As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumnus Matt Ouimette (Sport Management, 2012).

As an incoming freshman to the University of Connecticut, I knew I wanted to get involved with the athletic department. While I was still in high school I emailed a former classmate working in athletics in the hopes of obtaining a position. After a few emails back and forth I found a home in the football equipment room- not what I had hoped for but I graciously accepted. Soon thereafter I was asked to fill a vacancy as a video assistant to the men’s basketball program. What started as a simple email resulted in working over 100 UConn basketball games all over the country.

Lesson 1: Maintain and utilize connections.

My position as video assistant required me to work home games and the occasional practice. Instead of limiting myself to the required duties, I tried to get as involved as possible. I attended as many practices as I could, assisted team managers when needed and completed each task I was given quickly and effectively. Due to my commitment I was given more responsibilities and was fortunate enough to work events such as the 2010 Preseason NIT, 2011 Maui Invitational and the now historic 2011 Big East Tournament.

Lesson 2: Take pride in your work no matter how small the task may be.

In the excitement following our victory over Louisville to take the Big East crown and complete “5 Games in 5 Days” I was approached by a stranger. He told me UConn had forgot to cut down the second net and the MSG staff were about to remove the basket. He provided me a ladder in exchange for a piece of net. Unbeknownst to me, the man was the CEO of the software company I had used the previous four years at UConn. He offered me an internship on the spot.

Three months later I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the sidelines of Heinz Field testing Still Shot equipment for NFL use. Through the course of my internship I was exposed to numerous NFL, NBA and NCAA clients, creating valuable relationships in the process. I was also able to test instant replay software that was eventually adopted for the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament.

Lesson 3: Network! Not just a simple exchange of contact information but tell your story and detail where you want to be. You may just find yourself in the right place at the right time!

During my sports career I have worked over 200 NCAA basketball, NCAA football, FCS football and NFL games from Connecticut to Hawaii- and it all started with an email.

Matt Ouimette
SMP Class of 2012

As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumnus Fernando Carrasquillo (Sport Management, 2013).

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I looked up to my grandfather, Jose Julian Alvarez, as he was involved in sports ever since I was young. He was heavily involved in developing the Little Leagues, knew many of Puerto Rico’s top athletes and was the Secretary General for the Puerto Rico Olympic. Trying to follow in his footsteps, I decided at a young age to study Sport Management at a school in the USA, and was blessed to have been given the opportunity to fulfill my dream starting at UConn.

I knew that working in sports was really competitive, so I did my best to getting as much experience as possible to continue in this journey, both during the semester and over the summers. During the four year stretch I worked for the UConn Men’s Soccer team and Athletic Marketing, the Central American & Caribbean Regional Games, renowned baseball agent Melvin Roman and Puerto Rico Islanders Football Club. During the winter break of 2012-2013, I formed part of a mission trip with Varsity Catholic, a subdivision of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), which focuses on combining sports and faith on college campuses around the nation. This mission trip set in Puerto Rico, and as a local I volunteered to serve as the bilingual leader for the trip, setting up volleyball and baseball clinics for underprivileged children in the “Barrios”. This last experience was the deal maker in determining to pursue a career in sports in the community outreach area. On my last semester, I heavily focused on obtaining that coveted internship required for graduation, applying to many opportunities but eventually being offered an opportunity to join the National Baseball Hall of Fame & the San Antonio Spurs. I thought I had to decide between the two but instead was blessed enough to have done both, first the Hall of Fame one and a week later, moving to San Antonio to work for who would eventually be the 2014 NBA Champions.

These experiences have been very special for me. First, the Hall of Fame one was a lifelong dream of mine to arrive at Cooperstown, NY and experience the Hall, but who knew that I would end up spending a summer working there! It was definitely a blessing to form part of the Hall of Fame team and able to share experiences with fellow baseball fans. Afterwards, working for the Community Responsibility Department at Spurs Sports & Entertainment was a great experience that just made me more passionate about serving the community and doing good to benefit those in need. Also, winning a championship ring as an intern isn’t bad either.

After spending a year in San Antonio, I worked my way into the Orlando Magic, as their Youth Foundation, in charge of the in-game fundraisers as well as contributing to all other fundraising events such as the Black Tie & Tennies Gala and Golf Tournament. The $1 million raised went to grants for Central Florida non-profits that benefit children.

These last three internships after graduation have been very valuable for me. Not only were they with prestigious organizations, but also it allowed me to garner the necessary 1-3 years of minimum experience for all those jobs out there in sports. I’ll be honest, I had a couple of interviews with a few sports teams, some going to the final round but did not end up going through. I wasn’t disappointed, as I relied on my faith to continue working hard and hopefully landing the job most fitting at this time. Therefore, I resorted to search for Community Relations opportunities more specifically within the non-profit field, and was granted an opportunity to serve the community of Central Florida. The doors opened up and I worked my way into my current role of Relay for Life Community Manager for the American Cancer Society in Winter Park, FL. Eventually I hope to work my way back into sports, but for the time being I’ll be focusing on helping out those in need, impacting the community and continue gaining experience that will prepare me for the dream job in sports soon enough.

A big piece of advice I have for current students is to be involved, and quickly get your foot in the door as soon as you enter UConn as a freshman. Also, be open to change; you might want to be a sports agent like I did when I went into the Sport Management program, but after different experiences you’ll realize your true passion is another, like Community Outreach for me. You might not get your dream job as soon as you graduate, but continue working hard and gaining experience and soon enough, you’ll land a job that will lead you in the right direction to your ideal career goal.

Fernando Carrasquillo
SMP Class of 2013