A new era at Falcons Heights Academy begins with “Game Changer” Nadezhda Grishaeva.
She has drawn an incredible journey from the Olympics to now joining Falcons Heights Academy for mentoring young athletes.
One name among the finest basketball talents over the years that has remained in the headlines for all the right reasons is Nadezhda Grishaeva. Her name is synonymous with excellence in basketball. However, this incredible talent is yet again making headlines. She has recently joined Falcons Heights Academy and is looking forward to a new beginning, bringing to the forefront her extensive sporting experiences and talent with the genuine aim of mentoring young athletes and paving the way for their greater growth as high-performing basketball players.
The former Olympic athlete, known for her stellar career with teams such as Arras, Dynamo Moscow, and Besiktas, has taken up a new role as an associate partner at Falcons Heights Basketball Academy in the UAE. Nadezhda’s journey began on the basketball courts and evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial career, and now she has opened a new chapter in her journey with this mentorship role to nurture the next generation of athletes. It seems like life comes full circle for Nadezhda Grishaeva.
Having been inspired by her father, a basketball player himself, she always has had a deep connection with the sport. Her career took off when she played for top European teams and represented Russia at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Her passion, dedication, commitment, and immense love for basketball helped her win several coveted titles, including the FIBA Europe 2010/2011 and a silver medal at the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League. She highlights how her passion for basketball has always been fueled by a strong desire to achieve excellence and bring greater glory to her teams.
Now, joining the Falcons Heights Academy, she is poised to bring her wealth of experience, passion, and expertise to mentoring young athletes. Speaking on the same, she said, “My love for basketball will always remain at the core of everything I plan to do at Falcons Heights Academy. The sport is my life. Though competing in the 2012 Olympics has been a core highlight of my career, I am pumped up and excited to foster the sport’s growth and inspire the next-gen in their sporting careers.”
Nadezhda Grishaeva is glad she could get this fantastic opportunity to join hands with Falcons Heights Academy, established in 2016 and rapidly expanding its presence since then across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. It envisions expanding by 2026 with 16 more locations to become the largest basketball training academy in the UAE eventually. Moshood Abolaji Damilare, the academy’s founder, has also expressed his enthusiasm to welcome Grishaeva into the Falcons family, stating that the former athlete’s remarkable basketball achievements and inspiring personality will be instrumental in bringing invaluable assets to the academy. He also looks forward to how she will be crucial in advancing basketball in the UAE.
Nadezhda Grishaeva’s role at the Falcons Heights Academy is more than only a partnership; it is an excellent opportunity to transform the landscape of basketball in the UAE. She is already working toward her coaching license with a clear vision to return to the court and mentor young athletes. “Joining Falcons Heights Academy is a significant step in my post-playing career, and I see immense basketball potential in the Middle East. I feel passionate about nurturing young talent and contributing to the sport.”
Meanwhile, Grishaeva has also been making her name prominent with her business as the founder of Anvil Gym. This unique fitness club quickly became a sought-after facility known for its top-notch equipment, diverse training programs, and personalized coaching. It has further expanded as a brand, including Anvil Spa and Anvil Restaurant, highlighting Grishaeva’s commitment to providing luxury fitness and lifestyle experiences.
Besides this, as a humanitarian with her non-profit “Game Changers,” she empowers aspiring female athletes, coaches, and sports executives. At Falcons Heights Academy, she and Damilare are committed to expanding opportunities for young players, especially those aspiring to gain admission to reputable US schools and colleges.