It may be tough for Asian Americans to excel in sports. With Rich Cho becoming the first Asian American general manager for a major sports team, the Portland Trail Blazers, he opens the door for Asian Americans in sports management. As shown by Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, sports management may be more rewarding than having a career as a pro athlete. You need to be a visionary in every sense of the word. You have every say about the team, from recruiting to changing its culture. Cho will become such a power in the sports field. How exciting!
Cho is originally from Washington state and still has family in the area. His brother Andrew is teaching at Tacoma Community College, and his mother too lives here.
A Burmese American, Cho has been mistaken for a Korean. The Burmese community is small and low-key. This is the best news, not only for the Burmese folks, but for people of color as well. Combine passion with preparation, then opportunity will be on its way. ♦