Powering PlaySight: Josh Graves

Want to learn what it is like to work at PlaySight? We’re going to spend the next few months talking to members of the team about their backgrounds in sport, what they do at PlaySight, and much more. We’re always on the lookout for the next star to join our team, so don’t forget to check our careers page for the latest openings.

This week, we hear from Josh Graves, who heads our Racquet Sports Division across North America.

“I love knowing that we’re making a real difference in athletes’ and their families’ lives. The thank you note from a parent who was able to watch their child’s game or the note from a coach who saw her player improve as a result of the technology, for example, makes this job special.”

Tell us about yourself.

Josh: I graduated Northwestern University with a degree in Economics, minor in Business and certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications. I was also the Captain of the Northwestern Men’s Tennis Team and continued to play tennis after graduation. After a back injury forced me into retirement, I worked as an associate at eBay, specifically in digital marketing and business development. The tennis itch came back, however, and I started working at PlaySight in August 2014.

Josh battling on the tennis court.

What sports did you play growing up?

Josh: Sports were always a huge part of my life. My first loves were basketball and soccer. I was the generation that grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. I was also inspired by Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, John McEnroe, and Michael King (from the Milwaukee Wave soccer team). I made the tough decision at around 10 years old to quit soccer and basketball in order to focus solely on tennis.

What attracted you to working at PlaySight?

Josh: I first came across PlaySight in New York City at the Tennis Club of Riverdale. My first thought was, what is this magical thing on the court, how has tennis changed so much in the two years since I retired, and why didn’t I have this at my club growing up!? I didn’t realize at the time that this was the first PlaySight court installed in North America! Soon thereafter, I met Yuval Bar Yosef, the CRO and Chen Shachar, the CEO and Co-Founder, and was really drawn to their passion and the company’s mission of revolutionizing the way athletes improve and coaches coach. I wanted to be a part of the evolution of sport.

What is your role at PlaySight?

Josh: I see my role, at its core, as growing the sport of tennis and squash in North America, both recreationally and at the collegiate level. This entails:

Selling and servicing PlaySight’s technology
Pursuing initiatives like PlayFair that positively impact the enjoyment of the game
Improving the tennis media landscape to increase the visibility of the game and connect communities
Generally spreading the word about the importance of video for athlete development

Training the ITA officials with PlayFair technology.

Favorite athlete of all-time?

Josh: This is a tough one, are ties allowed? Muhammad Ali, Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, and Aaron Rodgers are at the top of the list.

Favourite team and sport?

Josh: Green Bay Packers (editor’s note: Josh sent this text in green and yellow).

What is the best part about working at PlaySight?

Josh: I love knowing that we’re making a real difference in athletes’ and their families’ lives. The thank you note from a parent who was able to watch their child’s game or the note from a coach who saw her player improve as a result of the technology, for example, makes this job special.

I also really enjoy the global nature of our company. Being a part of the mission alongside colleagues all around the globe, who all care deeply about sport, makes the job even more rewarding and fun.

Josh with VT Men’s Tennis Head Coach Jim Thompson.

What is your favorite experience so far during your time at PlaySight?

Josh: Attending the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament (BNP Paribas Open) for several years in a row was a truly special experience. Interacting with the professional players, spending time with colleagues who flew in from around the country and from Israel, and of course watching great tennis made these trips really memorable.