Remembering Naveed Iqball

In addition to the players he taught at Huron Valley Tennis Club, Naveed was also heavily involved with coaching at the local Catholic high school, Father Gabriel Richard, in Ann Arbor. During his time co-coaching at the high school, Naveed became very close with head boys’ coach, Jim Sayed. Sayed had the opportunity to not only get to know Naveed on a personal level but also watch his passion shine through in every coaching opportunity he was presented.

“As a person, I would call him a very selfless person; he was always thinking of others, very kind and positive,” said Sayed. “He made me realize that it goes deeper than just being on the tennis court.

“He really took an interest in the kids outside of tennis, and that’s something I’ve tried to do more of.”

Sayed says he will always cherish the days he spent coaching alongside Naveed, especially coaching their Junior Team Tennis team to first place in the Sectional Championships in Indianapolis.

Throughout his tennis community, it was easy to see that Naveed left a mark. From his fellow coaches to players, there will never be anyone quite like the good-natured and upbeat Naveed.

“It was easy to admire this young man who seemed to ‘get it’, “said McClure. “His sincere and kind personality drew people to him and he, in turn, helped them to the best of his ability.

“His lessons went far and beyond the court for those who knew him.”

For Naveed's family and those who were close to him, no one will ever be able to take his place, the world a little less bright without him.

But they will continue to keep his memory alive through the game he so loved and encourage others to adopt that positivity and brightness for which he was known.