Sport Administration Alumni
Name: Angie Coats
Class: BS 2015; MS 2017
Job title: Marketing Assistant
Organization/Employer: University of Tennessee Athletics
Current City, State: Knoxville, Tennessee
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the sport administration program at UC?
"Undoubtedly the professors and their professional networks. Every single professor makes a genuine effort to help you land internships and eventually, full time positions. From their very diverse backgrounds, they collectively make up an impressive professional network to help get you started in an entry level position. Additionally, the real-world application of materials learned in class. To sit in a classroom and learn is one thing, to get out in the industry and put that knowledge into action is another. This program provided us the opportunity to get hands-on, real-world experience.”Replace with your text
Name: Keaton Davis
Class: 2016
Job Title: Game Operations Associate
Organization/Employer: San Antonio Spurs
Current City, State: San Antonio, TX
What is one piece of advice you have for students currently enrolled in the UCSPAD Program?
“One piece of advice I would give to students is to try and intern outside of the city if you can. This will broaden your network and help widen your job possibilities upon graduation.”
Name: Cedric Hatton
Class: 2016
Job Title: Assistant Director of Group Sales
Organization/Employer: Columbus Clippers
Current City, State: Columbus, Ohio
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“Requiring students to have practicum hours and actually work in the industry goes a long way. It allows you personally to gauge what you specifically want to do in the industry. In addition, it will help you stick out from the crowd when it's time to look for a job in our fast-growing industry. Having actual work experience and interning is the best thing to do if you're serious about working in sports.”
Name: Ethan Hibbard
Class: 2015
Job Title: Aquatic Coordinator
Organization/Employer: Northern Kentucky University
Current City, State: Cincinnati, Ohio
What previous work experiences did you have during your time as a UCSPAD student?
“I started with my practicum work in the UC athletic department, both with men's basketball and then with SASS (Student Athlete Support Services). My internship was in the ticket office with UC athletics. After graduation, I became the Aquatic Director at the Clippard Family YMCA in Colerain Township before moving to NKU to be the Aquatic Coordinator.”
Name: Daniel Cheraso
Class: 2015
Job Title: Account Executive
Organization/Employer: Cincinnati Cyclones
Current City, State: Cincinnati, Ohio
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“I think one of the cool things about the sport administration program at UC is that the professors try and incorporate as much real-life scenarios as possible. The program definitely set me up to succeed outside of college. I have also been in contact with many of my professors since I have graduated. They really are always there for you even once you have graduated from the program.”
Name: Zakary Bertram
Job Title: Director of Football Operations
Class: 2014
Organization/Employer: The University of Dayton
Current City, State: Dayton, Ohio
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“The most beneficial aspect of the Sport Administration program at UC is the networking aspect. The faculty does an outstanding job in the classroom, preparing students to be future leaders in the sport industry, but what sets the program apart from others is that the energy continues from the classroom to the job hunt. I always felt extremely aware of what opportunities surrounded me while I was at UC. The SSL Symposium is always something I looked forward to as a student (it is how I obtained my internship at Wright State University).
Name: Scott Krinsky
Class: 2014
Job Title: Director of Partnership Development
Organization/Employer: Kentucky Speedway
Current City, State: Cincinnati, Ohio
What is something you learned in UCSPAD program that you incorporate into your current job?
“Pretty much everything from my professional selling class. How to dress, what to present to clients, how to prospect, how to put a presentation together - I use it every day.”
Name: John Rose
Job Title: Ticket Operations Coordinator
Class: 2014
Organization/Employer: San Antonio Spurs
Current City, State: San Antonio, Texas
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“I think geographically the program has its benefits of having a good college athletic program, but also the close exposure of MLB, NFL, USL, and a top 10 tennis tournament in the world within the city.”
Name: Caylor Escalante
Class: 2013
Job Title: Promotional Events Manager
Organization/Employer: Cincinnati Reds
Current City, State: Cincinnati, Ohio
What are your primary responsibilities in your current job?
"I am the on-field producer for pregame ceremonies, in addition to assisting in the creation of daily production capsules, serving as a liaison between Hispanic players and the front office as it relates to business matters, coordinating volunteers for Redsfest, and overseeing and managing seasonal interns."
Name: Blaise Taggart
Class: 2013
Job Title: NFS Area Scout
Organization/Employer: Houston Texans
Current City, State: Houston, Texas
What is something you learned in UCSPAD program that you incorporate into your current job?
“Having passion for your job is huge. In this industry, you usually start out as an unpaid volunteer or making very little, and if you don't love what you do, it will be very hard for you to succeed and excel. It takes time, a lot of hard work, and crazy work hours to get where you want to go. Sports are great, and there are a lot of "sports fans" in the world that would love to work in this field...but working within the industry isn't easy or always fun. If it was easy, everyone would do it. That's a true statement for working in sports.”
Name: Austin Schaffer
Class: 2013
Job Title: Recruiting Associate; Football
Organization/Employer: Purdue University
Current City, State: West Lafayette, Indiana
What is one piece of advice you have for students currently enrolled in the UCSPAD Program?
“Get out and get involved as a volunteer! Don't sit in your dorm room if you want a job.”
Name: Joseph Mayer
Class: 2013
Job Title: Game Day Associate
Organization/Employer: IMG College at SIU-Edwardsville
Current City, State: Edwardsville, Illinois
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“The faculty in the sport administration department have a great background in the industry and really care about teaching the students how to succeed in a tough industry. They also help the students get their foot in the door and figure out what aspect of sports they really want to work in after graduation.”
Name: Derek Badt
Class: 2013
Job Title: Group Event Specialist
Organization/Employer: Cleveland Cavaliers
Current City, State: Cleveland, Ohio
What is one piece of advice you have for students currently enrolled in the UCSPAD Program?
“Start gaining experience early. You should always be reaching out and networking with area sports executives.”
Name: Nisha Jaga
Class: 2012
Job Title: Associate Director, Marketing & Branding
Organization/Employer: University of Cincinnati
Current City, State: Cincinnati, Ohio
What do you believe is the most beneficial aspect of the UCSPAD program?
“The connections you can make. Cincinnati is a great place with ample opportunity, not only through the University but throughout the city. Students need to take advantage of it. Even if it's being involved in a weekend event. Every addition on your resume helps. This program helps you get involved by presenting you with every opportunity to do so.”
Name: Katie Honigford
Class: 2012
Job Title: Premium Sales Manager
Organization/Employer: Columbus Crew SC
Current City, State: Columbus, Ohio
What is one piece of advice you have for students currently enrolled in the UCSPAD Program?
“Get as much experience in internships as possible.”
Name: Brian McLaughlin
Class: 2012
Job Title: Scouting Assistant
Organization/Employer: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current City, State: Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida
What is one piece of advice you have for students currently enrolled in the UCSPAD Program?
“Do not wait until you graduate to seek out experience. Get as much experience as you can in your desired field, more than just what the program requires for graduation. Work the connections you make in those experiences and talk about your career aspirations with professionals in your field. Ask them for advice on what to do to get started and what they would do if they were in your shoes.”Replace with your text