Alumni

Alumni SportPath: Fernando Carrasquillo – From UConn to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & the San Antonio Spurs

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Alumni SportPath: Fernando Carrasquillo – From UConn to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & the San Antonio Spurs

Fernando Carrasquillo (2013)

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

A Career in Sports Night – Fall 2015 Edition

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A Career in Sports Night | Oct. 19, 2015, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Register Now | UConn Center for Career Development and UConn Sport Management Alumni Community.

The UConn Center for Career Development, UConn Alumni Relations and the Sport Management Program are proud to host “A Career in Sports Night” on Monday, October 19th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will include professionals in the sports industry, alumni, staff, faculty and students.This event is for undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students only. An additional event will be held during the Spring Semester that will be open to all students.

With a strong Sport Management program here in the “Basketball Capital of the World,” our goal is to offer students valuable insights into the opportunities available in the sports industry. Students will have opportunities to network, obtain information related to their career field and create beneficial relationships that will help them as they get closer to graduation.

This event is free, but you must pre-register. For more information, please contact Nellie Schafer at 860.486.9227.

Sport Management Tailgate @ UConn vs. SFU on Oct. 17

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Sport Management Tailgate @ UConn vs. SFU on Oct. 17

Fall is here and there’s no better time to watch UConn Football at Rentschler Field!

Come join the UConn Sport Management Community at Rentschler Field as we warm up for the big Homecoming football game versus the University of South Florida on Saturday, October 17!

The game kicks off at high noon at Rentschler Field, so please join us any time from 9am in the parking lot – the Sport Management team will provide the food and festive atmosphere, so all you need to do is bring your friends and family (and drinks of your choice), and be ready to have a great time!

UConn Sport Management alumni, students, friends & family are all welcome!

Please RSVP to Nellie Schafer by October 16 so that the team can make sure we have all the supplies we need for the fiesta.

Go Huskies!

Summer 2015, Sport Management Alumni Engagement Efforts

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Summer 2015, Sport Management Alumni Engagement Efforts

In an effort to continue to grow the alumni base and strengthen relationships, the Sport Management program hosted two very successful events during the summer months.   These gatherings made up the second consecutive summer of alumni events held by the department throughout the Northeast.Sport management alumni event, hartford

Harnessing the momentum from last summer, this year’s events kicked off in New York City.  The first gathering, held on June 30, was attended by nearly thirty faculty, alumni and friends of the program.  Hors d’oeuvres and drinks were enjoyed by all in attendance.  Alumni from various professional backgrounds, including professional sport, collegiate athletics, marketing and development, networked while enjoying picturesque views of the New York City skyline.

A special thank you to alumnus Alex Friedman for graciously hosting the event.  Alex showed true UConn pride by generously opening his home to fellow Huskies for the evening.

The second, and most attended alumni event, took place on August 27 in Connecticut’s capital city.   Sport Management faculty, alumni, current students and friends of the program enjoyed the beautiful weather in downtown Hartford during an evening of networking.  The event also served as a welcome of sorts for the newest cohort of Sport Management master’s students. A great time was had by the over thirty-five people in attendance.

It is through face-to-face communication and enjoying each other’s company that the alumni base will continue to grow, which serves as a strong motivator when planning and hosting these events.  A diverse alumni network is a beneficial resource to all who have graduated from the elite program. It provides personal and professional advantages as well as a source of continued involvement with the university.

Future alumni events are in the works to continue to build on this summer’s efforts.  We encourage all alumni and friends of the program, to consider attending a future event – it promises to be a fun and productive way to spend a few hours.  We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions for future events and activities!  Please contact the UConn Sport Management Alumni coordination team for more information on this summer’s events or to share ideas.

 

sport management alumni event, hartford group shot 2015

UConn SMP Hartford Graduate Student/Alumni Networking Event

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UConn SMP Hartford Graduate Student/Alumni Networking Event

UConn’s Sport Management faculty, together with alumni, current/new graduate students and friends of the Sport Management Program, kicked off the 2015-2016 academic year with an evening networking event in downtown Hartford.

“Never underestimate the power of networking,” one alumni noted. “My first two jobs in the industry were a direct result of the relationships I had developed with people as a part of UConn’s Sport Management Program. You never know where a conversation may lead!”

It was a beautiful and warm evening, enjoyed by all who attended – many thanks to everyone who supported this event. Please contact sport-management-alumni@uconn.edu to be notified of future UConn SMP Alumni events.

For more information on the UConn Sport Management graduate programs, please click here for more information or contact the department head, Dr. Jennifer Bruening (jennifer.bruening@uconn.edu).

 

Welcome to the Neighborhood – New Sport Management Graduate Student Orientation

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Welcome to the Neighborhood – New Sport Management Graduate Student Orientation

Just a few days before the 2015-2016 academic year kicks off, UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) faculty, current students and alumni put on an orientation event for new graduate students who are entering the SMP this semester.

Who could better provide insight to what it’s really like to be in the program than current and former SMP students? The event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring Ashley Combs (UConn SMP Master’s 2014), Emmanuel Omokaro (UConn SMP BS 2011, Master’s 2012), Danny Buzzell (UConn SMP Master’s 2014), Nellie Schafer (UConn SMP 2nd year Master’s student) and Danielle Upham (UConn SMP 2nd year Master’s student).

The panel participants discussed the strategies and best practices they had developed throughout their time in the SMP, with themes of “make the most of your opportunities”, “the value of networking” and “challenge yourself” ranking high amongst the discussions. Each also shared how they went about deciding to write a thesis, organize a capstone project or internship and take the comprehensive SMP exam.

Faculty also presented to the new graduate students, focusing on how they expect them to approach the program, the ways that courses have been designed to provide engaging learning experiences, and strategies for developing their own unique plan of study with the guidance of their advisor.

For more information on the UConn Sport Management graduate programs, please click here for more information or contact the department head, Dr. Jennifer Bruening (jennifer.bruening@uconn.edu).

 

Alumni Focus: Alex Friedman – From UConn to WME | IMG

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Alumni “SportPath”: Alex Friedman – from UConn to WME | IMG

 

Every UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) alumni has followed a unique path into the sport industry. As a part of an ongoing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn 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 Alex Friedman (B.A. Sport Management, UConn 2008) shares a snapshot of his “SportPath” to working at WME | IMG with the UConn student community:

Alex Friedman (B.A. Sport Management, UConn 2008)

Currently, I work in Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development at WME | IMG in New York. I work directly with our Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Development with a concentrated focus on internal M&A deal sourcing efforts across WME | IMG divisions worldwide. Acting as a proactive, process driven resource for the group who continuously pushes to move things forward, I work to engage with the leaders of the business units to not only relay corporate M&A priorities, but also help with developing a targeting plan for the respective business unit. When we say targeting plan, this is with regards to prospecting companies/organizations/products that are out in the marketplace that WME | IMG would potentially want to acquire that fit well within a respective business of ours or enhance one of our existing product offerings.

Looking back to where it all started, I began my career at College Sports Television (CSTV) as an intern when I was a junior in high school and continued to work there over the course of five summers. It was a great place for me to start as I figured out what I liked and didn’t like working on and made tremendous connections which continue to remain value to me through the current day (my initial introduction to IMG was through one of my strongest connections at CSTV).

After my last summer at CSTV, my next venture was to Stockholm, Sweden to work for Sport Business Nordic (a small boutique talent marketing sport agency) between semesters during my Senior Year at UConn. It was a great experience for me, again to network, but also to see how business works internationally between different cultures (I would suggest this to every student should they have the opportunity as it makes them a more knowledgeable, well-rounded executive).

Following graduation from UConn, I headed out to Los Angeles, California to do an internship at William Morris Agency. This was my most meaningful experience to date. Working in the Hollywood agency culture was something that I had never experienced before and I really took to it. I knew working at an agency was something that I really wanted to pursue and reinforced the prior vision I had for myself. I met great network contacts and friends during my time there and came back to New York with personal confidence and momentum moving forward onto the next step of my career.

Luckily upon returning to the East Coast, the U.S. Business Development group at IMG was looking for an entry level employee to assist in supporting the team. Utilizing my strong connection(s) at CSTV, I was able to secure an interview and at the end of the process was fortunate enough to have been selected for the position. Timing and networking are everything in today’s world.

Following a year in USBD, I made a move over to IMG’s Fashion Division where I eventually created a role for myself working with our Vice Presidents to oversee the day-to-day operation of the division’s Global Business Affairs, including the internal monitoring of sales and sponsorship revenue across all IMG Fashion events globally and the full facilitation of contractual agreements on a worldwide basis (i.e. sponsorship agreements, designer agreements, etc.) Although I had been progressing well within my role in Fashion at IMG, upon the announcement that IMG was to be acquired by William Morris Endeavor in December of 2013, I knew something bigger was in store. Everything had come full circle… a sense of fate was in the air.

Having worked at both William Morris and IMG, I had a good grasp of how both types of firms operated and the scopes of their respective businesses… I had and continue to expand on an incredible internal executive network at a high level across both companies… Over the course of my time at IMG, I had worked across a number of different groups in a number of different capacities… I knew I had something to offer that was unique. I knew I could be of help to the firm in some capacity with regards to fostering the communication across divisions that senior management was looking to create. I knew I could be of tremendous value to the new organization. I approached IMG’s Human Resources department about the new prospective role I had envisioned, continued to run with it up the WME ladder and months later find myself in my current new position.

A final piece of advice for students – no one can sell yourself better than you can. Be confident in yourself, be confident in your story and GO FOR IT. Throughout every chapter of your story, be proactive, pay attention to the details, treat every single person you meet with respect and don’t be outworked. The results will come.

 

SMP Alumni Community Happy Hour in NYC

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SMP Alumni Community Happy Hour in NYC

New York area members of the UConn Sport Management Alumni Community gathered on June 30 for a happy hour event in New York City.

The event kicked off a summer of multiple alumni events for the program. Professionals from various sport management backgrounds and careers connected and networked while enjoying picturesque views of the New York City skyline.

Many thanks to all who attended, and a special thanks to alumnus Alex Friedman for graciously hosting the event!

For more information on upcoming UCONN Sport Management Alumni events please contact Jennifer Bruening (jennifer.bruening@uconn.edu).

 

UConn’s Sport Management Program Class of 2011 – Four Years On

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UConn’s SMP Class of 2011 – Four Years On

As the celebration quiets down for the Class of 2015, the UConn Sport Management Alumni Community takes a moment to check in with a group of its former graduates – this time, turning the clock four years back and focusing on the UConn Sport Management Program Class of 2011.

Are they continuing to pursue their sporting ambitions in a sports industry that is as competitive as it is diverse? If so, where are they now and what are they doing? Did their Sport Management degree from UConn help prepare them for the work they are doing? More importantly – are they enjoying it?

The answer from the Class of 2011 has been a resounding “Yes!”

  • Abe Colwell – Director of Adult Hockey at Ann Arbor Ice Cube (Ann Arbor, MI)
    • “The best part of my job is the freedom to make business/strategic decisions for the adult hockey program. I also like being able to connect with people over sports on a daily basis. I think the Sport Management internship requirements at UConn forced me to get hands-on industry experience as well as some great networking connections.”
  • Jason Cvercko – Director of Football Operations, Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)
    • “It’s the people that I met through the program, and who the program put me in contact with. In the Football world it’s not just who you know, but who knows you and will go to bat for you. It may seem hard now, but networking is key to success in any business – that is my biggest advice to anyone trying to get into football. Don’t be afraid to try and meet/learn from people in the industry, especially because UConn has a big Alumni base in the profession.”
  • Lauren Gunning – Assistant Lacrosse Coach, UConn (Storrs, CT)
    • “I love that I get to be at UConn every day and work for the athletic department that gave so much to me as a student athlete. I am able to create an environment for my student-athletes similar to one I was able to experience. I am able to use my passion for the university each day. Being able to relate to my student-athletes from an athletic and academic standpoint makes it fun and exciting to come to work everyday!”
  • Sara LaMont – Tulane University Law School Student, Contributor to “The Sports Lawyer” (New Orleans, LA)
  • Emily Mattson – Office Manager University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball (Norman, OK)
    • “The UConn sport management program introduced me to the many moving parts of the sport industry, and emphasized the importance of coordinating those parts effectively in order to have success in the field.”
  • Libby McCormick – Partner Services Coordinator at IMG College UConn (Hartford, CT)
  • Greg Mihailides – Admissions Counselor at 2U, Inc. for the MBA@UNC Program, UNC (Chapel Hill, NC)
    • “My academic training from UConn SPM helps me each and every day. In my job, I wear many hats, sales, marketing, customer service, project management, etc. Classes like Sport Marketing, Sports Law, and Sports Psychology provided me with great insight into many different fields and perspectives in the work place.”
  • Emmanuel Omokaro – Master Control Operator at ESPN (Bristol, CT)
  • Matt Sych – Manager, Sponsorship Consulting at Team Epic (Norwalk, CT)
    • “Our senior project was to develop a marketing plan to help the CT Whale (now the Hartford Wolfpack) increase ticket sales amongst college students. The entire process – from ideation to final client presentation – served as a great introduction to brand marketing. I love working with major sports properties such as the NFL and MLS, and helping drive sponsorship strategy for iconic brands like AT&T, Wells Fargo and FedEx. Free Super Bowl tickets are pretty great too….”
  • Jon Sazo – Assistant Football Coach, Stonehill College (Easton, MA)

Thank you to the Class of 2011 for sharing with the UConn Sport Management Alumni Community!

Sport Management Alum Marcus Easley Overcomes, Inspires

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Alumni Focus: Marcus Easley – Buffalo Bills’ Ed Block Courage Award winner

 

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Photo Courtesy of BuffaloBills.com

UConn Sport Management Alumnus Marcus Easley (Class of 2008) has seen his share of adversity on the road toward a career as a professional football player for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. But every time a roadblock has been put up, Marcus has remained focused, risen above, persevered, and in doing so, inspired countless others through his conduct both on and off the field.

Marcus has never taken anything for granted. Nor was he ever simply handed success. All of his achievements have been a result of hard work, patience and diligence. And on March 16, 2015, Marcus was honored for these qualities by his fellow teammates by being selected as the Buffalo Bills’ Ed Block Courage Award winner – a special award for NFL players who exemplify “a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage” and “symbolize professionalism, great strength, dedication and serve as a community role model for others.” (Click here for more information on the Ed Block Courage Award.)

Photo Courtesy of UConn/BuffaloBills.com
Photo Courtesy of BuffaloBills.com

The awards gala honored Marcus and 31 other NFL team representatives who were chosen by their peers for displaying courage both on and off the playing field. As highlighted on Buffalo Bills’ press release, “the award is named for Ed Block, the former Head Athletic Trainer of the Baltimore Colts from 1954 through 1977 and continued to serve the team until his death in 1983. Block, a WWII veteran, cared for his player’s physical health as well as for the well being of countless children. The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation promotes the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness of the epidemic and assisting agencies who provide for the care and treatment of abused children in communities throughout the National Football League (NFL).”

Marcus has on multiple occasions recovered from injuries, health issues and setbacks to become a highly respected member of the Bills special teams unit, facing down the NFL’s best defenders on a weekly basis. Off the field, he has been an inspiration to local Connecticut youth football players through hosting the annual E.A.S.Y. (Excellence, Achievement, Striving, Youthful) Summer Camp, giving back to the community from which he came.

UConn and the Sport Management Department are proud to count Marcus among its distinguished alumni, and thank him for being an inspiration to us all.

For more details on Marcus’ story, please see the Buffalo Bills’ article “Marcus Easley’s career anything but easy“.