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2017-18The Starting Lineup
West Virginia UniversityGraduate Sport Management
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Learn about the professors in the WVU Graduate Sport Management Program. All have a prior background in the industry before begining instruction.
The program’s 24 students are involved in the sport industry and bring a wide array of skills with them as they graduate this May. Check out the student profiles from this year’s class!
The WVU Sport Management Program has alumni spread around the globe working in the sport industry. We feature two alums, Keli Cunningham (‘10) and Geoff Lofstead (‘96), both of which have made significant impacts on the industry.
STUD
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GARY LHOTSKYTEACHING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Gary Lhotsky is originally from Bridgeport, WV, and is proud to be teaching at West Virginia University, in the state that he loves and is proud to call home. Dr. Lhotsky has taught full-time in sport management since 2007. He spent one year at East Tennessee State University, two years at Glenville State College in West Virginia and returned to East Tennessee State University in 2010. He returned to his home state of West Virginia in August 2016 by accepting his current position with WVU.
Prior to teaching full time, Dr. Lhotsky has had extensive experience in the area of athletic facilities and event operations. He spent eight years with the Florida State University Department of Athletics as assistant director of facilities (1999-2007) and feels very fortunate to have been there during a time of unprecedented new construction/renovation work. An experience that helped him gain first hand insight into aspects of facility design and facility operations. Prior to that, Dr. Lhotsky’s first full-time position in athletic administration was at Florida International University as facility coordinator (1997-1999). Before FIU, Lhotsky had a year-long internship with the University of Miami Department of Athletics as assistant director of events (1996-1997). Highlights of Dr. Lhotsky’s years at FSU, FIU, and Miami were planning and executing numerous conference and NCAA championships.
Dr. Lhotsky received his Ed.D. in sport administration from Florida State University (2006), his M.S. in sport management from Georgia Southern University (1997), and a B.A. in speech communications/public relations from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (1993). It was at Edinboro where Dr. Lhotsky was a four-year letter-winner in football and also got his first taste of athletic administration by assisting with all aspects of event management of basketball and wrestling events.
Dr. Lhotsky teaches introduction to sport management, facility and event management, fundraising, marketing and sales, and sport management processes. He also oversees the graduate internships. Dr. Lhotsky’s research interests are risk management as well as sustainability at athletic facilities.
Dr. Lhotsky resides in Bridgeport with his wife, Wanda and their three sons (Christopher, Nathan, and Kaden). In his spare time, Lhotsky enjoys watching college football, working out, hiking and volunteering at church and with youth sports.
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GARY LHOTSKYASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
GONZALO BRAVO
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Gonzalo Bravo, a native from Santiago, Chile, completed a master’s degree in Sport Administration from Penn State University and a PhD in Sport Management from The Ohio State University. In the fall of 2004, he joined the Sport Management program at WVU, where he currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in sport governance, sport in the global market, research methods, and sociocultural and ethical dimensions of sport. Prior to academia, he was the executive sport director at Fundación Club Deportivo Universidad Católica, in Santiago, Chile. In that capacity he was involved with the entire operation, including finance, marketing and human resources of one of the largest multi-sport clubs in South America.
Bravo’s research combines his unique experience of serving in both the practitioners’ and the academic world. His work has been published, among others, in the Journal of Sport Management, International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, Management Sport and Leisure, International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, International Journal of Management in Education and Sport Management Education Journal. He is also the coeditor of two books International Sport Management and Sport in Latin America. Policy. Management, Organization. Since 2005, Bravo has presented his research at the annual conferences of the North American Society of Sport Management, North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, Brazilian Association of Sport Management and the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport. He has also been invited to present lectures and keynote speeches in Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Macao, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Venezuela. He has been a founding and active member of the Latin American Association of Sport Management (ALGEDE) and the Latin American Association for the Socio Cultural Studies of Sport (ALESDE), and since 2014 a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center of Latin American Studies to promote and disseminate research and scholarship in the field of sport management across Latin America.
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CINDY LEEASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Lee received her B.Ed. in physical education from the Seoul National University (1998) in Korea, M.Ed. in Sport Management from the University of Texas at Austin (2001), and Ph.D. in Sport Management from The Ohio State University (2005) with a minor in ‘Statistics and Research Design’.
At West Virginia University, She teaches Sport Finance and Economics, Sport Marketing, and Sport Management. Before joining to WVU in 2010, Cindy worked four years at York College of Pennsylvania as an assistant professor. She also worked as a marketer at Korean branch of Octagon (2001-2002), the second largest sport marketing company in the world. During that period, she was involved with organizing 2001 World Taekwondo Championship, and planning/implementing of sponsorship rights for national sponsors of 2002 Korea and Japan World Cup.
Her main research area is sport consumer behavior with a goal to better understand why and how sport spectators/fans behave in certain ways. Her secondary research area is sponsorship mechanisms and influencing factors on corporate sponsorship effectiveness. She grew up in Seoul, Korea and currently resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, Kevin and their two daughters, Emily and Ellise.
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CINDY LEEASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
FLOYD JONES
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Jones earned his B.S. in physical education from Concord University (1977) in Athens, West Virginia, M.S. in Sport Sociology and Sport Psychology from West Virginia University (1979) and his Ph.D. in Health, Physical and Recreation Education from University of Pittsburgh (1988) with a concentration in Sport Administration and Higher Education Administration.
At West Virginia University, Dr. Jones teaches Marketing Research Methods. Founder and current Director of Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a non-profit of 501(c) 3 community based organization that works with an average of 120 young students each year in a variety of mentoring, leadership, academic, career, and workforce development programs. A major emphasis over the past 17 years is the operation of a juvenile diversion from secure detention that YES has created and managed for over 1,000 10-14 year-old boys and girls. Altogether, YES has served over 3,000 young students from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and many parts of West Virginia.
Dr. Jones is married to Phyllis Davis Jones. Is the father of three daughters, Carmin, Denise, Melinda, and has one grand daughter, Kassidy.
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Student Profiles
Student Profiles
SKILLS• Coaching• Customer Service• Event Planning/Management• Facilities• Guest Relations• Hospitality• Leadership• Microsoft Office• Teaching
Honors And Activities• ERASMUS Scholarship• Have worked on three different
continents
Ignacio Abad BarcenillaB.S. in Physical Acitivity and Sport Sciences
Minors in Sport Performance Enhancement & Health Professionals in International Prospective
University of Barcelona, Class of 2016
EXPERIENCEMen’s Soccer Student-Manager (October 2017 - Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Directly assist with game day and practice operations • Assist the coaching staff with any necessary request Athletic Compliance Game Worker (September 2017- Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Administer tickets to friends and family of student-athletes at all home football games • Ensure that all NCAA rules and regulations are adhered to • Set up and break down ticket station before and after each game.
Operations and Event Coordinator (April 2017-July 2017)Footy NL Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands • Coordinated soccer leagues and single-day soccer field bookings • Assisted in company finance administration • Organized corporate events that included up to forty soccer teams per event.
Management Trainee (October 2016-February 2017)JW Marriott Hotel Beijing, Beijing, China • Handled all duties relating to hotel policies, procedures, internal rules, and standards • Assisted all guests in problems and questions as required • Ensured that all guest’s problems are resolved through using Marriott Learn Model • Assisted fellow associates when necessary to ensure all jobs get done on time • Greeted guests immediately and offer assistance before guests ask
Sports Club Intern (February 2016-June 2016)Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain • Had primary oversight of over 1200 card membership holders and athletes • Organized waterpolo and swimming Event and Facilities Organization • Designed and supervised day-to-day management policies and procedures for the club • Developed projects to entice students to join club.
Barcelona, Spain
616-227-1723
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Housing and Residence Life Graduate Assistant, (August 2017-Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Process and maintain residence hall budgets as they pertain to state funds • Develop and initiate student-related events • Handling various social media accounts for Housing and Residence Life
Baseball Student-Manager, (August 2017-Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Set up and assist with practice and game day activities • Track in-game data by way of BATS College and Trackman Baseball • Help run various camps and college showcases • Update the JumpForward database
Athletic Compliance Game Worker (September 2017- Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Administer tickets to friends and family of student-athletes at all home football games • Ensure that all NCAA rules and regulations are adhered to • Set up and break down ticket station before and after each game
Operations Intern (September 2017- Present)West Virginia University Gymnastics, Morgantown, WV • Assist judges with communicating the scores to other officials and staff members
Football Recruiting Intern, (August 2014-Present)West Virginia University Football, Morgantown, WV • Manage and update databases in JumpForward • Research and verify various information about potential recruits • Help with major recruiting events, such as Junior Day and summer camps • Assist with capturing game day footage for recruiting department
Community Outreach/Marketing Intern, (April-November 2016)Pittsburgh Riverhounds Proffesional Soccer Club, Pittsburgh, PA • Planned and managed all of the team’s community outreach events throughout Pittsburgh • Served as the primary point of contact for player appearances • Performed a variety of USL and PDL game day operations, including statistical operations and successful promotions distribution • Coordinated game day interns • Helped plan and implement multiple theme nights for home games • Worked closely with charitable fundraising events and handled donation requests
Reno, NV
702-672-3622
Honors And Activities• CPASS Dean’s List Honoree• WVU Graduate Sport Management
Club• Studied Sport and Exercise Psychol-
ogy abroad at Halmstad University in Sweden
Skills• Hospitality Management• JumpForward• Community Relations• Event Planning• Trackman Baseball• BATS for College• Leadership• Microsoft Office Applications• Youth Camp Coordination
Peter Branch
EXPERIENCE
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B.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
West Virginia University, Class of 2016
A.A.S. in Hotel ManagementCollege of Southern Nevada, Class of 2014
Graduate Assistant Rifle Coach (Fall 2017-Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Work directly under head coach with team and staff to ensure success on the range and in the classroom • Upkeep of range and facilities, including targets and team equipment • Assist with recruiting visits with potential athletes and parents in a professional environment • File expense reports for team purchases as well as assist head coach with budget operations • Help plan and implement various fundrasing and promotional events for the team • Work with team members on daily training techniques as well as long term training plans • Assist with travel logistics for team road trips and planning travel itineraries • Assist with upkeep of team’s various social media accounts • Ensure athletic and academic success for student-athletes
Assistant Director, Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Summer Program (Summer 2016,2017)Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Fireams Safety • Assisted directing national premier program • Logistical preperation for up to 100 people weekly • Completed weekly expense reports • Problem solving on various stages across the country • Gaining leadership and management experience
Instructor, Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Summer Program (Summer 2014,2015)Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Fireams Safety • Maximized client performance by teaching goal settings, time management, action plan development, motivation, fitness and health, and stress management techniques • Designed hands-on advanced training techniques • Trained individuals on proper set up venues throughout the country • Problem solving in a team environment • Operate electronic acoustic range equipment • Promote safety protocols
Sports Information Assistant (January 2014-2017)University of Alaska Fairbanks Athletics, Fairbanks, Alaska • Performed stat salling during games • Performed event entertainment • Video Coordinated • Assisted in the creation of game day ads and updating athletic website with player information • Assisted with Brice Alaska Goal Rush Men’s Hockey Tournament, GNAC/PacWest Crossover • Men’s Basketball Tournament, Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Women’s Basketball Tournament, and Flint Hills Resources Women’s Volleyball Nanook Classic
Casselton, North Dakota
701-261-0370
Honors And Activities• Two time All-American• 2013-16 Academic All-American• 2016-2017 Team Co-Captain• 2016-2017 Team MVP• UAF Dean’s List recipient • UAF National Millennial Community
member• Volunteer through Homes for Hope
Skills
• Microsoft Office• Organizational Skills• Time Management• Effective Communicator• Operations and Logistics• Customer Service
Soren ButlerMasters of Business Administration M.B.A.
General ManagementUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks, Class of 2017
B.S. in Business Administration Univerisity of Alaska Fairbanks, Class of 2016
EXPERIENCE
10
Troy ClemonsB.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
West Virginia University, Class of 2016
64th Mountaineer Mascot, (April 2016-Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Attend all WVU sporting events along with around 350 events a year outside of sports including fairs and festivals, schools, campus events, alumni events, etc
Student Assistant, (September 2015- March 2016)Mountaineer Athletic Club, Morgantown, WV • Interact with current and prospective WVU Athletics and Mountaineer Athletic Club donors while providing day-to-day coverage of MAC office phones and assistance to Major Gift Officers. • Assist with game-day and special event operations for donor cultivation purposes including working the VIP sections of sporting events. Created and mailed fliers for donor solicitation and upcoming events
Baseball Student Manager, (September 2015-March 2016)West Virginia Univeristy Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Directly assist with game day and practice operations, running player tracking software, BATS for College software, assisting with travel, and assisting with pregame/postgame meals
Assistant to Sports Director, (August 2015-January 2015)Pro Preformance Rx, LOCATION • Coordinating youth NFL Play 60 flag football league along with youth baseball camps and tournaments for various skill levels and age groups
Operations and Facilities Intern, (April 2015-September 2015)West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Facilities Intern for inaugural season, daily venue operations included operations along with field maintenance in opening year of Monongalia County Ballpark
Wild Caving Tour Guide, (May 2014-June 2015)Lost World Caverns, Lewisburg, WV • Led Wild Caving Tour 1.5 miles into back part of the cavern, led school groups through commercial part of the cavern, also worked in gift shop
Golf Maintenance Staff, (May 2010-August 2010)The Greenbrier Classic, Greenbrier, WV • Prepared Old White course for the first Greenbrier Classic PGA event o Tasks included mulching, mowing, divot repair, green fertilizing, and general facilities management
EXPERIENCE
Honors and Activities• Winner of 65th Mountaineer • Volunteer for WVU Children’s
Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and United Way
• Help coordinate food drives and pantries with Northern Greenbrier Food Pantry
Skills• Proficient in AutoCAD• Inventor• Microsoft Office• Adobe Design products• BATS for College
304-667-3941
Maxwelton, WV
11
Gina CostaMasters of Business Administration M.B.A.
West Virginia University, Class of 2017
B.S. in Sport ManagementMinors in Communication Studies & Strategic Social Media
West Virginia University, Class of 2016Magna Cum Laude
EXPERIENCEAthletic Marketing Graduate Assistant, (April 2016 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Create & execute men’s soccer and gymnastics marketing plans to drive attendance and revenue • Increased average attendance for men’s soccer by 25% from 2015-2016 • Generated 25% more revenue and increased gymnastics attendance by 29% over two seasons • Set record for 4th highest ever attended WVU Men’s Soccer game with 2019 fans • Implement all sponsorship elements sold in-house and through third party rights’ holders • Manage Mountaineer game day upgrades through Experience application to offer fans exclusive game day experiences • Exceeded gross revenue objective by 9%, increasing 2017 season revenue by over 19% • Create social strategy and post all Instagram content for @WVUSports, the official Instagram of WVU Athletics • Manage floor for all men’s basketball and managed the field for football games • Hire, manage, and supervise 15 interns during athletic events and daily office hours
Director of Social Media, (April 2015 - Present)Mountaineer Maniacs, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Created graphics for social media campaigns using Adobe Creative Suite • Managed all Instagram posts and oversaw Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat promotions • Increased Instagram following from 1,000 to 7,000 followers in one year • Measured effectiveness of campaigns through a 5% increase in membership, generating $6875 more revenue
Athletic Marketing Assistant, (November 2015 - April 2016)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Increased average gymnastics home meet attendance by 10% in 2016 season • Oversaw marketing, promotions, and fan experience for women’s soccer and gymnastics • Assisted on-field promotions and game operations for football, men’s basketball, and Olympic sporting events • Created scripts, timing schedules, and other elements for athletic events
Operations Intern, (May - August 2014)Florida Collegiate Summer League, Orlando, FL • Prepared and executed game-day script for all home games that included sponsorship and fan engagement elements • Developed and implemented season marketing plan aimed to increase attendance and sponsorships • Assisted in managing social media accounts for the DeLand Suns • Generated over 100 donations with a value of $2,500 from local businesses and $6,000 from community sponsors • Increased season average attendance by over 7% from 11,553 to 12,479 fans per season
Honors and Activities• VP of Finance- Sigma Kappa Sorority• WVU Gymnastic Team Member• Scholastic All-American• Garrett Ford Honor Roll• Big 12 Rookie Team Member
Skills• JumpForward• CrowdTangle• Script Writing • Project Management • Promotional Planning• Adobe Creative Suite• Sponsorship Activation • Microsoft Office• Organizational Skills• Revenue Generation• Social Media Campaigns
650-823-7496
Los Altos, CA
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Allentown, PA
484-560-0156
[email protected] Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries Graduate Research Assistant Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED), West Virginia University (2016-Present) • Federally funded research and development to improve education, diagnosis, and resource accommodation in the state of West Virginia • Speak and present at multiple statewide, as well as national conferences • Consult with national leaders on concussion in youth to implement return-to-learn programming on concussions within West Virginia Classrooms
Athletic Communications Student Assistant, (August 2015-May 2016)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Assisted in media relations for WVU Athletics • Helped with statistical information, press conferences, and game day operations of WVU Athletic Communications • Feature story writer for WVU Football, as well as WVU Men’s & Women’s Basketball
Mountaineer Athletic Club Gameday Premium Seating Staff, (August 2013-14)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Assisted with the oversight of gameday operations within the premium seating suites at Milan Puskar Stadium •Assisted donors and guests with information in correlation to the stadium/relaying of service information • Enforced stadium policy
WVU Athletic Operations Gymnastics Gameday Worker, (2013-2015)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Assisted in gameday and event operations for WVU Gymnastics • Severed as a liaison for judges and officials • Assisted with the documentation of scoring
Honors and Activities• WVU CPASS Dean’s Advisory Board• WVU CPASS Undergraduate Sport
Management Student of the Year• WVU Interfraternity Council Vice
President/Head of Interfraternity Athletics
• WVU Student Government Association Executive Director of Athletics
• WVU Mountaineer Maniacs Board of Directors
• WVU New Student Orientation Leader, Brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Skills• Adobe Creative Suite• Microsoft Office• HIPAA Certified• CITI Research Certified• Public Speaking• Student Programming• University Recruitment/Retention• Student Support• Article Writing• Statistical Collection & Analysis• Formal Research & Analysis• Event Planning
Nick DavidsonB.S. in Sport Management
Minor in Public RelationsWest Virginia University, Class of 2016
Magna Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
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Nick DavidsonB.S. in Sport Management
Minor in Public RelationsWest Virginia University, Class of 2016
Magna Cum Laude
Kyle DavisB.S. in Business Administration - Marketing
West Virginia University, Class of 2015
EXPERIENCE
Doylestown, PA
215-219-3722
Property Assistant, (August 2017-Present)IMG College, Mountaineer Sports Marketing, West Virginia University Athletics, • Assist during football game day operations dealing with partnership activation for WVU football games • File and sort in-game photos to send to sponsors
Long Term Volunteer Intern, (February 2017-July 2017)United States Golf Association • Managed financials for volunteer department and updated accounting department as necessary • Managed scheduling for over 5000 volunteers • Interacted with local sponsorships and promoted US Open ambassadorship to local community • Oversaw day-to-day preparations and activities for 32 volunteer committies during U.S. Open
Long Term Admissions Intern, (February 2016-July 2016)United States Golf Association • Managed customer order database for US Open Admissions department; handled customer call-in inquires • Processed customer orders, tickets, and refunds • Assisted with credentialing for player registration, media, onsite volunteers, and paid personnel as well as customer/attendee admissions • Helped oversee short term intern admissions and will call teams during the event, and coordinated customer service issues from call center • Designated first U.S. Open Ticket Voucher for the department • Managed credential and information distribution to over 300 full-time employees with extreme confidentiality
Logistics Coordinator (July 2015-February 2016)TransNoble Logistics, Pipersville, PA • Responsible for managing logistics for key delivery routes to increase revenue and improve delivery efficiencies • Managed customer expectations and resolve conflicts with customer deliveries • Monitored more than 85 drivers to improve speed and reliability of deliveries • Planned delivery routes to maximize driver loads and provide on-time and reliable service to customers • Assisted team with order entry and billing • Created daily work reports for individual drivers • Tracked delivery incidents and plan re-routes when unexpected events occurred
Honors and Activities• WVU Graduate Sport Management
Club• Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity• Parent’s Weekend Coordinator/
Planner
Skills• Public Speaking• Event Planning• Detail Organization• Logistics• Customer Service• Microsoft Office
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Compliance Graduate Assistant, (June 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Primary oversight of 19 Division 1 Time Management calendars • Monitor all incoming donation and memorabilia requests for the athletic department • Administer and ensure completion of student-athlete compliance forms • Approve all agent registeration and recruiting services • Creator of monthly coaches and administration newsletters for continuing education • Distribute complimentary tickets for home football games
Compliance Intern, (January 2017 - June 2017)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Proficient at JumpForward and Banner • Compile specific spreadsheets to increase organization within the office • Assist with day-to-day needs of the department
Graduate Teaching Assistant, (August 2016 - May 2017)Psychology Department, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Lecture approximately 120 students on the basics of Psychology • Develops lectures, proctor exams, and grade paper weekly
Student-Athlete Tutor, (June 2016 - Present)Student-Athlete Development, West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Approximately 6-8 individual tutor sessions a week • Development of good study strategies and academic skills • Time-Management of course load and scheduling
Compliance Intern, (2015 - 2016)Office of Compliance, Ball State University Athletics, Muncie, IN • Drafting NCAA Bylaw Summaries for head coaches • Drafting waiver inquiries to the NCAA • Assisting Director of Compliance in organizing APP filings for NCAA • Assisting Deputy Athletic Director with tasks including but not limited to: o National Letter of Intent organization, formal updates to rosters, over seeing practice hours, distribution of game day meal cards, and filing of forms for student-athletes on book scholarship o Proficient at JumpForward and Banner coding
Women’s Gymnastics Team Member, (2011 - 2015)Ball State University Gymnastics, Muncie, IN • Captain of the Ball State Gymnastics Team as a senior o Assisted in scheduling and class prep for incoming freshmen • Full athletic/academic scholarship recipient
614-208-0876
Powell, OH
Honors and Activities• CPASS Graduate Research Award
Winner• Adobe• Mid-American ConferencePresidental
Award• BSU College of Science &
Humanities Dean’s List
Skills• Social Media• Public Speaking• Communication• Leadership• JumpForward• LSDBi• Microsoft Office• Adobe
Madison FeldkampB.S. in Psychology
Minors in Interpersonal Relations & Psychology of Human DevelopmentBall State University, Class of 2015
EXPERIENCE
15
Compliance Graduate Assistant, (June 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Primary oversight of 19 Division 1 Time Management calendars • Monitor all incoming donation and memorabilia requests for the athletic department • Administer and ensure completion of student-athlete compliance forms • Approve all agent registeration and recruiting services • Creator of monthly coaches and administration newsletters for continuing education • Distribute complimentary tickets for home football games
Compliance Intern, (January 2017 - June 2017)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Proficient at JumpForward and Banner • Compile specific spreadsheets to increase organization within the office • Assist with day-to-day needs of the department
Graduate Teaching Assistant, (August 2016 - May 2017)Psychology Department, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Lecture approximately 120 students on the basics of Psychology • Develops lectures, proctor exams, and grade paper weekly
Student-Athlete Tutor, (June 2016 - Present)Student-Athlete Development, West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Approximately 6-8 individual tutor sessions a week • Development of good study strategies and academic skills • Time-Management of course load and scheduling
Compliance Intern, (2015 - 2016)Office of Compliance, Ball State University Athletics, Muncie, IN • Drafting NCAA Bylaw Summaries for head coaches • Drafting waiver inquiries to the NCAA • Assisting Director of Compliance in organizing APP filings for NCAA • Assisting Deputy Athletic Director with tasks including but not limited to: o National Letter of Intent organization, formal updates to rosters, over seeing practice hours, distribution of game day meal cards, and filing of forms for student-athletes on book scholarship o Proficient at JumpForward and Banner coding
Women’s Gymnastics Team Member, (2011 - 2015)Ball State University Gymnastics, Muncie, IN • Captain of the Ball State Gymnastics Team as a senior o Assisted in scheduling and class prep for incoming freshmen • Full athletic/academic scholarship recipient
Kristen FransonB.S. in Business Administration
University of Southern Mississippi Class of 2016
EXPERIENCE
954-829-0181
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Athletic Facilities and Game Operations Graduate Assistant, (August 2016-Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • On-site event manager for men’s soccer and women’s volleyball • Assist in event management for football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer, 2017 NCAA Gymnastics Regional, 2017 NIVC Women’s Volleyball first/second round • Oversee volunteers and officials for men’s soccer matches/ women’s volleyball • Coordinate with outside contractors such as Sodexo, CSC Event Staff, WVU staff, and first responders • Assist in daily operations of all athletic facilities, including key management, graphic updates, and facility projects • Responsible for maintaining and delivering more than 175 game-day radios • Responsible for social media content for @GamedayWVU Twitter account • Responsible for creating Incident Management reports for football, men’s and women’s basketballEvents and Entertainment Training Camp Assistant, (July-August 2016, 2017)Chicago Bears, Chicago,IL • Responsible for corporate sponsorship activation • Involved in corporate partnership and VIP hospitality • Executed and managed private autograph sessions • Involved in set up and tear down of training camp operationsTeam Host, (2015-2017)Orange Bowl, Miami, Fl • University of Wisconsin • University of Michigan • College Football Playoff Semifinal -University of Oklahoma - Coordinate hospitality for athletics staff, coaches, and university officials - Coordinate daily activities with vendors and Orange Bowl staffTraveling Operations Spring Staff, (March-May 2016)American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) • Set up, operate, and tear down of junior golf tournaments in eight locations in the United States • Responsible for sponsorship activation for multiple partnerships • Served as finance captain, managing budget and creating expense reports
Staff Assistant (May- July 2015), (December 2015- April 2016)Miami Dolphins, Miami, FlCommunity Affairs staff assistant • Miami Dolphins Academy social media assistant • Community outreach eventsTraining Camp staff assistant • Assist Miami Dolphins Operations Team with set up/ break down of training camp • Responsible for hospitality of VIP/ corporate sponsorship/ friends and family booths
Intern, (August 2013-December 2015)Southern Miss Athletics Hattiesburg, MSEagle Club (Foundation) (2015) • Assistant to Senior Associate Director of Athletics, game day suite operationsSports Marketing Team (2013-2014) • Handle on-field in-game sales promotions for football and baseball • Set-up and break-down of all athletic marketing events and activities
Skills• Game/Event Management• Customer Service• Crowd Management• Incident Management• Merchandising Operations• Hospitality• Volunteer Management• Community Relations• Microsoft Office• CRM
Honors And Activities• Secretary of the WVU Graduate Sports
Management Club• Southern Miss softball varsity team• Member of CEFMA• Member of the American Marketing
Association16
Alex HambelB.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
West Virginia University, Class of 2016
EXPERIENCE
Skills• Management• Customer Service• Sales• Microsoft Office• Leadership• Communication• Leadership
Student Ticket IT Services, (October 2017 - Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Managed student tickets for West Virginia University football and basketball • Executed conflict resolution through student ticket services. • Reported student ticket numbers to Assistant Athletic Directors
Ticket Manager, (January 2017 - October 2017)West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Managed ticket operations for the Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates • Coordinated season, single-game, and group tickets • Sold suites to sponsors and local businesses
Ticket Intern, (February 2016 - January 2017)West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Sold season tickets with five other interns • Reached our goal of 1,000 season tickets • Gained experience in ticket sales and built valuable relationships
Honors And Activities• Member of the WVU Graduate Sport
Management Club
304-982-1668
Hurricane, WV
17
B.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
West Virginia University, Class of 2016
Football Recruiting Intern, (2014 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Update & revise excel spreadsheets to meet staff needs • Conduct research and the gathering of relevant information for coaches to use in letters to potential recruits • Update various online databases corresponding to recruit’s information • Fulfill game day operational needs such as record sideline GoPro video to capture a full game day experience • Assist in anyway necessary to ensure the event runs smoothly
Women’s Soccer Student-Manager (2017)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Worked with coaches weekly to ensure all team needs were met • Set up drills for practice • Assisted strength and conditioning staff • Set up pregame drills at all home matches
Local League Coordinator, Junior Team Tennis, (2014)USTA • Created and edited marketing brochure with local printing companies • Made cold calls to prospective families • Maintained contact with district coordinator • Designed & posted league schedule • Contacted local facilities for use of courts & bought necessary equipment to run matches • Marketed league to parents at tennis tournaments • Set and exceeded goal of registering 50 children
Desk Manager, (2010 - 2016)Charleston Tennis Club, Charleston, WV • Answered phone calls about all club functions and business inquiries • Sold & restocked merchandise in tennis pro shop • Maintained friendly but business-like relationship while assisting members • Updated/Maintained Business and Social Function Spreadsheets • First desk employee to request raise & receive one
304-419-0579
Charleston, WV
Skills• Multi-tasking• Microsoft Office• Customer Relations• Social Media Platforms• Time Management• Problem Solving• Critical Thinking• JumpForward
Honors And Activities• Dean’s List Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall
2015, Spring 2016• President’s List: Spring 2015• Two year captain of high school
tennis team
Casey HudsonB.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
West Virginia University, Class of 2016Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
18
Alex JonesB.A. in Sport Management
Minor in MarketingWBaldwin Wallance University, Class of 2017
EXPERIENCEAthletic Operations Intern (August 2017 - Present)Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV • Assist the Director of Internal Operations with day to day office tasks • Assist Director of Internal Operations and student workers in game day tasks involving ticketing, parking, alumni relations, stadium set up, and concessions on gameday.
Football Operations Intern (July 2016 - January 2017)Cleveland Browns, Berea, Ohio • Reported to the Vice President of Football Operations, Director of Football Operations, and Operations Coordinator • Assisted with the planning and execution of Football Operations and Game Operations • Helped coordinate the gameday credential program • Helped execute game day team introductions • Prepared coach and player post game areas. • Assisted in the planning set-up and execution of training camp and player travel • Airport player and guest pickups • During home games helped with game prints on the sideline
Football Operations Intern (June 2017 - August 2017)Detroit Lions, Allen Park, MI • Worked closely with the Director of Operations and Operations Assistant • Assisted both Equipment and Video departments during practice • Helped prepare all necessary signage and documents necessary for both home and away games. • Traveled to Indianapolis for away preseason game and assisted in the hotel prep and logistics • Worked both home and away preseason games and helped distribute the Microsoft Surface tablets during both games. • Meal Checks and Hotel Checks
Fan Exerpience Intern (February 2nd - 7th 2015 & 2016)Super Bowl 49 & 50, Phoenix, AZ & San Francisco, CA • Worked both NFL fan experience and game day operations for NFL on Location. • Worked multiple workstations at Fan Experience and game day experience with NFL films during Super Bowl 50
Volunteer (February 2014, April 2015)Cleveland Browns, Cleveland, OHVolunteer (February 2014) • Worked with the organization and players as the Browns hosted a Special Olympics event for local schoolsVolunteer, April 2015 • Worked the Cleveland Browns draft party held in the downtown Cleveland Auditorium. • Helped with line management, crowd control
(304) 444-5555
Morgantown, WV
Honors And Activities• Baldwin Wallace Sport Management
Club, 2014-2017• Baldwin Wallace University Football
Team, 2013-2015• Baldwin Wallace University Student
Government, 2016
Skills• Microsoft Office• Fan Experience• Event Management• Hospitality
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The Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Coordinator (January 21018 - Present)Fairmont State University, Fairmont State Foundation, Fairmont, WV • Responsible for the overall success of alumni relations and the annual giving program. • Develop, direct, and maintain relationships with faculty, over 34,000 alumni and friends to deepen relationships and keep these constituents engaged with the University and its mission. • Make requests for philanthropic gifts from these constituencies. • Establish and grow social media accounts, develop and promote donor spotlight publications. • Work to implement an annual giving program, setting up alumni chapters around the country, and hosting donor events. • Coordinate with specific colleges and sports for annual giving campaigns, impact scholarships, and special fundraising projects
Athletics Development Intern, (February 2017- Present)West Virginia University Mountaineer Athletic Club, Morgantown, WV • Assist with day-to-day operations of the Mountaineer Athletic Club • Create and execute a comprehensive plan to raise money for WVU Baseball through Friends of Mountaineer Baseball • Manage stewardship efforts of Friends of Mountaineer Baseball • Assist in organization and planning of spring fundraising events, including but not limited to, Gold Blue Spring Game, Charleston Scholarship Dinner, Coaches Caravan, and WVU Classic
Ticketing Intern, (August 2016- Present)West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Sell tickets for game-days at the ballpark on ProVenue System from Tickets.com at the box office • Print and organize will call tickets • Facilitate calls throughout the week for future games, season ticket renewals, new sales, and events at the ballpark • Research and establish new relationships with potential season ticket holders to meet sales goals and deadlines • Work events at the ball park and in the community for the WV Black Bears
Game Day Event Staff/ Assistant Supervisor, (September 2013- December 2015)Fairmont State Athletic Department, Fairmont, WV • Ran soundboard for FSU Football Game day, managed and sold tickets for Hospitality Tent, organized tickets prior to games, mailed basketball season tickets, sold tickets with POS system, handled money, supervised student workers, assisted in planning National Acrobatics and Tumbling Championship, assisted in field set-up for College Softball Game Day
Marketing and Media Specialist, (September 2013- October 2014)Fairmont State Falcon Center, Fairmont, WV • Planned and managed budgets in excess of $10,000 • Developed 10+ marketing campaigns • Planned and executed numerous student/community events throughout the year • Designed, marketed, and managed the Fairmont Falcon Center App • Planned fitness classes and special events to gain interest in Falcon Center Programs
304-588-3330
Harrisville, WV
Skills• ProVenue Ticketing platform• Proficient in Microsoft Office• All google platforms• Experience managing apps• Marketing• Certified Long Term Substitute
Teacher in WV• Experience in collegiate Event
planning• Youth camp planning• Budgeting,first aid/ CPR certified• Fundraising• Sales• Hospitality• Social media management
Ashley KnightB.S. in Exercise Science
Fairmont State University, Class of 2015
EXPERIENCE
Honors And Activities• WV Gatorade Player of the Year (2011)• Single Season Strikeout Record Holder• Slippery Rock University (2012)• Academic Honor Roll, Collegiate Softball• Slippery Rock University (2011-2013• Fairmont State University (2013-2015)
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Event Management Intern and Administrative Assistant, (2017 - Present)Landmark Event Staffing Services Inc., Pittsburgh, PA • Office duties: Organize, interview, orientate, call, and schedule employees • Manage approximately 500 workers for Pittsburgh Steelers, University of Pittsburgh football games, and fewer for concerts at Stage AE
Facilities and Operations Intern (2017)Brown University Athletic Department, Providence, RI • Site manager of Ivy League, ACC, NEC, and NE10 contests • Implement crowd management and guest services during eventst Student Assistant (2015-2017)Johnson & Wales University Athletic Department, Providence, RI • Worked in the Wildcat Center, a new building for the Athletic Department, NCAA Division III teams, recreational sports, weight room, and more • For various sporting events completed game-day operations such as event scripts, public announcements, broadcasts, music, and scoreboards • Manage equipment for student athletes of 25 NCAA Division III teams
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCENCAA Division I American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship (2017) Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT • Distributed credentials and stat sheets to media • Copied and ran in game stats to participating teams and media
NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey East Regionals (2017)Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, RI • Prepared press conference room and media seating • Distributed credentials and stat sheets to media • Copied and ran in game stats to participating teams and media
NCAA Division I March Madness, First and Second Rounds (2016)Providence, RI
American Hockey League (AHL), Providence Bruins (2015-2016)Providence, RI
Honors and Activities• Student member of CEFMA,
International Ticketing Association (INTIX), Leaders in Collegiate Recreation (NIRSA), International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
• Atrended Collegiate Event and Facilities Management Association (CEFMA) Conference and Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (SSAC)
• Certified Trained Crowd Manager (TCM) and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM)
Skills• Time management• Teamwork• Written and oral communication• Apple and Microsoft programs• Leadership• Organization• Customer service• Multi-tasking• Critical thinking
(401) 793-1862
Morgantown, WV
Lucas La PerrierreB.S. in Sports, Entertainment, Event Management
Johnson & Wales University, Class of 2017
EXPERIENCE
21
Football Operations Assistant, (August 2017- Present)Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV • Creating weekly itineraries for players and coaches leading up to game day and post-game day • Coordinating post-game meals for away games • Assisting in fundraising efforts • On field duties during practices (i.e. setting up equipment, and making sure players are staying hydrated) • Traveling with team to away games and assisting coaching staff with any needed tasks
Fairmont State University Operations Coordinator, (August 2017- Present)Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV • Manage/supervise all athletic department student workers • Assisting in game day operations for all home football and basketball games • Various duties within the athletics department
Gymnastics Student Worker, (January 2018- Present)West Virginia University Athletic Department, Morgantown, WV • Serving as a liasion between judges and scoring table • Assisting with documentation of scoring Intern, (January 2016 - May 2016)Tri-Valley YMCA, Fleetwood, PA • Front Desk Administrative Work (selling memberships, handling payments for programs and child care, etc.), • Janitorial Duties • Working with the after school program at the partnering middle school • Game day coordinator and coach for the Floor Hockey Program • In charge of receiving donations for special events
Team Operations Coordinator, (July 2016)USA Football, Towson, MD • Involved in all team movements • Oversaw stations during check-in including distribution of apparel and equipment • Assisted coaches during practices and competitions • Managed team check out and uniform inventory • All set-up and take down during the camp (registration room, jersey distribution, practice fields, etc.)
Lansdale, PA
Honors And Activities• Vice President of the WVU Grad Sport
Management Club • Kutztown University Dean’s List Fall
2015 • Kutztown University Sport
Management Club - Instagram Coordinator
• Kutztown University Cheerleader
Skills• Operations Management• Social Media• Microsoft Office • Fundraising• Organizational Skills• Time Management• Customer Service• Business Writing
Kelly MaskerB.S. in Leisure and Sports Studies
Minor in PsychologyKutztown University, Class of 2016
EXPERIENCE
22
Digital Media Graduate Assistant, (August 2016 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Collaborate with Marketing and Communication departments to design and implement weekly social media content for Football and Men’s Basketball across social platforms • Produce and edit behind-the-scenes feature videos titled Climbing the Mountain centering around student-athletes and athletic programs throughout the year • Collaborate with the Instagram Student Section to create and share compelling and creative Instagram Stories for various team accounts including WVUFootball, WVUSports and WVUHoops highlighting students, traditions, and game atmosphere • Edit and produce highlight packages/reels, hype videos, and motion graphics as well as create gifs and graphics for all Mountaineer Division I athletics programs • Curated Instagram Stories for @MarchMadness and @big12conference accounts for high profile Men‘s and Women‘s basketball games • Supervised the Digial Media internship program for the 2017-2018 academic school year consisting of six undergraduate interns • Shoot and edit media events, press conferences, and game action for Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and all Olympic Sports • Manage and oversee game day social media activity for home Football and Men’s Basketball games • Served as the Social Media Coordinator and Video Producer for the 2016 NCAA Women’s Soccer College Cup, 2017 NCAA Women‘s Basketball Tournament, and 2017 Big 12 Football Media Days
Assignment Desk Editor/Social Media Specialist, (May 2015 - March 2016)Sinclair Broadcast Group, WPEC CBS 12, West Palm Beach, FL • Collaborated with managers, producers and reporters to pitch daily stories meeting the station’s brand and target audience • Experience working on assignment desk and updating social media during breaking news and developing stories including the 2016 Florida Presidential primary, search for Austin and Perry in Jupiter, Florida, and the officer involved shooting of Corey Jones in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida • Monitored police scanners and social media outlets for breaking news, called contacts for confirmation and coordinated reporter/photographer crews to breaking news sites in high pressure situations Production & Marketing Intern, (May 2014 - August 2014) ESPN West Palm 106.3FM, West Palm Beach, FL • Assisted in the production of live in-studio radio shows, commercials and remote broadcasts. • Collaborated with the marketing team with planning promotional events and materials, street teams and remote broadcasts • Maintained a thorough knowledge on current sporting events and major sports related news at the local, national & international level
Honors And Activities• Phi Beta Kappa• Alpha Phi-Gamma Phi Chapter• FSU Panhellenic VP of Academic
Affairs• FSU Dean’s List (2012-215)• FSU President’s List (2013)
Skills• Adobe Creative Suite including
Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom
• Social Media Platforms includingTwitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Snapchat
• Social and Digital Media Content Strategy
• Digital and Social Data Analysis• Video Production and Editing• Digital Marketing Campaigns and
Storytelling• Organization and Time
Managment• Digital and Social Media Content
Creation• Media Communication &
Marketing
561-635-7660
Lake Worth, FL
Maggie MatellaB.S. in Media Communication Studies
Minor in Political ScienceFlorida State University, Class of 2016
Magna Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
23
Ryan Minnigh
WVU Football Recruiting Liaison, (September 2016 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Responsible for overseeing incoming recruits visits during home football Saturday’s and tours for official visits after football season • Ushered recruits through football facilities during pre-game preparation. • Served as main contact during game activities for recruits to communicate with. • Helped oversee both unofficial and official visits of incoming recruits.
WVU Visitors Center Assistant, (May 2016-January 2017, August 2017-Present) West Virginia University Visitor Center, Morgantown, WV • Served as temporary worker for the West Virginia University Visitors Center. • Handled office responsibilities such as scheduling, data collection and training of new employees. • Traveled for WVU and assisted with West Virginia State Fair and Greenbrier Business Summit Setup and teardown. • Assisted with Meet WVU and Open House events on campus at West Virginia University. Youth NFL Flag Football Coordinator, (Summer 2017)National Football League, Cumberland, MD • Served as coordinator for Cumberland YMCA Youth NFL flag football program. • Responsible for teaching players skills and coordinating games for all players involved. • Responsible for communications with parents on a weekly basis.
School-Age Child Care Counselor, (Summer 2010-2014,Spring 2017-Summer 2017)YMCA, Cumberland, MD • Served as a counselor for the YMCA Summer Camp Program and Before/After School Programs. • Organized recreational activities for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. • Responsible for following procedures relating to Maryland Licensed Child Care Program.
Stringer, (Fall 2013-Fall 2016)Mineral Daily News Tribune, Keyser, WV • Covered football, boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball for the regional area covered by the paper. • Wrote factually correct stories and conducted post-game interviews, while working on a tight deadline.
B.S. in JournalismWest Virginia University, Class of 2016
Magna Cum Laude
A.A. in JournalismPotomac State College, Class of 2014
Short Gap, WV
301-707-7685
Honors And Activities• WVU Visitor Center Assistant/ Tour
Leader 2015-2017• Deans and Presidents Lists at WVU• Founding member of Potomac State’s
Rotaract Club• Outstanding Sports Writer Award at
Potomac State College in 2014• Outstanding Journalism Senior in the
Reed College of Media in 2016
Skills• Editing and Copyrighting• Written and Verbal Communication• Time Management• Scheduling • Self-Motivated• Ambitious• Attentive
EXPERIENCE
24
Tyler Mitchell
Club Sports Intern (August 2017-Present)West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV • Coordinated schedule planning • Implemented IM Leagues as a new registration site • Managed rosters for over 50 club sports teams • Oversaw practices and games
Athletic Development Intern (August 2016-May2017)University of Toledo, Toledo, OH • Organized reverse fundraising raffle for University of Toledo Athletic Department • Led a group of interns in a fast-paced environment of football games • Handled confidential donor information • Solved problems quickly and efficiently on game days
630-457-8905
Winfield, IL
Honors And Activities• Dean’s List• President’s List • President of Model United Nations
Skills• Microsoft Office• TicketReturn• Tableau• Social Media• Public Speaking• Event Coordination
EXPERIENCE
B.B.A in FinanceMinor in Accounting
University of Toledo , Class of 2017Cum Laude
25
B.B.A in FinanceMinor in Accounting
University of Toledo , Class of 2017Cum Laude
Athletic Communcation Graduate Assistant, (July 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Serve as primary media contact for WVU cross country, track and field and men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams • Write press releases and feature stories to help promote student-athletes and the programs they participate in • Write, edit and organize each program’s yearly media guides • Manage social media accounts, posting stories, graphics and other material to help promote each program and interact with the WVU fan base • Assist with game day operations for a variety of WVU athletic programs, including football and men’s basketball • Assist in weekly press conferences by transcribing quotes of coaches and student-athletes • Assist in writing and editing weekly football game notes as well as notes for several other athletic programs • Interact with the Big 12 Conference and multiple national entities throughout weekly and yearly award nominations
Sports Writer, (February2015 - June 2017)The Independent, Massillon, OH • Wrote game stories, previews, features and other content for daily newspaper • Covered a variety of local high schools’ athletic programs • Contributed to popular high school football website FridayNightOhio.com by creating print and video content and editing pages
Sports Writer, (July 2014-February 2015)The Times West Virginian, Fairmont, W.V. • Wrote feature stories, game stories, previews and columns for daily newspaper • Covered area high schools, as well as certain Fairmont State University athletics • Assisted in page layout and photography Communications Intern, (May- August 2013)Pitssburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh, PA. • Assisted in game day prep, press conferences and press box set-up during 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs • Wrote and edited press releases and media guide materials • Developed player bios for use during rookie development camp • Assisted in researching historical items for team’s archives
330-933-2084
Canton, OH
Honors And Activities• 2016 Associated Press Media Editors’
Best Sports Feature Writer (first place)• 2015, 2016 APME’s Best Daily Sports
Section (first place)• 2016 GateHouse Media Sports Writer
of the Year (second place)• 2014 WV Press Association’s Best
Sports Columnist (third place)• Member of CoSIDA• Provided play-by-play coverage of
multiple WVU athletic events for the University’s official athletics website during undergrad at WVU
Skills• Writing• Copy Editing• Communication• Broadcastin• Social Media• Audio Editing (Adobe Audition,
ProTools, Audacity)• Video Editing (FinalCut)• Adobe InDesign• Adobe Photoshop• Microsoft Office
Joseph MitchinB.S. in Journalism
Minor in Communication Studies West Virginia University, Class of 2014
EXPERIENCE
26
Football Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant, (June 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Instructional Assistant for 9 student-athletes • Assist in day-to-day operations of academic advising center • Manage Student-Athletes’ daily schedules • Provide academic skill instruction to assigned student-athletes • Oversee evening study-hall and tutoring sessions • Create student-athlete class schedule for the following semester through WVU DegreeWorks • Prepare daily and weekly summary reports of assigned student-athletes
Assistant Program Supervisor, (January 2016- May 2017)Marietta College Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, Marietta, OH • Oversaw Intramural Sports Program • Created tournament and league schedules • Managed captain meetings to discuss game rules • Communicated with teams through the message center on www.imleagues.com • Input game statistics on www.imleagues.com • Distributed responsibilities to officials and score keepers for equipment set up
Community Relations and Game Day Operations Intern, (May 2016 - September 2016)West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Managed donations to local organizations and charities • Oversaw community service events for the baseball players • Communicated with host families and adoptive families via email, text message, and phone calls regarding player interaction • Assisted with daily office tasks: delivered tickets, sent emails, answered phone calls, and made post office runs • Organized and counted merchandise inventory for team store • Created schedule for game day staff for home games • Checked on game day staff during games and filled in positions when short staffed • Assisted with stadium set-up
Sports Camp Counselor, (June 2015 - August 2015)Board of Parks and Recreation Center, Morgantown, WV • Supervised 25-30 campers each day over the duration of 9 weeks during the summer months • Lead the campers through chants and songs • Helped instruct 7 different sporting activities including basketball, football, baseball, golf, out door adventures, strength and conditioning, soccer
304-276-5266
Morgantown, West Virginia
Honors And Activities• WVU Graduate Sport Management
Member• Marietta College Dean’s High Honor
List• Marietta College Sports Business
Association• Tau Pi Phi Honorary Society
Skills• Adobe Illustrator• ScriptPro• Leadership• Interpersonal• Time Management
Emily SabatinoB.A. in Sport Management
Marietta College, Class of 2017
EXPERIENCE
27
Hospitality Ambassador, (May 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletic Hospitality/ Colonnade Group, Morgantown, WV • Providing direction and information to patrons and guests in the Upper West Suites (located in the Press Box), including the Athletic Director’s suite at Mountaineer Field • Verifying the suites are presentable and ready during WVU football games for the suite holder’s enjoyment • Taking notes on the effectiveness of event operations within the Upper West Suites to improve to the game day experience for patrons
Community Relations Intern, (August 2017 - Present) West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Organizing and distributing donation requests for local charities • Working independently and with Assistant General Manager to organize community outreach events designed to increase visibility within the community during the off-season • Working with marketing to promote team charity events throughout the Greater Morgantown Area • Appearing at community events as a representative for the team with the Black Bears mascots
Freelance Contract Drafting (April 2016 – Current)Self-Employed/ Contracted, Morgantown, WV • Drafting and editing various legal contracts and documents for the local population, including vendor’s agreements, employee contracts and handbooks, and lease agreements • Performing thorough independent legal research through WestLaw and LexisNexis to ensure every document is written in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations • Negotiating terms and duties among clients to their ultimate satisfaction
Contract Attorney/Legal Research, (December 2015 – March 2016)Solvaire Technologies, LP, Pittsburgh, PA • Collaborating with a team of attorneys to complete discovery for one specific case involving small market media firms and a nationally recognized telecommunications company • Analyzing various legal agreements as part of the law firm of Babst Calland for to improve their efficiency in negotiations • Working as a supervisor to correct others’ work in capturing relevant data for personalized Microsoft Access databases created for each client by the IT department • Creating monthly progress reports for clients from the information collected to clarify and improve effectiveness in their negotiations
Legal Research/Legal Intern (September 2012 – September 2013)Angotti & Straface, PLLC, Morgantown, WV • Providing legal research, writing closed memorandums, researching supporting case law, and doing WV state statutory research for senior partner, Dave Straface
(304) 685-1171
Morgantown, WV
Honors And Activities• American Bar Association, Young
Lawyers Division • American Bar Association, Intellectual
Property and Labor/Employment Law Section
• American Bar Association, Entertainment and Sports Industry Forum
• Sports Lawyers Association • Golden Key International Honor
Society • Sigma Tau Delta, National English
Honorary
Skills• Microsoft Office Suite• WestLaw• LexisNexis• Intuit Quickbooks • Adobe Photoshop
Leighann SainatoB.A. in EnglishB.A. in History
minor in PhilosophyWest Virginia University, Class of 2009
Cum Laude
J.D. in Contract Law/ Business Transactions DraftingWest Virginia University, Class of 2015
EXPERIENCE
28
Cross Country/Track and Field Graduate Assistant, (May 2017- Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown WV • Organized the coaches and athlete schedules pertaining to meetings, travel, competitions, academics, and community service, using JumpForward and the NCAA Time Management Plan/CARA • Perform office work tasks and travel with the team during away meets • Directing the summer youth camps for WVU Cross Country and Track • Track and submit reimbursements including but not limited to those of travel expenses for coaches and team, equipment, occasional meals, and recruit visits. Professional Athlete, (2011 - Present)Mizuno USA (2011-2013), Saucony USA (2014-Present) • Train and run races at an elite level in international race fields • Appear and speak at schools, charity programs, and sponsorship promotions on topics of goal setting, overcoming adversity, health, and fitness. • Promote the brand by wearing products and promoting on media outlets.
Owner and Coach, (August 2016- Present)Clara’s Coaching Company, LLC, Morgantown, WV • Create individual training programs for clients in multiple geographical locations interested in improving their running and fitness. • Collect, record, and analyze training data using the online training log FinalSurge.com. • Strategize race plans based on training data, environmental, sociological factors, and goals of the clients.
Exercise Physiologist of Aquatics, (2009 - 2017)Healthworks, Morgantown, WV • Use of hands-on aquatic therapy techniques including, but not limited to: Bad Ragaz and Aqua-Stretch • Observing and instructing student volunteers and interns • Documentation of rehab programs and client forms. Intern, (2009 - 2010)Healthworks Rehab and Fitness, Aquatics Department, Morgantown, WV • Observing and demonstrating client’s rehab programs and exercises in the aquatic environment • Documentation of individual rehab programs • Practicing safety procedures and checking equipment in aquatic therapy rehab setting • Training in HIPPA and OSHA
304-685-0866
West Union, WV
Honors And Activities• Mid-Athletic Track and Field Athlete of the Year, 2009• 4x WVU All-American- Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track (2009-2010)• Special Guest of the Governor of West Virginia at the State of the State Address (2016)• Team USA Member for World Championships- Half Marathon (2013)• Ambassador for Kids of STEEL health education program through Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon non-profit (2014-2016)
Skills• JumpForward• Microsoft Office Suite• Social Media• Interpersonal Communication• Marketing• Project planning• Directing youth athletic camps• Fundraising• Crisis and Risk Management
Clara SantucciB.S. in Exercise Physiology
Emphasis in Aquatic TherapyWest Virginia University, Class of 2010
cum laude
EXPERIENCE
29
Gymnastics Director of Operations Graduate Assistant, (Summer2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Assists Head Coach, Associate Head Coach, and Assistant Coach with daily office tasks. • Sends recruiting letters and school information to club gyms and potential gymnastics student-athletes. • Writes quarterly WVU gymnastics alumni newsletter and 10.0 Club donor newsletter. • Engages with current and potential donors through alumni and donor outreach events • Coordinates judges’ travel and accommodations for meet days. • Schedules meal preparations for team travel with sport nutritionist. • Directs all meet day operations including student worker staffing, meals, facilities and judges. • Writes quarterly WVU gymnastics alumni newsletter and 10.0 Club donor newsletter. • Works administrative side of team summer camps. • Organized WVU Gymnastics Alumni weekend through social media promotion.
Football Recruiting Volunteer, (Summer 2016- Spring 2017)Virginia Tech Football, Blacksburg, VA • Assisted Recruiting Assistant and Director of Player Personnel with daily tasks. • Sent out recruiting paperwork and information to potential high school football players. • Collected and collated recruit evaluations submitted by coaching staff. • Worked with JumpForward, the NCAA recruiting and compliance software. • Assisted with High School Junior Day and Virginia Tech Spring Football Game. • Assisted with creation and organization of Football Student Internship program. • Created game day guides for Football Student Interns. • Provided logistical support on Game Day to visiting recruits including meals, credentials, tickets, and follow-up.
Student Program Assistant, (Summer 2016 - Summer 2017)Virgina Tech Office of Undergraduate Research and General Education, Blacksburg, VA • Created social media plan for implementation of new general education system. • Utilized photography skills to build library of images for current and future use. • Set up and managed Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to promote new general education system that will be implemented in Fall 2018. • Managed official Virginia Tech Snapchat for summer undergraduate research symposium and reached over 3,000 views. • Published an article in Virginia Tech News highlighting an undergraduate researcher. (https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/07/uged-wenricksummerresearch.html) • Set up and managed Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to promote new general education system that will be implemented in Fall 2018.
540-357-5686
Radford, VA
Honors And Activities• Alpha Phi Sorority Chaplian (2015-2016)• Student Reporter, ESPNU Campus
Connection • Summer News Editor, Collegiate Times
(Virginia Tech)
Skills• Athletic Administration• Social Media• Branding/Media• Adobe Photoshop• Print Media
Caleigh ShafferB.A. in Communications
Virginia Tech, Class of 2017
EXPERIENCE
30
31
Business Office Accounting Intern, (January 2018- Present )West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Maintain financial records relating to ticket office, team store, and sponsorship sales • Record all business purchases for office expenses in excel spreadsheets • Responsible for transporting significant sums of money for bank deposits and team store
Marketing Intern, (December 2017– Present )West Virginia University Athletic Department, Morgantown, WV • Initiated marketing of West Virginia University athletics including men’s and women’s basketball • Performed in-game promotions for sponsorship activations with fans • Facilitate fan experience with game programs, team schedules, and poster giveaways
Game Day Operations Intern, (February 2015- April 2015)Baltimore Blast Professional Men’s Indoor Soccer , Baltimore, MD • Prepared arena for patrons to enjoy the unique experience a professional sporting event • Operated the Fun Fest where children had the ability to simulate being a professional player star for prizes • Offered professional quality customer service for passionate fans of professional soccer
Marketing and Ticket Operations Intern, (September 2014 - February 2015)Washington Spirit Professional Women’s Soccer Team, Germantown, MD • Marketed ticket plans for the season at World Cup Qualifying matches • Conducted player appearance events to promote and grow professional women’s soccer
Program Associate, (September 2016 - May 2017)University of Maryland Department of Athletics, College Park, MD • Managed academic services office for student athletes • Wrote operational reports for superiors to better serve the student athletes • Supervised tutors under NCAA guidelines
Youth Sports Program Coordinator, (August 2013 - August 2017 )Prince George’s County Government, Largo, MD • Developed sports orientated reading program for boys • Assisted with the Washington Redskins for their back to school night • Led a community outreach event with Maryland Bluecrabs Independent Baseball team
Skills• Proficient in Spanish• Oral Communication • Written Communciation
Honors and Activities• Member of Davidson College Men’s
Soccer Team (2007,2008,2009)• 2017 Prince George’s County
Business Partner of the Year • Sarah Allen Mae Food Bank Driver for
AME Metropolitan Church• Project featured in the New York
Times and Jimmy Kimmel
301-267-8329
Bowie, MD
Mauricio Simms IIB.A. in Philosophy
University of Maryland Baltimore County , Class of 2013
EXPERIENCE
31
Business Office Accounting Intern, (January 2018- Present )West Virginia Black Bears, Granville, WV • Maintain financial records relating to ticket office, team store, and sponsorship sales • Record all business purchases for office expenses in excel spreadsheets • Responsible for transporting significant sums of money for bank deposits and team store
Marketing Intern, (December 2017– Present )West Virginia University Athletic Department, Morgantown, WV • Initiated marketing of West Virginia University athletics including men’s and women’s basketball • Performed in-game promotions for sponsorship activations with fans • Facilitate fan experience with game programs, team schedules, and poster giveaways
Game Day Operations Intern, (February 2015- April 2015)Baltimore Blast Professional Men’s Indoor Soccer , Baltimore, MD • Prepared arena for patrons to enjoy the unique experience a professional sporting event • Operated the Fun Fest where children had the ability to simulate being a professional player star for prizes • Offered professional quality customer service for passionate fans of professional soccer
Marketing and Ticket Operations Intern, (September 2014 - February 2015)Washington Spirit Professional Women’s Soccer Team, Germantown, MD • Marketed ticket plans for the season at World Cup Qualifying matches • Conducted player appearance events to promote and grow professional women’s soccer
Program Associate, (September 2016 - May 2017)University of Maryland Department of Athletics, College Park, MD • Managed academic services office for student athletes • Wrote operational reports for superiors to better serve the student athletes • Supervised tutors under NCAA guidelines
Youth Sports Program Coordinator, (August 2013 - August 2017 )Prince George’s County Government, Largo, MD • Developed sports orientated reading program for boys • Assisted with the Washington Redskins for their back to school night • Led a community outreach event with Maryland Bluecrabs Independent Baseball team
Football Gameday Operations Intern, (2017- Present)Mountaineer Athletic Club Varsity Club, Morgantown, WV • Attend pregame hospitality tent to assist with guest entrances and event cleanliness • Interact with attendees when possible to ensure positive guest experience • Assist with final teardown of tables and food cleanup as attendees exit to attend game
Head Athletics Intern, (2016-2017)Clay-Battelle High School, Blacksville, WV • Organization and filing of athlete eligibility information, scheduling/coordination of gameday volunteers, ticket sales, securing payment of officials and department debts, game scheduling • Managed event operations including network computers, visiting team hosting, and 8 different sport equipment setups
Soccer & Golf Game Operations Intern, (2015)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Assist golf tournament communications director with live-scoring reports, athlete transportation, and coach updates • Ensure visiting soccer team safely accesses locker rooms and field facilities and promptly handle any issues for them • Maintain pace of play working with referees and players in-game by retrieving balls and servicing them if necessary Student Recreation Center Student Worker, (2013-2015)West Virginia University Student Recreation Center, Morgantown, WV • Provide patrons with rental towels and sporting equipment under agreed guidelines • Launder rented towels and patrons workout clothing • Maintain organized equipment cage for SRC use and intramural department storage • Promptly answer and provide remedies for patron complaints or issues relating to equipment or other services
304-212-8440
Core, WV
Skills• Event Planning• Time Management• Leadership• Social Media Management• Microsoft Office Suite• Communication• Customer Service• Event Operations• Business Operations
Dylan SineB.S. in Sport Management
Minors in Business Administration and Communication Studies West Virginia University, Class of 2017
Summa Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
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Honors and Activities• Sport Management Club; President
(2015-2017); Social Media Coordina-tor/Secretary (2014- 2015)
• President’s and Dean’s List Academic Honoree
• Undergraduate Major of the Year (2017)
• Co-organizer CPASS Career Day (2014-2016)
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Compliance Graduate Assistant, (July 2016 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Oversee all incoming athletic department donation and memorabilia requests • Assist with monitoring of official and unofficial visits, recruiting logs, camps, clinics, and complimentary admissions • Provide rules education material to student-athletes • Assist with day-to-day operations of Compliance Office, including initial eligibility & financial aid
Compliance Intern, (March 2015 - July 2016)Rutgers University Athletics, New Brunswick, NJ • Monitored monthly recruiting logs for all coaches, including both contact/evaluation logs and telephone logs • Assisted with tracking student-athlete financial aid, including creating Big Ten tenders of financial aid, monitoring outside scholarships, and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations • Designed JumpForward video tutorials for coaches and student-athletes • Assisted with monitoring unofficial visits and occasional meals • Used JumpForward to input staff and student-athlete information, implement complimentary admissions process, and assist coaches and staff with questions
Men’s Varsity Basketball Team Student-Manager, (October 2012 - March 2015)Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ • Managed and assist men’s basketball players and staff during practices, game days, and special events • Assisted staff in various office projects including recruiting letters and using Microsoft Word and Excel • Filmed practices and games • Assisted staff in analyzing and breaking down opponent’s game film • Assisted video coordinator in organizing and executing film exchange with other schools
Edison, NJ
908-783-1344
Honors and Activities• 7-time Dean’s List Recipient• Edison Township Knights of Columbus
#4885 • Knights of Columbus Softball Team• Rutgers Riot Squad• Rutgers Intramural Flag Football
Champion
Skills• JumpForward• LSDBi• Compliance Assistant (CA)• Microsoft Office Applications • Adobe
Matthew SuydamB.S. in Exercise Science and Sport Studies
Concentration in Sport ManagementRutgers University, Class of 2016
Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
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Football Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant, (June 2017 - Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Instructional Assistant for 9 at-risk student-athletes • Tracks and maintains NCAA eligibility and progress towards degree • Develops and manages student-athletes daily schedule • Schedules and oversees evening study-hall and tutoring sessions
Assistant Director of Marketing and Sales, (May 2016 – March 2017)Ohio University Athletics, Athens, OH • Generated in excess of $50,000 in annual fund donations • Set Football season ticket revenue record that saw a 4% and $30,000 increase from 2015 • Set Men’s Basketball all-time season ticket record, increasing season ticket sales by over 4% • Ranked 1st in season ticket sales on staff that set the record of 8,105 season tickets sold • Managed over 250 accounts and sold $30,979 in season tickets for 2016 football season • Responsible for marketing and group sales in Marietta, OH, and Parkersburg, WV, that yielded $41,115 in group sales • Ranked 1st in basketball season ticket sales with over $50,000 • Primary for Woman’s Soccer and Wrestling marketing initiatives • Developed and executed Soccer and Wrestling marketing plan for 2016-2017 seasons
Compliance Intern, (Summer 2015)The Pennsylvania State University Athletics, University Park, PA • Updated the 2015 Rosters for 29 varsity teams using JumpForward and Compliance Assistance software programs • Modified Summary of NCAA Rules PDF form on JumpForward • Updated recruiting calendars for 29 varsity teams using PDF • Updated National Letter of Intent Signing Dates and Dead Period document
Athletic Development Intern, (Summer 2014)The University at Buffalo Athletics, Buffalo, NY • Created new benefits chart for football donors • Attended alumni event to build contacts • Created potential business donor list • Compared 2013 donors to 2014 donors by number and by state
814-404-8061
State College, PA
Josh WeaklandB.S. in Sport ManagementMinor in Business Administration
Slippery Rock University, Class of 2016Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
Skills• Adobe Photoshop• Paciolan• Sales• Marketing• Time Management• Microsoft Office Suite
Honors And Activities• Quarterback and placekick holder
for Slippery Rock University’s varsity football team (2012-2015)
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Football Operations Graduate Assistant, (May 2017- Present)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Liaison to the WVU Mountaineer Athletic Club • Coordinate daily football operations – report to Director of Football Operations, Associate Athletic Director &Coaching Staff • Manage coordination of player living and housing • Assist in daily operations for football strength staff • Support recruiting department with recruiting visits and camps • Active in daily player academic efforts
Donor Relations and Annual Fund Intern, (January 2017- Present)WVU Foundation - Mountaineer Athletic Club, Morgantown, WV • Liaison to WVU Football • Report to Associate Athletic Director for Capital Campaigns • Conduct fundraising and development research for capital campaigns and potential donors • Set up and operation of MAC events • Coordinate daily MAC operation
Football Student Manager - Quarterbacks, (January 2014—May 2017)West Virginia University Athletics, Morgantown, WV • Aided Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator in offensive play calling (2016 season) • Set up & contribute to management of quarterback and offensive practice • Lead and coordinate daily equipment room operations Equipment Intern, (June 2012)Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati, OH • Contributed and directed daily equipment room operations • Organized setup for offensive practice drills– Quarterbacks & Wide Receivers
513-519-8599
Skills• Microsoft Office Suite• Paciolan Ticketing Software System• Jump Forward Campus Information
Systems• Football Equipment Maintenance• DVSport Software
Morgantown, WV
Honors And Activities• Phi Sigma Theta National Honors
Society• West Virginia University Society
of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• WVU Football Manager Scholarship, Recipient
• Dean’s List• WVU College of B&E Undergraduate
Compensation Consulting Competition, First Place
Chandler ZuliaB.S. in Business Administration
Emphasis in Human ResourcesMinor in Sports Communication
West Virginia University, Class of 2017
EXPERIENCE
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AlumniSpotlight
Tell us about yourself
I grew up a proud and passionate Mountaineer in Morgantown. Graduated from WVU Business School with a bachelors in accounting (served as a work study student under Michael Fragale in the WVU Athletic Department). Immediately after graduation joined Ernst & Young in Raleigh, NC. Enjoyed experience at EY but wanted to follow my passion and chase a career in college athletics. Fortunately, WVU had one of the strong graduate programs in Sports Admin and I had two mentors in Michael Fragale and Craig Walker who were willing to provide an opportunity to learn and grow within the WVU Athletic Department. As I finished graduate school, Craig Walker played a key role in landing me an internship at the University of Kentucky, which was another quality learning experience. The relationships at UK, along with the relationships from WVU, helped me land my first full-time position in college athletics as the Assistant Business Manager at the University of Miami (FL). After two and a half years of learning and growing at ‘The U’, I was offered an opportunity to take on a leadership role as the Assistant AD at the University of Maryland. Spent almost seven years in College Park and Debbie Yow provided me an opportunity to advance to Senior Associate AD and expanded my leadership portfolio significantly. From Maryland, we moved to the University of Kentucky as Deputy AD. After 8 years at UK working closely with another great mentor, Mitch Barnhart, I was offered the AD position at the University of Oregon. Married to former Jane Mullens with two sons Cooper (13) and Tanner (11)
How did WVU help you prepare for a future in the sports industry?
WVU provides an outstanding education, but more importantly connected me to numerous outstanding mentors and friends. The relationships and support I received at WVU propelled me into a career in college athletics. Michael Fragale and Craig Walker went above and beyond in so many ways to help me get started, to prepare me for a career in college athletics and have always been a great resource.
What is something you have learned (whether that was during an internship, from a professor, from a class you took, during your current position, etc.) that helps you each day?
Again, the people were supportive, always available for advice and remained a trusted source for advice long after my days at WVU.
What advice do you have for those who want to get into the industry?
Follow your passion. At times, this industry takes patience, but the perseverance will provide great rewards. Without support from those above you, it will be difficult to progress in your current role or elsewhere.
ROB MULLENSM.S., Sport Management, 1993
Director of AthleticsUniversity of Oregon
Hometown: Morgantown, WV
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Tell us about yourself
I grew up a proud and passionate Mountaineer in Morgantown. Graduated from WVU Business School with a bachelors in accounting (served as a work study student under Michael Fragale in the WVU Athletic Department). Immediately after graduation joined Ernst & Young in Raleigh, NC. Enjoyed experience at EY but wanted to follow my passion and chase a career in college athletics. Fortunately, WVU had one of the strong graduate programs in Sports Admin and I had two mentors in Michael Fragale and Craig Walker who were willing to provide an opportunity to learn and grow within the WVU Athletic Department. As I finished graduate school, Craig Walker played a key role in landing me an internship at the University of Kentucky, which was another quality learning experience. The relationships at UK, along with the relationships from WVU, helped me land my first full-time position in college athletics as the Assistant Business Manager at the University of Miami (FL). After two and a half years of learning and growing at ‘The U’, I was offered an opportunity to take on a leadership role as the Assistant AD at the University of Maryland. Spent almost seven years in College Park and Debbie Yow provided me an opportunity to advance to Senior Associate AD and expanded my leadership portfolio significantly. From Maryland, we moved to the University of Kentucky as Deputy AD. After 8 years at UK working closely with another great mentor, Mitch Barnhart, I was offered the AD position at the University of Oregon. Married to former Jane Mullens with two sons Cooper (13) and Tanner (11)
How did WVU help you prepare for a future in the sports industry?
WVU provides an outstanding education, but more importantly connected me to numerous outstanding mentors and friends. The relationships and support I received at WVU propelled me into a career in college athletics. Michael Fragale and Craig Walker went above and beyond in so many ways to help me get started, to prepare me for a career in college athletics and have always been a great resource.
What is something you have learned (whether that was during an internship, from a professor, from a class you took, during your current position, etc.) that helps you each day?
Again, the people were supportive, always available for advice and remained a trusted source for advice long after my days at WVU.
What advice do you have for those who want to get into the industry?
Follow your passion. At times, this industry takes patience, but the perseverance will provide great rewards. Without support from those above you, it will be difficult to progress in your current role or elsewhere.
The College Football Playoff Executive Director, Bill Hancock, announced that Mullens will serve as the third chair of the CFP Selection Committee.
“We are delighted that Rob will be stepping into this role. He is an experienced committee member, extremely passionate about college football, detail-oriented and brings a high level of energy that is perfectly suited to chairing the committee.”
- Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff (CFP)
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Tell us about yourself I had no clue that I wanted to work in sports until summer 2014. I interned with Old Dominion University working as a media relations intern. I was a public relations major a who grew up a WVU fan, why not become a sports journalist? I learned so much about the sports industry in the short months I was with ODU Athletics. That’s when I knew I had to apply for graduate school if I wanted a career in college athletics.
While in undergrad, I was a development intern with the WVU Alumni Association, that lead to myself accepting a graduate assistantship after getting into the program. My years with the WVU Alumni Association, I found my passion for fundraising. Getting to work hands on with donors and alumni, not many students get to experience. Knowing how much impact donors have within a university and providing for certain programs, and that I get to be involved with the process of their contribution is the best factor of development.
Currently, I am at Western Kentucky University serving at the main contact for our 2,200+ donor base. I oversee day-to day operations of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation. Working and executing our annual fund, that raised over $1.6 million in 2017 increasing 28% from 2016. I manage our 1,000 person Harbaugh Club that is exclusive for our football season ticket holders, as well 16 Luxury Suites for basketball. I get to work directly with our athletic director on cultivation efforts, which as young professional is a rare opportunity.
How did WVU help you prepare for a future in the sports industry?
Professors and staff are the best resources, and they are the ones who supported me the most. I kept them in the loop of my job search, and they made phone calls on my behalf and helped me prepare for interviews. Having WVU on my resume was an instant conversation starter with every interview I had.
ABBY ROBERTSM.S., Sport Management, 2017
Assistant Director of Donor RelationsHilltopper Athletic Foundation Hometown: Yorktown, Virginia
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ALUMNISPOTLIGHT
What is something you have learned (whether that was during an internship, from a professor, from a class you took, during your current position, etc.) that helps you each day?
This is industry is always evolving and at a nonstop pace. It’s a business that most don’t understand until they work, breathe and live it everyday. I have learned you cannot sweat the small stuff. You are always wanting to satisfy your donors, fans and even coworkers. It took me time to realize that you have to do your job,excel at it, but not all will see it that way. Since graduating last May, I have grown tremendously in my career by learning from those here at WKU, my classmates who are now at other institutions and my from own mistakes. If you are not learning, you are just maintaining.
What advice do you have for those who want to get into the industry?
Reach out now! Start making connections immediately. If you are interested in a certain area, ask to volunteer and gain experience in that department. We will never reject those who want to work in our field. Everyone in college athletics is connected somehow or way, no matter the size. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to those in the industry.
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