At almost every professional tennis tournament, players can be seen participating in kids’ tennis clinics, inspiring young minds to pursue the sport as a lifelong activity. However, at the 2024 Miami Open, Chris Eubanks took a different approach to impacting the lives of young people. Sponsored by FICO, Eubanks not only engaged in tennis activities with students at Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School but also imparted valuable knowledge about financial responsibility.

Expressing his excitement about partnering with FICO, Eubanks emphasized the importance of raising awareness about financial education. He shared his personal experience of learning financial basics from a family member and mentor at a young age, highlighting the significance of financial literacy. Eubanks’ partnership with FICO reflects his commitment to paying it forward and empowering young individuals with essential life skills.

During his interaction with the students, Eubanks emphasized the significance of debt management and the impact of credit scores on financial futures. Using real-life examples, he illustrated the difference between individuals with good credit history and those with poor credit management practices. Eubanks candidly shared his initial struggles with credit card payments, underscoring the potential consequences of accumulating debt and its adverse effects on credit ratings. Notably, a person’s credit rating is evaluated through the FICO® Score, a key factor considered by 90% of top U.S. lenders when extending credit for various purposes such as personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

By engaging with the students, Eubanks highlighted the critical importance of maintaining a positive track record in debt repayment, emphasizing the potential long-term impact on their livelihoods. He stressed the significance of understanding one’s FICO Score and its determinants, providing valuable insights to the young audience.

Eubanks’ initiative to integrate financial literacy into his engagement with students reflects his dedication to empowering the next generation with essential life skills beyond the tennis court. His partnership with FICO serves as a testament to the broader impact of athletes in promoting financial education and inspiring positive change in young minds.