Nakashima donates shoes to healthcare workers

Brandon Nakashima is joining many in doing what he can to help out during the coronavirus crisis. The Californian got his first taste of pro success just weeks before the tour shutdown halted all of his, and everyone's, momentum.

Staying busy, the 18-year-old teamed up with Fila to donate shoes to healthcare workers. He came up with the Fila Front Line initiative and donated 40 pairs of shoes to the Urgent Care physicians and nurses at the Sharp Rees-Stealy Clinic near San Diego.

Healthcare workers are on their feet all day, and new shoes will improve morale and comfort.

"Being surrounded by my parents who both are healthcare providers and contributors in serving patients, it’s just become natural for me to have a deep contribution mindset and heart of helping others and giving back to society," Nakashima said. "It’s simply so rewarding and fulfilling to help others feel good."

Nakashima speaking to local news in southern California.

The teenager's dad is an ICU clinical pharmacist and his mom is a pharmacy supervisor. Nakashima isn't a household name just yet, but he's on his way. In February, he made his ATP debut in Delray Beach as a wild card, and stormed to the quarterfinals. He then reached the semifinals of the Oracle Series Challenger in Indian Wells, pushing his ranking up to No. 220.

"Ultimately, I’d like to utilize my tennis skills to be an athlete philanthropist to have a positive impact to the underprivileged student athletes through education and sport initiatives," he said.

The San Diego resident is also back on court during this unexpected offseason. He's playing the Grand Slam Tennis Tours Matchplay 120 competition in Los Angeles, and beat Ernesto Escobedo on Thursday in his first match since March.