Last month, the UConn Neag School of Education's Sports Management Program hosted the 8th Annual Sports Business Conference (SBC) in Laurel Hall at UConn Storrs. This student-run event focuses on providing professional opportunities to engage with sports industry professionals across diverse career paths through a day-long event that includes speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. I am putting
The morning of February 25th began with the keynote speaker Faith Celeste McCarthy ’17 (ED), ’18 MS, Associate Manager of Business Operations at ESPN. McCarthy was interviewed during a Q&A session by Neag School faculty member Daniel DeRosa, who is also an advisor to the SBC.
Mr. DeRosa began by recognizing Mr. McCarthy's honors, including the Donald Kinsman Award, a high honor within the Collegiate Athletic Association given annually to one female student and one male student who achieved universal success while attending college. explained.
Mr. McCarthy also shared with the audience his experience as a former student-athlete at UW and how he first became involved with the sports management program. “I met Dr. Laura Barton, and she just sold me on getting into sports management, and that was a real blessing,” McCarthy recalled.
After earning her bachelor's degree in sports management, McCarthy discussed shortening her two years of classes to nine months and pursuing a master's degree. Now, six years later, she has built her successful career at ESPN, managing business operations, strategy and experience for the development and innovation of her sports business.
McCarthy said she was unknowingly laying the foundation for her future when she attended espnW's Campus Conversations event while in college.
“It was an auditorium across the street,” she recalled. She will graduate and take a job at ESPNW, where she will work in the department, traveling the country and empowering female athletes. “It's great to be able to give back and be on the other side of what happened.”
As she immersed herself in her role at ESPN, she realized the value of inclusivity. It was about creating a culture where every voice matters and diversity is celebrated,” she said.
The importance of inclusion and diversity in fostering organizational success was a key theme of Mr. McCarthy's keynote address. She emphasized creating a space where diverse perspectives are valued and heard.
As the discussion drew to a close, McCarthy gave the students this valuable advice: “Sometimes the right question is better than the right answer.” Drawing on his own experience, McCarthy encouraged people to embrace uncertainty and approach challenges with an open mind.
“This is a great opportunity for graduates of the sports management program to interact with current students,” DeRosa said afterward. “They have an opportunity to give back in an impactful and tangible way.”
History of SBC
SBC was founded in 2016 with the purpose of connecting students with opportunities in the sports industry. Born from a group of passionate sports management students, the conference aimed to provide practical experience and connections and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The conference expands its content each year and brings together experts from a variety of sports industries. High-profile speakers from the Celtics, Patriots, ESPN, NBC Sports, and more have shared their insights and experiences over the years. SBC emphasizes hands-on experience, introducing new additions such as broadcast panels and professional organization recruitment tables. A low student-to-speaker ratio ensures meaningful interaction and networking opportunities.
“This conference provided a platform for students to explore different career paths in sports through workshops and mentorship sessions,” said Chloe Boulle ’24 (ED), SBC Chief Operating Officer. Ta. “This provided them with professional development and networking skills for their future careers.”
The conference provided a platform for students to explore different career paths in the sports field through workshops and mentorship sessions. This provided them with professional development and networking skills for their future careers. — Chloe Boulle '24 (ED)
“Behind the scenes, student planners gained valuable event management experience and shaped the direction and impact of the conference,” Bouhl said. “The inclusive nature of the conference, with its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, fostered a welcoming environment.”
“When I started three years ago, I decided to join SBC because I saw it as a great opportunity to build friendships, connections, and professional experience,” said Dale Erickson, CEO of SBC. '24 (ED) says. “This was an opportunity to channel my passion for sports in a way that I could showcase to students, professors, and professionals. Ultimately, I would like to pursue that.”
As the conference has grown over the years, it has become an important event for students, often leading to internships and job opportunities. Its impact extends throughout the university, drawing participants from a variety of disciplines.
“This event is important because it helps expand students' understanding of the sports industry,” DeRosa said. “Sport management is a very practical field, so I believe that providing the opportunity to speak with alumni and sports industry experts allows students to find their own path, which is very powerful. Masu.”
Conference founder comes full circle
Paul Wettemann '18 (ED) '20 MS, UConn's director of men's basketball operations, was part of the first group of ambitious students who planned to change the landscape of academia forever.
“During my freshman year of college, my friends and I were involved in the Sports Business Association and had heard about the top sports business conferences being held throughout the Northeast,” he said.
UConn needed an event like that. Armed with passion and a desire to enhance the professional development of their peers, they set out to organize the inaugural UConn Sports Business Conference. From keynote speakers to workshops and networking sessions, students have meticulously planned every detail to provide attendees with an innovative experience.
In the first year, we welcomed 130 students. Although several years have passed, the spirit of SBC continues. As an alumnus, Wetteman will return as a speaker and student mentor. For him, it's a full-circle moment, a chance to give back to the program that shaped his career and fostered lifelong friendships.
“It wasn't just an incident; it was a testament to the program's unparalleled resources and the students' limitless potential,” he said. “Some of the brightest young professionals in the industry get their start at this event. Other schools in the Northeast hold annual events like this, and here he says no other school has had as much success as UConn. It's not there.”
For more information about the Neag School of Education's sports management program, visit sport.education.uconn.edu.
