Mastering the Field of Sport Management
Welcome to the the Sport Management Newsletter!
As we kick off 2025, the Sport Management Department at High Point University is primed for an exciting semester full of opportunities to learn, grow, and connect January sets the tone with visits from influential figures in the sports industry, offering students exclusive chances to gain valuable insights and advice
The Sport Management Association will begin the semester with impactful events, leadership initiatives, and networking opportunities to help students develop professionally and personally With new leadership in place, the association is ready to provide engaging experiences.
Women Leaders in Sport is ready to create a significant impact this semester, with a focus on empowering women, promoting diversity, and advancing leadership within the sports industry.
Whether you’re looking to connect with industry leaders, develop your skills, or get involved in hands-on experiences, this semester is set to provide everything you need to make your mark in the world of sports Keep an eye out for more updates and make sure you don’t miss out on the exciting opportunities ahead!
The Sport Management Department at High Point University looks forward to a semester of growth and success With a focus on professional development and hands-on learning, we’re excited for the opportunities ahead and confident 2025 will bring new milestones.
MSportanagement
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
Dallas Mavericks Externship
High Point University’s Sport Management students have the opportunity to learn from Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence. As a female CEO in the NBA, Marshall has redefined culture through her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making the Mavericks a model franchise Her leadership and emphasis on values-driven operations inspire students to aim high in their careers
This February, eight Sport Management students will travel to Dallas to shadow Marshall and gain insight into professional sports team operations From ticket sales and partnerships to digital content and player relations, students will experience the Mavericks' inner workings under Marshall’s mentorship A full recap will be featured in our next issue, highlighting how this opportunity equips students with tools to succeed in the competitive sports industry
Faculty Spotlight
Dr Koba, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at High Point University, plays a key role teaching sport finance, advising case study teams, and serving as faculty advisor for Rho Phi Lambda His experience helps students grow and prepare for successful careers. Dr. Koba is engaged in research contributing to the sports industry Recently, he had a textbook chapter published and an article titled "Show Her the Money: An Analysis of Funding Female Entrepreneurs in Sport" accepted for publication in the renowned Sports Innovation Journal
Guest Speaker Feature
Megan Hovey, a 2024 High Point University alumna, is the Associate Manager of Brands at Wasserman, managing clients' sports and entertainment partnerships With a major in Sports Media and a minor in Social Media Marketing from HPU, Hovey crafts activations and messages that score on and off the field. She will return later this semester as a guest on the Sport Management Insights podcast, engaging with students over lunch, Q&A sessions, and more Her visit offers an opportunity to learn from her career in brand marketing
Highlights and Events
scenes access to sports venues, and a new Executive Council to lead the way for the 2025 academic year, providing valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities
and connect with @hpusportmanagement on Instagram for meeting updates, event details, and more throughout this extraordinary semester
Introducing Women Leaders in Sport
Women Leaders in Sport is a premier organization focused on empowering and advancing women in the sports industry Their mission is to create a united community of women and allies at all levels, promoting diversity and equity in leadership while providing valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth in a competitive field
Led by a strong Executive Council of 9 leaders in sport, under the guidance of their advisor, Dr Slavov, they are gearing up for an exciting first semester full of opportunities Join for their season opener on January 29th at 7 pm in NQSC 232, it’s your chance to network, learn, and be part of the movement for change and leadership in the industry
dent of the Sport ssociation! A more who was honored as the 2024 Sport Management Freshman of the Year, Cafiso has proven himself to be a dedicated and driven leader His remarkable commitment to the program and consistent willingness to push beyond his comfort zone have set him apart Cafiso’s passion for personal and professional growth makes him an ideal leader, and we’re excited to see the significant contributions he will make as he leads the association forward!
“The Sport Management department at High Point University is like no other. From your first class with Dr Lukow, you learn that what you do outside the classroom matters just as much As a freshman, I competed in case study competitions, attended career fairs, toured professional facilities, built my network, and worked with HPU Athletics These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and have been invaluable Serving as President of the Sport Management Association is a role I aspired to as soon as I became involved My goal is to create opportunities that support professional development, mentorship, and career preparation, all while fostering a collaborative and social atmosphere for our members”
VnnyCafiso
December Review & January Playbook
Though January is typically a time for students to return from winter break and get back into the game, it’s still packed with exciting opportunities for High Point University sport management students One of the most highly anticipated events this month is the visit from Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence, scheduled for Thursday, January 30 Marshall’s impact in the NBA and her leadership in transforming the Mavericks will provide students with invaluable insights into organizational culture, diversity, and leadership
Students will have the chance to interact with her directly in sport management classes, enjoy an exclusive lunch, and attend an event on campus Marshall’s visit offers an opportunity to learn from one of the most prominent leaders in professional sports, gain valuable insights into leadership and innovation, and be inspired to take their own careers to new heights
Looking ahead, February promises to be an action-packed month for sport management students The Case Study Competition at the Applied Sport Management Association Conference will allow students to compete and showcase their skills in real-world sports challenges Attending offers the chance to put theory into practice, connect with industry professionals, and develop strategies for future careers With momentum building, this semester is shaping up to be a slam dunk for HPU’s sport management students, setting them up for success on and off the field!
If you have questions, ideas for the newsletter, or would like to nominate a student or alum for recognition, please reach out to Faith Anne Yeley at fyeley@highpoint edu Your contributions help celebrate achievements, highlight passions, and support one another Let’s begin 2025 strong and show what makes High Point University exceptional! Thank
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Cynt Marshall
Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sport Executive in Residence and former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, is a leader known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion Learn from her inspiring story and gain valuable insights into leadership in sports through Linkedin.
Megan Hovey
Megan Hovey, Associate Manager of Brands at Wasserman and 2024 HPU alumna, is excited to connect and share her insights into sports and brand marketing Network with her on LinkedIn for valuable advice and extraordinary opportunities in the industry!
Dr Tim Koba serves as the Director of the MA in Communication and Business Leadership program at HPU He oversees the program's development while serving as an Assistant Professor in Sport Management Connect on LinkedIn to learn more.
Vincent Cafiso
Vincent Cafiso, the incoming President of the Sport Management Association is a dedicated sophomore and 2024 Freshman of the Year Cafiso is ready to lead SMA to even greater success this year Reach out to him on LinkedIn for updates or any questions!
Dr. Tim Koba