As February unfolds, Black History Month serves as a time of reflection and recognition, honoring the past while celebrating progress in all fields, including sports. At the University of New Mexico, two basketball staff members, Assistant Coach Tarvish Felton and Director of Player Development Isaiah Fernandez, shared their perspectives with the Daily Lobo on the significance of Black History Month and athletics in shaping opportunities for future generations.
The power of representation
For both Felton and Fernandez, sports have been a lifelong passion and a means of opportunity and influence. Felton, an assistant coach for the UNM men’s basketball team, grew up in the South, where he developed an early love for the game despite football being the dominant sport in his hometown. Over time, coaching became his calling.
“Growing up, I really looked up to my coaches,” Felton said.
Now as a mentor himself, Felton sees his role as more than just developing basketball players. He emphasized perseverance and staying true to oneself — advice he wishes he had given himself a decade ago.
“You’re gonna get knocked down, and there’s gonna be some failures in life,” he said. “So I just feel that if you can always stay the course, you’ll find success.”
Similarly, Fernandez, the women’s basketball director of player development, also found his career path shaped by early influences. His journey to coaching began after an injury derailed his own playing career. Instead of stepping away from the game, he found purpose in helping others develop their skills and confidence.
“Just make sure you’re ready for when the time comes,” Fernandez said. “Whatever you want, make sure you’re doing the things that are going to lead you to the things that you want.”
Black History Month: Honoring those who came before
For both men, Black History Month is about acknowledging the sacrifices and achievements of those who paved the way, they said. It is a reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black people in sports and beyond.
Felton, reflecting on his upbringing in the South, emphasized the strides that have been made over the years.
“For me, Black history just means that it’s an appreciation for the culture and where we come from,” he said. “A lot of times in the Black community, we always feel like the best way to get out of whatever situation — whether it be economic hardship or just kind of the way of life — is through sports or entertainment. And that’s changed a lot. Nowadays, kids can get an education, become doctors, lawyers, presidents of the United States or Supreme Court justices.”
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Fernandez echoed this sentiment, viewing Black History Month as a time to honor the courage and perseverance of those who broke barriers.
“I like to think of the ones that came before me,” Fernandez said. “They showed a lot of courage, and they showed a lot of pride in being able to be an African American and to show that it’s possible for you to do X, Y and Z just as well or even better.”
A legacy beyond the court
Both coaches understand that their influence extends beyond wins and losses. They take pride in being role models, they said, showing young athletes that success is not limited by background or circumstances.
Fernandez, who grew up facing his own challenges, credits his mother and older brother for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
“This job is not for the weak,” he said. “There’s going to be good days, going to be bad days, but you gotta push through it and I give (my mother) all the credit for seeing her being able to take care of me through the times that she had to, even when it wasn’t easy.”
As mentors, Felton and Fernandez continue to pass down these lessons to their players, reinforcing that success comes from preparation, dedication and resilience.
“You never know who’s watching,” Fernandez said. “Do things the right way, because that has been a big part of the reason why I’m even here now.”
Moving forward
As Black History Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of those before them, both men remain committed to fostering the next generation of athletes and leaders. For Felton and Fernandez, coaching is not just about basketball — it’s about shaping lives, creating opportunities and ensuring that the path forward remains wide open for those who come next.
Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
