Get ready to dive into the action-packed November edition of the Mastering the Field of Sport Management newsletter! This month, we’re excited to unveil the rebrand of the Sport Management podcast With a fresh look, it promises to deliver even more valuable content for students and professionals eager to stay ahead in the ever-evolving industry Alongside this, we’re thrilled to feature advice from Ryan McCabe, HPU alumnus and Manager of Business Development at the NBA, who shares practical career strategies and insider tips to help you navigate your path in sport management successfully. High Point University also welcomed Joe Ricciutti, President of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, as a guest speaker. His visit was a major highlight as he shared his journey in leading a top-tier Minor League Baseball organization and provided invaluable insights
Our student spotlight shines brightly on Tyler Cordery, whose exceptional dedication and achievements set a high standard within our program The newsletter also celebrates the impressive efforts of our case study teams, who recently represented the department at a prestigious competition, showcasing teamwork and problem-solving on a major stage We’re also proud to introduce a new feature in this edition: the Faculty Spotlight Dr Slavov takes center stage as our inaugural honoree, highlighting her expertise and significant contributions to both the field of sport management and our incredible department.
In this newsletter you can expect:
SMG Podcast
Alumni All-Stars
Guest Speaker Feature
Club Meetings
Student Spotlight
Case Study Trailblazers
Faculty Spotlight
Facility Friday Highlight
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
Alumni All Stars
Ryan McCabe, Manager of Business Development at the NBA, shared key insights for students pursuing careers in sports He stressed the importance of finding your passion, leveraging internships, and networking through mentors and the HPU Alumni network McCabe highlighted strong writing skills and proactive outreach to industry professionals as essential He encouraged students to be flexible, seize opportunities, and gain relevant experience McCabe also advised students to embrace continuous learning and adaptability, as the sports industry constantly evolves
Guest Speaker Feature
Joe Ricciutti, President of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, recently visited HPU, sharing his 30+ years of experience in sport management He met with the Professional Development in Sport Management class and held a Q&A with the Sport Management Association, offering valuable career insights. Ricciutti’s visit provided HPU students with real-world knowledge, networking opportunities, and advice from an industry veteran, enhancing their understanding of the diverse sport management field and helping them prepare for future careers in sport and event management.
entertainment industry leaders, students, and educators Competing against teams nationwide, both HPU teams showcased their skills, with one team earning second place y professionals and offering a wealth of networking opportunities The experience provided valuable insights, career guidance, and connections for all participants
Student Spotlight
This November, Tyler Cordery has truly been a standout in the game of Sport Management As a junior, he has maintained active involvement over the course of his time at High Point University Cordery shares insight and advice for those beginning their own professional journeys
"Over the course of my time with the High Point University Sport Management department, I have enjoyed every opportunity within the program From working on Exec as Treasurer and VP of Communications to the countless outside opportunities such as the Masters, Learfield, SMA’s Case Study Team, Dallas Mavericks externship, and the wonderful interactions with Dr Koba, I have enjoyed every second this program has offered Pressure makes diamonds, so let’s shine!"
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Slavov recently conducted a workshop titled "Enhancing Delivery and Outcomes of International Sport Management Education" at the European Association for Sport Management (EASM) conference in Paris. This workshop, developed from a think-tank conference sponsored by her doctoral alma mater, Texas A&M University, provided a platform for scholars to share expertise on designing education programs and addressing challenges
As part of the Sport Management Association’s exciting Facility Friday series, members had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with the Carolina Hurricanes The group toured the team’s facilities, gaining insights into the operations and management of a professional hockey team Members also connected with the Hurricanes' sales team, learning about the business side of the sport The day wrapped up with a game against the Ottawa Senators, where SMA members enjoyed the thrilling action firsthand, making it an unforgettable experience!
The timing of the conference aligned perfectly with the Paris 2024 Paralympics, offering her the opportunity to experience the city’s celebration of the games Dr Slavov described the workshop as “a tremendous honor to collaborate with global sport management scholars ” Her work underscores the value of innovation and partnership in advancing international sport management education We are proud to recognize Dr Slavov for her contributions!
Wake Forest Facilities
This month, the Sport Management Association had the exciting opportunity to visit Wake Forest Sports Properties for a special Facility Friday event Students were given an exclusive tour of their basketball and football facilities, offering an inside look at the operations and behind-thescenes work that goes into managing world-class programs It was an invaluable experience for our students, giving them a deeper understanding of the commitment involved in running top-tier athletic programs and the professionalism needed in the evolving sports industry.
November Review & December Playbook
As we wrap up the final newsletter of the semester, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress and achievements in the Sport Management department This month, we've had exciting developments like the rebrand of the Sport Management podcast, offering fresh and dynamic content that will keep students and professionals ahead of the game
Ryan McCabe, HPU alumnus and Manager of Business Development at the NBA, shared his winning career strategies, while Joe Ricciutti, President of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, hit it out of the park with his leadership insights Our student spotlight showcased Tyler Cordery, who continues to set the bar high, and our case study teams represented the department with great teamwork and skill at their recent competition We’re also proud to introduce the Faculty Spotlight, featuring Dr Slavov, whose contributions are shaping the future of the field
As we head into the final weeks of the Fall 2024 semester, we want to encourage all students to finish strong Just like in sports, the final quarter can make all the difference. We’re cheering you on as you tackle your exams and wrap up your projects Remain committed to your goals, and keep your eyes on the prize Every step you take now brings you closer to finishing the semester on a high note
We can’t wait to start another extraordinary year and continue to build on the success we have achieved together If you have questions or ideas for the newsletter, or if you'd like to nominate a student or alum for recognition, please reach out to Faith Anne Yeley at fyeley@highpoint edu Your input allows us to celebrate our achievements, highlight our shared passions, and support one another Good luck on exams, and remember: you’ve got this! Keep working hard and showing the world what makes our High Point University exceptional
Thank you for reading!
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Matthew Thompson
Matthew Thompson, Assistant Marketing Director at High Point University, drives fan engagement and promotes HPU Athletics To learn more about his journey into the dynamic world of HPU Athletics, connect with Matthew Thompson on LinkedIn
Joe Ricciutti
Joe Ricciutti is a sports and event management executive with 30+ years of experience, including various leadership roles with the Staten Island Yankees and Jersey Shore BlueClaws Connect with Joe on LinkedIn to network and explore opportunities
Ryan McCabe
Ryan McCabe is the Manager of Business Development, Marketing Partnerships, and Media Planning for the NBA An HPU alumnus, he plays a key role in shaping partnerships and media strategies Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his expertise
Tyler Cordery
Tyler Cordery, a Sport Management junior at High Point University, is always eager to share his energy and experiences Passionate about the industry, he is actively involved in making the most of every opportunity Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more
