ESU Sport Management Students Compete on National Stage
Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on February 27, 2025, No Comments
Two groups of students from East Stroudsburg University’s sport management program recently took their skills to the national stage, competing in a pair of competitions that tested their talent and showcased their potential.
Participating in the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) conference and the National Collegiate Sport Sales Competition also provided invaluable opportunities for networking, career advancement, and real-world application of concepts taught in the classroom.
The first competition took place at the COSMA conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Jan. 29-31, where a group of four sport management students faced off against 10 other teams in the “Case Study Cup.”
The team – Jessica Harpel, a graduate student studying management and leadership in sport business from West Chester, Pa; Nathaniel Gonzalez, a graduate student studying sport administration from Mount Pocono, Pa.; Jordan Valenti, a junior studying sport management from Jefferson Township, Pa.; and Charlotte Simon, a junior studying sport management from Germany – presented a case study on “Cultivating and Engaging Fans via Affinity Clubs.”
The group made the presentation to professionals from the Foley Entertainment Group, the organization behind the Las Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas Knight Hawks, and AFC Bournemouth, applying strategic thinking and presentation skills.
In addition to the student competition, sport management faculty members Jaedeock Lee, Ph.D., professor of sport management and chair of the sport management department; Xiaochen Zhou, Ph.D., assistant professor of sport management; Edward J. Arner, Ed.D., assistant professor of sport management; and Kyle Brannigan, Ph.D., assistant professor of sport management; presented their work on “Meeting the Shift: Experiential Learning as a Response to Enrollment and Occupational Demands in Higher Education.”
The group highlighted experiential learning projects used at ESU, illustrating how these initiatives help students prepare for the sport industry job market.
Meanwhile, another group of sport management students brought their skillsets to the National Collegiate Sport Sales Competition, hosted by Baylor University and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, from Jan. 22-23.
Promoted as a career launchpad for aspiring sports professionals, the annual event featured over 60 major sports organizations and more than 100 industry professionals seeking top talent for full-time positions and internships.
The competition featured sales role-playing scenarios where students pitched to industry professionals, simulating real-world sales environments.
Representing ESU were Benjamin Weber, a graduate student studying sport administration from Camp Hill, Pa.; Dylan Williams, a graduate student studying management and leadership in sport business from Lansford, Pa.; Justin Hill, a senior studying sport management from Salem, N.J.; Samantha Young, a senior studying sport management from Sayville, N.Y.; and George Kataw, a senior studying sport management from East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Learn more about the sport management program.
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