The idea for Next Season began in the summer of 2007. Nicolai Lechuga (better known as “Nico”) was interning for a law firm in Southern California, when he met Lysette Rios. Lysette was first taken aback by Nico; he was sorting through files and walking around the office barefoot like he owned the place. However, as Nico and Lysette started to talk, they quickly realized they had much in common; in particular, they both loved sports and wanted to make a categorical difference in the industry.
While at the law firm, Lysette and Nico gained knowledge and experience dealing with athletes and their respective injuries. Moreover, they became students of Partner, Mel Owens, and grew to value his wisdom of sports, athletes, injuries and their unique relationship. By the end of the summer, the idea of forming a non–profit organization that would provide aid to athletes arose. Over the next two years Lysette and Nico fleshed out the idea of founding such an organization and began to look to their contacts for help.
In February of 2009, Nico and Lysette founded Next Season, Inc., a non–profit organization aimed at providing aid to athletes who have suffered injuries while participating in sports. Together, they expanded the Board of Directors to include Nico’s father, Dr. David Lechuga, a neuropsychologist in Southern California, as well as Eric Traut, a family friend of the Lechuga’s and an extremely successful trial lawyer. Soon thereafter, the Board voted to bring in Craig Underwood as Executive Vice President, and most recently, Mike Borokhov and Elliott Spruell joined our team to help out with marketing and media.
Today Next Season’s team is stronger than ever, but the goal remains the same. Next Season is determined to fulfill their mission of providing help to athletes whose lives has been irreversibly harmed due to their participation in sports. Next Season will continue to build relationships, not only with those in need, but also with those who are destined to help. Moreover, Next Season will continue to educate and inform as many people as possible to prevent further injuries. Next Season will advocate for all athletes, their safety, and their quality of life after sports.
In sum, Next Season has come a long way from those days in the file room, but Next Season has a huge job ahead of them, and they are committed to the responsibility that has been bestowed upon them. If you or anyone else would like more information on how to get involved, please contact any member of the Next Season team.
