✍️🏀0️⃣4️⃣4️⃣ Deliah Mathieu
By Deliah Mathieu
Meet Deliah Mathieu, a public relations and communications strategist whose storytelling work on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean have helped foster greater French-American understandings through sport.
Editor’s Note: This is Deliah’s first-hand account of her transatlantic experience through sport
Born and raised in the charming Southern French city of Montpellier, France, Deliah Mathieu’s path took an unexpected twist when she landed in Southern California at the age of 16. With no initial interest in basketball and no command of English whatsoever, she soon found herself immersed in Lakers’ fever, captivated by Kobe Bryant’s legendary performances. This unexpected introduction to basketball transformed it from an unfamiliar spectacle to a source of inspiration and learning. Despite being the shortest spectator in pretty much any room, Deliah harbored tall dreams of making it in the NBA—well, not as a center. Fate, with a touch of humor, led her not to her Lakers, but instead to the San Antonio Spurs, where she embraced the unexpected role of bidding farewell to Tony Parker during his final year with the team. This task was not just about organizing events or coordinating logistics; it was about curating moments that captured the essence of Parker’s monumental impact on the sport and his significance as a bridge between French and American basketball cultures.
A special nod to both her roots and love for basketball, Deliah was honored to help organize Tony Parker’s retirement night—an event that transcended the usual boundaries of sports celebrations. From the emotional speeches to the symbolic presentation of Parker’s No. 9 jersey, every detail was meticulously planned to honor a player who had not only left an indelible mark on the NBA but had also played a crucial role in Deliah’s own journey of cultural integration and professional growth. In organizing Tony Parker’s final year and retirement night, Deliah didn’t just pay tribute to a basketball legend; she celebrated the journey of a sports diplomat who, like herself, had navigated the complexities of representing one culture within the framework of another. Through these events, she reinforced the idea that sports can be a powerful conduit for cultural exchange, understanding, and respect. Deliah’s work on Tony Parker’s farewell and retirement celebration stands as a testament to the enduring bond between French talent and American spirit in the world of basketball, embodying the very essence of sports diplomacy.
Deliah’s Story
In the early days in the United States, basketball was more than a sport to Deliah; it was a lifeline. Navigating adolescence in a new country, she and her brother found solace and community within the highs and lows of the Lakers’ games. Their initial stumbles in English were soon replaced with basketball lingo, forming the foundation of their new American identities.
Choosing to weave her passion into her profession, Deliah’s journey took an ironic turn from dreaming about the Lakers to making significant contributions to the Spurs. Her role in organizing Tony Parker’s retirement evening was not just a career highlight but a personal full-circle moment, celebrating a French icon who bridged her two worlds. An additional twist of irony in Deliah’s journey was her position within the corporate communications department of the Spurs, a role that demanded proficiency in English—a language that, less than a decade earlier, she had barely spoken beyond “hello, my name is.” This turn of events not only highlighted her remarkable personal growth but also the transformative power of sports in her life.
During her tenure with the Spurs, Deliah Mathieu’s contributions went beyond the confines of her job description, focusing also on cultural integration. She shared the French perspective on teamwork and collective success with her colleagues, illustrating that in France, the focus is often on the collective triumph over individual accolades—an approach that resonated with the Spurs’ own values, which prioritize team success. The blending of cultures made the corporate communications office into a vibrant space where French speaking lessons were as common as basketball talk. This highlighted the unifying force of sports, showcasing its capacity to bridge diverse cultures and foster an environment rich in understanding and respect.
The Sports Diplomacy Connection
Deliah’s experience is a testament to sports as a vehicle for diplomacy. Organizing Tony Parker’s retirement was a poignant reminder of how sports can unite diverse cultures. This event wasn’t merely a farewell to a player; it was a celebration of cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Sports, in its essence, is about connection. Sharing the French approach to the game wasn’t just about tactics;
“When you put two people in a room, watching a game, all the labels society might tag us with just fade away. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or any of those societal tags like gender, race, or status. Watching sports, you’re just two fans, living in the moment, riding the same rollercoaster of emotions. Through my journey, I’ve seen this powerful simplicity connect cultures and break down walls. My story, from learning English through Lakers games to blending French flair with the Spurs, isn’t just about sports. It’s a vivid example of how, in the shared passion and tension of a game, we find common ground, understanding, and a bit of magic that draws us closer, regardless of our backgrounds. Sports have this incredible way of stripping away our differences and celebrating what unites us as humans.”
Mapping the Connection
From Montpellier, France to San Antonio, Texas