For Akshay Are ’24 MBA, coaching budding badminton players has been a way to share his love for the sport while helping others reach their hidden potential—on and off the court. A professional athlete and recent graduate, Are is accustomed to balancing multiple obligations, and finds opportunities for his two passions: competitive badminton and advocating for those in need.
 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
While attending classes at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Are coached badminton players at the Badminton Club at UCR. While both leading twice-weekly practice sessions and participating as a player, he observed individuals from multiple vantage points. “My focus has been on skill development, strategic game planning, mental conditioning, and fitness guidance,” he says. The result has been a more comprehensive understanding of each player’s strengths and weaknesses. His guidance kept players focused and driven as they represented UCR at year-round matches and tournaments. The club competes within the Southern California Collegiate Badminton League, which includes six University of California campuses, USC, and several Cal State campuses.
 

Inspiring Future Olympians
Over the past 15 years, Are has played competitively in India, where he represented the national team and participated in several national-level tournaments. Later, Are became active in developing players on the USA national badminton team, a springboard for qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team. He is certified by the Indian Badminton Association and the USA Badminton Association and has met the stringent requirements to represent India and the U.S. in tournaments and to coach professional players. Badminton requires stamina, focus, and agility–all skills that improve with practice. Playing team sports supports physical and mental health and teaches collaboration, communication, and tenacity. As an added benefit, all of these abilities are transferable.

Are’s interest in promoting health extends to his time as a Graduate Student Association officer. “I worked closely with the Chancellor’s office and the Student Health Advisory Committee in the formulation and regulation of effective health policies on campus,” he says. His MBA capstone project focused on the nonprofit organization Positivity Outward, a mentoring platform that helps underserved high school and first-year college students achieve both academic and physical fitness goals.

Culture of Support
Are leaned into the diversity of the student body at AGSM. “This environment enabled me to develop my skills and immerse myself in learning about new cultures, enhancing my understanding of global business practices and cultural nuances,” he says. “The academic advisors were instrumental in my journey. Their guidance was consistently insightful and tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. They help students navigate the complexities of the curriculum and enhance our overall learning experience.”

Are has found UCR’s cultural diversity offers exposure to many points of view—all of which are respected and valued, and the various campus events contributed to his personal growth: “The Student Association and career events offered by AGSM provided excellent networking opportunities and allowed me to forge stronger connections with my peers,” he says. “I gained deeper insights into my classmates’ diverse experiences and perspectives.”
 

The Finer Points
Though a good coach shares experiences, the ability to learn from others through give-and-take makes the learning process two-fold, which was also the case in his graduate classes: “My experience at AGSM was profoundly shaped by a continuous exchange of knowledge and cultural values. This environment was conducive to learning and building a strong network and foundation for future professional endeavors in a globally connected world.” Perhaps empathy is the most critical skill a coach or leader can employ on the court and in life. Are demonstrates an equally strong interest in improving a player’s game skills and the quality of life for those in need. By leading with empathy, Are has elevated his contributions as a coach, team leader, advocate, and citizen of the world.