Sunday, April 25, 2010

Meet the Class - Jessie


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Jessie Kalyn Gardner

Hometown: B-E-A-UTIFUL Sarasota, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: UCF, Interpersonal Communication

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Played soccer for UCF from 2004-2008 (don’t have much!)

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: GA for the Assistant Director for Student Services in Athletics

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: Besides the fact that it was one of the top programs in the nation, I knew it was where God wanted me to be, especially after I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Sutton, and Dr. Harrison. The “3 Wise Men” as we like to call them, exemplify the core values of this program inside and out. I couldn’t have made a better choice!

Future Career Ambitions: I hope to be an event coordinator/manager for a sports team or organization. However, after working in my graduate assistantship in UCF Athletics, I could also see myself working in athletics at a Division I institution as the Life Skills Coordinator or as the Director of Student Services.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why?
Tiger Woods – might as well play with the best, even in light of all that has happened - I am sure we would have plenty of good conversation on the course.
Muhammad Ali – I have always been fascinated with his confidence and charisma, let alone his incredible ability to be the best in boxing
Tony Dungy – He is by far one of my greatest role models, for his coaching philosophy and integrity as a person, understanding that he has the power to influence everyone he comes in contact with.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Meet The Class - Kristin


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Kristin Hurst

Hometown: Miami, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Florida International University- Business Administration & Recreation and Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Gulliver Schools Academy Campus Athletic Department Intern and Varsity Girls Soccer Assistant Coach; FIU Athletics Ticket Office Intern; Miami FC Marketing Intern; United States Olympic Committee F.L.A.M.E. (Finding Leaders among Minorities) Program participant

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: GA for the National Consortium of Academics and Sports, UCF Athletics Guest Services and the Orlando Magic Will Call Services

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: My main goal for the future is to always be linked to my passion and my passion is sports. The DeVos program allows me to do just that. As one of the top five programs in the nation, the DeVos program is led by an all-star cast of passionate driven directors, Drs Lapchick, Sutton and Harrison. This program encourages you to become a well-rounded individual by participating in community service. This program also allows me to diversify myself by obtaining two masters degrees.

Future Career Ambitions: I would like to work in college athletics or for the U.S. Olympic Committee. I am interested in the Events and Operations aspect of the business.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) whom would you choose and why?

Billie Jean King was an advocate for the women’s movement for equality in sports. Because of her resiliency and confidence, I was able to play soccer and make it all the way to the collegiate level.

Alonzo Mourning is my hero. I grew up watching him play for the Miami Heat and his ‘never quit’ attitude on and off the court inspired me to let nothing get in my way to reach success. He also used his status as an athlete to make a tremendous impact in the Miami community with his charity work.

Theirry Henry is my favorite soccer player. His finesse and speed on the field are the reasons why I fell in love with soccer.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Meet The Class - Vinay


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Vinay A. Shah

Hometown: Winter Haven, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Management Information Systems

Current G.A. or Internship/Job: Intern at Siemens

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The DeVos program was a place where I could see myself helping to change the sports industry for the better.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): Work for an IT department for a professional sports organization and then eventually start a consulting company to help with technical designs for stadiums.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why?
Tiger Woods – It would be fun to watch the greatest golf star and then have him teach me to play.
Joe Torre – The best manager in all of baseball. He was an inspiration and a great role model.
Tony Dungy – My favorite coach with the Bucs and a great man. I would just like to talk to him about his career and life.