety of basketball players, ranging from beginners to Division I and professional athletes. I also have a passion for content creation. I run an Instagram page that has gained over 80 thousand followers and generated millions of views. All of these milestones that I have reached would have never been possible without the example of hard work and dedication that I have seen firsthand from my grandparents, parents, and mentors throughout my upbringing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I always had a love for the sport of basketball. It helped shape who I am and taught me many things, such as the importance of teamwork, discipline, accountability, dedication, and consistency. I played high school basketball and then decided to pursue my education at FIU. But I never wanted to sway away from the game of basketball. I always said that no matter what, basketball was always going to be in my life. So, I began coaching at the same basketball academy that I grew up playing at (Elite Basketball Academy). I was given the opportunity by my mentor, Coach Andres Cardona. I started off as an auxiliary coach until I eventually became the youngest head coach to run a location for Elite. I now run the Suniland Park location in Pinecrest. On top of this, I run an Instagram page that has garnered more than 80 thousand followers; allowing me to teach basketball to players all over the world. I have been able to collaborate with brands such as Nike, Way of Wade, and 361 Degrees to showcase specific products on my Instagram page. The same principles that I mentioned earlier are the one I apply to my work, and they are how I have been able to get to where I am today. My proudest achievement has been being able to influence so many young and upcoming basketball players, not just in Miami but all throughout the world. I wanted to show that no matter what, there’s always a way to improve as a player and as a person. At the end of the day, this sport teaches essential life lessons that can help anyone in any aspect of their life. That is ultimately my goal as a coach, trainer, and content creator.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is full of great spots to visit, one of which is its beautiful beaches. There’s also a great selection of restaurants, some of my personal favorites being STK, Rosa Sky Rooftop Bar, Soya Sushi, Tap 42, and wherever you can find some good Cuban cafecito. If you’re into nature, there are various spots to spend the day, such as the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or the Deering Estate nature trails. Miami Heat and Dolphins games are always a great time and are a sure way to get you hyped up. There are numerous malls to visit. One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk around the city and find hidden gems along the way. No matter the time of the year, you can be assured that there will always be something entertaining and fun to do here in Miami.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been numerous people in my life who have helped shape, direct, support, mentor, encourage, and build who I am today and have been vital to me being able to accomplish the goals I set forth for myself. Without them, I would not be where I am today. To express my gratitude to them, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the following people who have had a great impact on my life:

– Lazaro and Natasha Talavera
– Natasha F. Talavera
– Fabiola Delgado
– Idolidia Gonzalez-Leon
– Luis Garcia
– Armando Hernandez
– Deisy Hernandez
– Carmen Fresneda Miller
– Oreste Rosabal
– Babette Rosabal
– Andres Cardona
– Olivier Nazaire
– George Garcia
– Gustavo Gonzalez-Tigera

Website: https://eliteballacademy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_coachlaz_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazarotalavera/