Melbourne United Multicultural Stories: Xavier Rathan-Mayes

Written by Melbourne United Media 

As an import, one of the most difficult adjustments can be playing away from family in a new country.

For Canadian guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes this was no different, however it is something he has spent the majority of his life doing after leaving his home of Toronto at the age of 13 to pursue his basketball dream.

“It was a tough transition (moving to America) being away from my family at such a young age.

“Really having to fend for myself, really having to learn how to do my own laundry, cook my own food. I had to grow up kind of early but I feel like it put me in position to become the man I am now.”

Moving from Canada to the USA took Rathan-Mayes away from two of his closest friends, his two brothers, Shemar and Tyrus.

“They’re great, those are two of my best friends in the world, people that I miss dearly.

“My brothers and I are super competitive in all sports, but golf is the big one. Every summer we’d get out on the golf course, we love to compete. Our competitive spirit and our relationship is really special.”

While his skill on the basketball court took him away from his brothers, XRM has been embraced by a whole new family which has continued to support him in Australia.

After meeting his partner, Rachelle, Rathan-Mayes gained a new family, one which has been able to be front and centre during his time playing in the NBL.

“It’s really special. To be able to have a family that’s here and present for me is really unique as an import, you don’t always get that family dynamic. It’s something I’ve grown to be really thankful for.”

Embracing his partner’s Lebanese background, Rathan-Mayes said while at first the sheer size of her family was overwhelming, he couldn’t be more appreciative for the love, support, and perhaps most importantly, food they provide.

“(She has a) huge family, huge culture and it has been a process for me to be embedded in that culture, but it’s a culture that is absolutely unbelievable.

“The family dynamic, the constant love that you get… whenever I’m at the house the love I’m getting is amazing, Mumma is always trying to feed me no matter what time of day it is.

“I love my sambousek, that’s probably my go to. Very simple but very tasty.”

Looking at the multicultural environment surrounding his new team, Rathan-Mayes said it reminds him of home, adding he couldn’t be happier playing for a club that champions diversity like United.

“Melbourne and Australia are really similar to Canada in terms of being super multicultural, having so many different types of people.

“It’s always great to go to different spots and learn different things and different cultures and even in our organisation there are so many people of different backgrounds.

“It’s a blessing and something you don’t always get but when you do have it it’s something you’re always thankful for.”

Melbourne will play the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday afternoon in The Multicultural Game, with limited tickets still available!

The day will also feature a Multicultural Festival outside John Cain Arena from 2pm featuring activities, stalls, food, music and much more!