On the ice and on the stage

Shannon Callihan (Class of 2015) is making a name for herself in two quite different arenas. Her primary career has her serving as director of operations for the Nashville Predators – a National Hockey League (NHL) team. During her tenure with the Predators, she has advanced quickly – starting as an office coordinator, then facility operations manager, and now as senior director of operations. Her time at MSU in the sport management program prepared her for those roles. As a student, she kept busy completing multiple on and off-campus internships, completing undergraduate research as a fellow, and serving in MSU’s athletics department.

Callihan’s NHL off-season gig also has her star rising. In addition to sports, she has always had an interest in music – minoring in the subject while at MSU. Living and working in the Music City only inspired her further and her musical talents have grown into more than just a hobby. Callihan has established herself as an up-and-coming pop/ soul/R&B singer and songwriter. She released her first album, “One Sided,” in 2021 and began touring during the hockey off-season. In addition to her solo endeavors, she is the guitarist for fellow artist, Maggie Rogers – an opportunity that led to her getting the chance to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in England in 2023.

Her early career successes led to Callihan being selected as the 2023 recipient of the MSU Alumni Association’s Rising Eagle award – a recognition given to graduates of the last 10 years who are showing early career accomplishments.

“I am so glad I did my undergraduate studies in sport management at MSU,” Callihan said. “The program prepared me in so many different areas within the sports industry and set me up for success entering the work field.”