SAN FRANCISCO — In the final episode of USF's cable television show, "Behind the Mask," we take a look at University of San Francisco men's tennis player
Ryan Marker, who faced a deep struggle of disclosing his sexual orientation to his family, friends, coaches and teammates.
This segment introduces Marker's hardship expressing his identity and the fear of living in a life of not being his true self as a male student-athlete. However, the inclusivity and diversity that the USF community brings to all students has encouraged him to break free into loving and accepting his true authentic self. Not only did Marker's bravery make a difference in himself, but he found truth that in society it doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is, you should always feel true to your own skin.
The four-time letter winner and all-West Coast Conference Second Team Singles honoree was stellar this past season at the No. 1 position, leading the team with a 5-7 overall record and 3-2 in WCC play. He clinched a 4-3 victory over Pepperdine to hand the Dons their first conference win of the season.
This episode will also feature a segment on Landen Bourassa, a vital player on the Dons baseball team who suffered an elbow injury and how his role changed from being a dominant pitcher on the mound to a leader off the mound. As always, the episode will conclude with "Playmakers," highlighting top team and individual performances from USF student-athletes. Check local listings for your cable provider's station guide and additional air dates and times each month. Segments from the show, as well as past seasons of "Behind the Mask" can also be found on-demand on the USF Athletics YouTube channel.
To tune in to the show in the San Francisco Bay Area, NBC Sports California can typically be found on channel 698 for DirecTV customers, 438 on the Dish Network, 412-01 on Dish Hopper packages, 767 on U-Verse and 41 on most Comcast packages. CSN Bay Area can be generally be accessed at channel 40 on Comcast, 41 on the Dish Network, 696 for DirecTV subscribers, and at 770 on U-Verse.
