Nashville SC’s Sean Davis celebrates Japanese heritage ahead of AAPI night at GEODIS Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Wednesday night’s match will be a little extra special for Nashville SC midfielder Sean Davis when the club celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander night at GEODIS Park.

The Long Beach, New Jersey native is half Japanese. His mother was a second-generation Japanese American, and his first coach.

“One of my mom’s favorite things about soccer in general is just how diverse the sport is, and I think that holds true today,” Davis said. “You look around the league, there’s a lot of diversity, and it is the world’s game, and so it’s a very popular sport in Asia, specifically Japan.”

Davis said his mother and grandparents have rich ties to Japanese culture, and he’s grown to appreciate it more as he’s gotten older.

Now, as a 31-year-old midfielder in Major League Soccer, he’s proud to represent his family and his culture on the pitch, especially during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, being celebrated throughout May, and in Nashville SC’s match Wednesday night.

“It’s just something that I appreciate because I think it’s unique, and now more than ever we have more Japanese players in the league,” Davis said. “Even something like AAPI Month, I think that’s been something that’s been able to give me a platform to speak about my heritage. I think that when you can appreciate diversity, it highlights what makes our sport so special.”

The club is holding AAPI Heritage Night at GEODIS Park during Nashville SC’s match against Toronto FC at 7:30 p.m.

According to Nashville SC, an API patch will be available for purchase in the team store, with proceeds benefiting API Middle TN. Additionally, in-match entertainment will be provided by API artists and several Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Organizations will be recognized and celebrated at GEODIS Park.

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