BY: WALTER LEMBECK, NASHVILLE ‘20 PROGRAM PARTICIPANT & SPORT COMMUNICATIONs STUDENT AT BRADLEY UNIVERSITY
Living Sport is like one big family. We're all connected and all want to help each other succeed. One of the biggest lessons I have already taken away from my Living Sport experience is to utilize your network instead of just using. What does this mean? It is the mindset to not only seek what others can do for you but also recognizing and acting on what you can do for them as well. This creates the foundation for our strong Living Sport network. This should be the golden rule for business, not only in sports, but everywhere else as well.
With this new mindset, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight some Nashville ‘20 program participants through a blog while we are in Nashville on this sport business journey. It’s a win-win situation where I can utilize this platform to highlight a peer of mine within the program while brushing up on my blogging and interview skills. It also allows the Living Sport Alumni Network or possible organizations following our program to receive more information on some participants.
VANESA CRUZ | FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Vanesa Cruz hails from Miami, Florida, and studied marketing at Florida International University. She also comes from a lineage of over THREE HUNDRED, first generation grandchildren.
Vanesa’s path to sports is a unique one, she started out in health service administration, having come from a family in the medical field. While getting her bachelor’s degree she got an opportunity with the Miami Marlins in marketing. “They gave me so many opportunities to learn, grow, and just really be myself. Honestly, that’s what shifted me over to getting my masters in marketing,” Vanesa explained.
Since then Vanesa has developed a passion for marketing, “I really enjoy marketing in all aspects, not only in sports, but I definitely have a passion for sports.”
Vanesa’s time with the Marlins was an eye opening experience. Her focus was on the marketing side of the things, and shadowed different aspects of the industry as well. She saw the hard work everyone in the industry puts in, and it has motivated her to continue to learn.
“I feel like we never stop learning and the more you learn every day, the more you can continue to become better,” Vanesa said. Going forward she is keeping her options open, whether it be an entry level position or an internship, Vanesa is open to anything.
Further down the road Vanesa would love to be Vice President of marketing and promotions. As she stated earlier marketing is her passion, but believes it helps with more aspects in a company. “Marketing assists with the sales, for a company to really succeed you have to sell,” Vanesa explained.
Vanesa’s infectious enthusiasm for marketing and sports, will put her in a position to lead a marketing team in the future.
NICOLE TEKLITS | WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Next up comes an avid traveler, who wants to visit every national park, and two-time Living Sport program participant, Nicole Teklits.
Nicole finished up her undergrad in sport management at Kutztown University, and is now onto West Virginia University to get her master’s degree. At West Virginia, Nicole will be getting her master’s in integrated marketing with a special in public relations leadership.
Growing up Nicole played many different sports including: swimming, volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, and cheerleading. She also has a unique connection to Living Sport founder Alicia Marinelli. “I was actually a part of the program Alicia set up with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Affiliate of the Phillies) for high schoolers,” Nicole said.
Nicole has a vast experience already in sports. Having worked three years with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (a professional indoor football team), she moved her way up the ranks along the way. “I started out as a promotions intern in my first year, and by the end of my time there I was helping coordinate in-game promotions,” Nicole said.
Nicole gained momentum from that experience to work with the Philadelphia Eagles. She was a part of their game day staff, and eventually gained the fan ambassador role. “Being put in the fan ambassador role is something rare, so I was really happy about gaining that role,” Nicole said with pride.
Going forward Nicole is looking to become a coordinator/manager of a public relations or marketing department.
Her experience will no doubt lead her to success going forward!
ALEX EDGEWORTH | NEW HAVEN UNIVERSITY
One of my last participant interviews I’ve done as part of the Living Sport Nashville ‘20 program is a recent graduate from New Haven University, Lawrence Alex Edgeworth (goes by Alex).
Alex is from Harlem, New York, and like Living Sport teammate Julien Sheriff, wants to be a sports agent. Alex is a silent leader, which is a common theme within this Living Sport group. His actions and demeanor naturally draw people to follow his lead.
Alex also wants to help give back to others, by helping them achieve their goals and dreams. Alex wants to give back by being an agent, and feels he is a very personable person that can relate to athletes through his experiences in life.
“I have two ears and one mouth, so I can listen twice as hard as I can speak,” Alex explained. This shows how Alex wants to be able to listen to others, and be able to formulate how he can help players negotiate contracts.
Alex was an umpire for five years, where he learned how to deal with athletes, coaches, and players. Here he learned how to cater to different people, and he grew an appreciation for the grind that comes with sports.
Going forward Alex is looking for an agent he can shadow or mentor, that way he can see the ins and outs of the position. He would like to also pursue a master’s degree in law to better set his future, as an agent, up for success. Alex is also up to filling any position where he can use his interpersonal skills to help players out within a team.
Alex is a critical thinker, which is shown by his appreciation for chess and checkers. This critical thinking will no doubt set up success for Alex as he builds his brand as an agent.
DEREK DINGLEY | JOHNSTON aND WALES UNIVERSITY
We have a jack of all trades up next, with the talent to be on Broadway or sing a national anthem, Derek Dingley.
Derek is from Johnston, Rhode Island, where he goes to Johnston and Wales University for sport entertainment and management. Derek got involved early and often in the sports industry. He first was a bench coach, keeping track of scoreboard, for a junior high team starting in high school.
Derek parlayed that into a unique experience, “I got a job in high school for a company called Baseball Info Solutions. They take a lot of statistics, they’re basically the company that sell a lot of the stats to ESPN. I secured a job as a scorekeeper and data collector working at games for the Pawtucket Red Sox, who are the Triple-A Affiliate for the Boston Red Sox in Rhode Island. I did that for 2017 through last year,” Derek explained.
Derek’s last experience, before Living Sport, brought him to Major League Soccer, with the New England Revolution. With the Revolution, Derek worked with the game day event staff. Derek looks to continue working for the Revolution going forward, but hopes to have a more ambitious internship next summer.
Derek has gravitated naturally towards baseball, and specifically Minor League Baseball. “I guess just being a bigger fish in a smaller pond and also just being able to work with a lot of the different facets of it,” Derek said.
With Derek’s passion for Minor League Baseball, he drew some inspiration from Ralph Nelson, CEO of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. “When I’m older and heading into retirement, I could even own a Minor League Baseball team, like Nelson, but that’s obviously a long way away so however I get there I’m open to it,” Derek said.
Wherever life takes Derek you can find him with a heart full of joy and music! This jack of all trades will be a valuable part of any organization going forward.
JULIEN SHERIFF | UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN
Next up we have a teammate from Brooklyn, New York, with a cannon for an arm, Julien Sheriff.
Julien is someone with a great personality once you get him to open up. He is one of two participants from the University of New Haven, where he studied sport management.
Julien has a big heart, and you can tell just how big it is with his career goals. “I want to be a sports agent, because if I can’t fulfill my dreams, I want to help others fulfill their dreams,” Julien said.
Helping others is a big part of what Julien wants to do in his career. He wants to eventually set up his own sports agency to give back to athletes trying to make a name for themselves. With his sports agency he hopes to recruit guys that want to be the best, but aren’t the big name players. He wants to help those athletes build and grow their brand/reputation, while he also builds and grows his agency.
Julien is a natural born leader, with an infectious personality. Julien was named a captain of his baseball team in high school because of his personality. “They (his teammates) voted me a captain, because I had the ability to bring the team together. I had a positive attitude, I was uplifting, and motivating,” Julien explained.
Living Sport opened Julien’s eyes to other avenues besides becoming a sports agent. He had never considered working in Minor League Baseball before, but could now definitely see being a part of a front office team.
I had the pleasure of working directly with Julien, when we were with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. No matter what area of the ballpark we were working together in, Julien would devise a system to make the work a fun game between coworkers. One of those systems involved doing pushups, while we were helping build a road. Eventually others saw what we were doing, and one-by-one they joined in.
Whether Julien becomes an agent or works in baseball, he will definitely be a joy to have a part of your team!
LOGAN WESOLOWSKI | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Sometimes the people you need to watch out for are the quiet ones, because when they speak everyone listens. I believe that to be true for our next participant, Logan Wesolowski.
Growing up Logan tried a lot of different sports, but hockey was the only sport that stuck with him. Logan explained, “Once you get involved in that community it’s hard to stop, because it’s such a close and tight knit community.”
Logan was one of the few people in the program that had no prior experience, but that’s because he is about to start his sophomore year. Logan is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but attends the University of Minnesota.
Living Sport was the first experience Logan got in the sports business industry. This was a last minute opportunity that he jumped at, “I really wanted to do something this summer related to sport management. I applied within two days of the deadline, and was lucky enough to get in.”
Logan was able to gain his first taste of what working in sports was like with the Trash Pandas through this Living Sport program. He described working in sport as, “Chaotic in a way, but also fun because of the people around me.”
Despite this being Logan’s first experience there were no nerves. “In the past stuff like this would make me nervous, but I was mostly excited,” Logan explained. As the late great Stuart Scott would say, Logan was “as cool as the other side of the pillow.”
When Logan returns to Minnesota he hopes this experience will propel him to an experience on or off campus.
I can’t wait to see how much Logan will grow going forward. Logan might not be the loudest in the room, but there is no doubt he will always be a bright star. Every organization needs someone who is willing to do whatever with no questions asked.
ANTHONY LOTITO | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
“I’m such a football guy, that I cry at the end of Rudy every time I see it,” noted our football guy Anthony Lotito.
There is no better introduction to Long Island native, Anthony Lotito, than his quote above. An energetic, passionate, and overall fun person to be around, Anthony studies sport entertainment and management, at the biggest sport management school in the country, the University of South Carolina.
Anthony’s journey wasn’t straight to South Carolina. Anthony grew up playing lacrosse, and eventually took his talents to Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After one year playing collegiately he was burnt out and decided to pursue his career at South Carolina.
Anthony explains why he chose sport management, “to be honest all I was really good at was talking sports. Now I realize, I am good at other things, but I have always had a passion for sports that drove me.”
Anthony got involved in sport management as a senior in high school, becoming the youngest intern for the New York Lizards (Major League Lacrosse). During his time as an intern he absorbed everything he could, and also met fellow Living Sport alum, Jess Garcia (Barcelona ‘17 alum).
After Anthony’s time in New York, he continued to pursue sport management while at Methodist University. In his one year at Methodist he was a sports information assistant, recording stats, working the shot clock, and setting up games during halftime during basketball season. During soccer and football season he helped with game operations.
Transferring to South Carolina didn’t stop Anthony from seeking out opportunities. In his first year he became a student ambassador for the football program. He also helped the men’s basketball team as a ticket taker.
Anthony’s impressive experience doesn’t stop there, he was also an intern with Staten Island Yankees. As an intern he was a part of ticket operations, selling tickets, working in merchandise, and helping with stadium operations.
Lastly on his long list of experiences, Anthony served as a volunteer at this year's Super Bowl in Miami.
Anthony has a unique mindset that he brings to every team he works with. “I think everyone should have the mentality, that I’m the best in the business, and I want to be the best I can be,” Anthony said. “Obviously, you want to see everyone succeed, but still want to be better than the guy ahead of you.”
Going forward at South Carolina, Anthony wants to see if he can do more for the women’s basketball team. “We don’t do a lot for them, which is crazy because they’re one of the best teams in the nation,” Anthony said.
Anthony would be perfect for any sales team, as he loves to talk and is also a very personable person. I’m excited to see what else he adds to his experience before graduating!
Ryan MURRAY | SUNY BROCKPORT
My next interview is another New York native, and one of two from Long Island, Ryan Murray.
Ryan attended SUNY Brockport where he studied sport management with a minor in business. Ryan is a highly competitive individual, which drives him to be the best he can be.
He described his competitive drive, “No matter what, I want to win. Whether it comes down to a regular baseball game or a job. I want to do the best I possibly can do to beat everybody else out.”
Ryan has experience working with ProVenue, a ticketing site many professional teams use for ticketing. He gained this experience through the New York Mets, when he was a part of their 2018 ticket staff as a sales representative.
Ryan also has a background in coaching, which he would like to continue if the opportunity presents itself. He is currently a coach/GM for a men’s baseball league, that consists mainly of college players no longer pursuing Major League Baseball. He also coached a 13u baseball team last fall, helping those players grow and learn.
His competitive drive has set up lofty goals for himself, “I always had a dream of being a General Manager for a baseball team.”
Ryan is determined to put his drive and hard work into action to get there. By learning from Garrett Fahrmann, GM of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, he believes he can see where his path will go next.
SEMIAH BOWDEN | GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Another upcoming strong woman in sport is teammate Semiah Bowden. Semiah originally wanted to get involved with athletic training, but after entering an anatomy class, Semiah thought maybe that athletic training was not for her.
She then focused on a more journalistic side, but after conducting interviews and working with production she decided that wasn’t the perfect fit either. After testing those two areas and not finding a comfortable fit Semiah found her role, “I switched to sport management and figured out what I really liked.”
To Semiah the people drew her to the sport management side of things. “I was welcomed in with open arms, they (her co-workers) were always so friendly and would help me outside of sport if I needed help with anything. They always made me feel like a part of a team,” she said.
Currently Semiah has 3 years of experience within the athletic department at Georgia Southern University. Her first internship focused on marketing where she helped with game day promotions for the football team. After working in the marketing department for two years, she found her passion within the operations side. She became part of the team helping with team logistics such as snacks, meals, and travel plans.
Semiah came to the Living Sport program certain she was meant for the operations side. After our 10-day excursion, she now realizes that she has interest in event coordination as well. There is one thing she is certain about, and that’s her desire to work in football.
“I don’t mind working in any other sport, but the energy that football gives off is an energy that is unmatched with any other sport,” Semiah explained. That energy and passion drives her desire to work in football.
Semiah’s energy throughout the trip drove me to be better. I have no doubt that her passion will continue to grow, and will help radiate whatever team she works with going forward.
Hannah Shuette | the ohio state UNIVERSITY
Lifting her way to the top is a former Olympic weightlifting competitor, Hannah Schuette, or commonly known on the trip as Schuette (Shootie). Schuette is from Cleveland and studies sport industry at THE Ohio State University.
Growing up Schuette not only lifted weights, but also played tennis. She played a little bit of volleyball and swam a little as well, but she excelled at tennis. She became a leader straight away on her high school team, after establishing herself as one of the top players.
“Being one of the top players really helped develop my communication skills. I was able to talk to those older than me for advice, and was also able to gain respect for my skills on the court,” Schuette said.
Her original plan was to get into the strength and conditioning side of sports. With her lifting background she had fallen in love with the atmosphere of competitive lifting. Her plan may have changed some, but she still loves the environment that sport brings. She described sports as warm and welcoming to all that are involved.
Schuette would go on to explain her love for the environment in sports further, “In general, they (sports) bring together people from all different backgrounds. It is something everyone can enjoy and come together as one for.”
Schuette interned this past summer with a tennis academy. As an intern she helped run their social media and their website. If you don’t already, I recommend following her on social media. She was one of the Living Sport participants who helped with social media during the trip, and absolutely crushed it.
Going forward Schuette would like to get started in the sales side of sports. “I have a lot of customer service experience that can translate into the sales side of things, so I think it would be a natural fit,” Schuette said.
To all the Chicago Bears fans out there, get familiar with the name Hannah Schuette. She is likely to be in charge of their sales department one day!
CHRIS LEVINS | BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
Next up, is Chris Levins, a rising Sophomore from East Rockway, New York. One thing different about Chris, from everyone else on the trip, is his major. Chris goes to Binghamton University, where he studies Business Administration with a concentration in Finance Analytics.
Chris has a strong background in finance, having already secured two internships. His senior year of high school, Chris interned with an Angel investing company, and helped facilitate growth. This led to an internship with Phoenix Financial Services, where he interned as a private equity intern on Wall Street.
Chris has quite the impressive financial background already. He is trying to begin developing a mutually beneficial relationship within the sports industry, where both parties build off each other.
Chris has been interested in sports from a young age, having grown up playing soccer and basketball. Since his school does not offer Sports Management as a major, he decided to join a Sports Management group that was co-founded by another Living Sport alumni, Kieran Rose.
Through Kieran he was introduced to Living Sport, and early in the fall of 2019 he was introduced to Alicia as a guest speaker. After seeing how passionate and dedicated Alicia was to the program, Chris knew he wanted to be apart of the program. Shortly after meeting he applied, and would later get accepted into the Dublin program. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Dublin program was canceled. Later, he would get invited to the Nashville trip, and accepted it right away.
"Sports have always been something I've been passionate about," Chris said, "I'm excited to get to know more about an industry I have always been curious about, while growing my network in the sports industry." That passion comes from a family history of competing in sports, specifically basketball.
"Growing up I bonded with my family playing basketball, we all supported, and encouraged each other through the game of basketball," Chris explained. "I carried that support and encouragement with me into my basketball team." This seamless transition led Chris to become team captain of his basketball and soccer team. He was seen as a natural leader that brought the team together.
Chris isn't ruling out any options going forward, "I want to make sure I am getting a taste of every possibility before going into the real world."
Look out for Chris going forward, whether it is on Wall Street, CFO of the Knicks, or even the GM of the Knicks, the opportunities are endless.
EMILY FRAJDOFER | SUNY Buffalo STATE
Our next participant was at the football game where Frank Gore became the 4th all-time leading rusher in the NFL. This participant is none other than, Emily Frajdofer, a Buffalo, New York native.
In college Emily attended SUNY Buffalo State, where she studied communication, and played softball. Softball is where Emily found her passion, "I fell in love with sports from a young age and never looked back," Emily said.
Through that love for sports, Emily began to get started within sports industry. Emily got her start with the Buffalo Bison, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, where she worked as a public relations intern. As an intern Emily worked on: game notes, lineup cards, social media, line score, operated the scoreboad, updated the website after games, and distributed the box score to local media. Whatever the Bison asked Emily to do, she did.
After doing it all with the Bison, Emily would move into print media as a special section intern with the Buffalo Newo. From there, she was offered a full-time job, but had to decline as she received an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills. With the Bills she was a media relations team member where she: conducted interviews, took pictures, and kept track of statistics.
"I really like being the gatekeeper of information," Emily explained, "when I was an intern with the Bison it made me feel more apart of the team." This is a big reason why Emily wants to be apart of the public or media relations side of things going forward.
"One thing I have learned from Living Sport is to take more volunteer opportunities," Emily said. Which ties into her ultimate dream job, working for the Bills Play 60. Her aspiration to work for them came from Bills Play 60 visiting her school growing up.
Emily's warm and bubbly personality will be welcomed no matter where she works!
Hannah Hammon | WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Coming in next, we have Hannah Hammon, an experienced traveler. Through all her travels, Hannah likes to collect Starbucks mugs from every stop along the way. Hannah is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but currently attends West Virginia University studying Graphic Design and Communications.
The Hammon last name is no stranger to the Living Sport family, Hannah's brother Dylan is a Living Sport alumni. Her brother Dylan has been a big part of her sports business journey, encouraging her every step along the way. "My brother is always sending me opportunities to apply for and then following up asking how they go....I honestly wouldn't be where I am without him," Hannah explained.
Through the guidance from her brother, Hannah has picked up a vast experience in the sports industry. Hannah has been an intern with the West Virginia athletics department, developing any and all kinds of graphics. "I've made social media graphics, billboards, posters, banners, pretty much any graphic they wanted me to make," Hannah said.
Her experience with the athletic department has helped propel her into Sky Blue Football Club. With Sky Blue, Hannah has mainly worked on social media graphics for the club. She also has had a chance this summer to work with USA Triathlon doing social media for them as well.
Hannah talked about where she draws her inspiration from, "I draw a lot of inspiration from skull sparks on social media, because they do a lot of cool posts."
Going forward she is keeping all her options open, especially considering everything going on. "I don't really have a dream job, because everyone talks about you might end up somewhere that you love without realizing it," Hannah said.
At the end of the day Hannah wants to combine sports and art, that can reach and speak to many people.
LUKE MCDERMOTT | DELAWARE UNIVERSITY
The first person I would like to highlight is my Nashville roommate Luke McDermott from Suffern, New York. Luke is currently going into his last year as a Sport Management student at Delaware University. Luke's secret talent is that he can sing, and he can sing very well. When I inquired more about it Luke admitted, "My go to song is Dream On, because I can hit the high note at the end and everyone loves it." Luke might secretly be a singer, but there's no secret about his passion for sports.
Luke grew up playing football and has since transitioned to rugby, which he now plays in college. "Sports were always a big part of my life. They have taught me a lot of life lessons and shaped who I am today." I have learned that working in a team environment is crucial in sports. Luke shares similar thoughts, "Working in a team, you have to put them above yourself to reach the common goal."
This is a great example of why I chose Luke as my first interview. Since meeting him just a few days ago, he has come across as a team oriented leader, that isn't afraid to do the small things for the betterment of the team.
Luke currently has a few sport business experiences under his belt. In 2019, he served as a game day staff intern for the Philadelphia Eagles, in which he served as a concierge for luxury areas at Lincoln Financial Field.
Luke currently holds the position of president for his rugby team. "I oversee every position within the organization and I am a point person to make all the final decisions" he says.
Lastly, Luke has helped organize different events and volunteer opportunities within the student services & leadership program on campus.
Luke is looking to build personal connections within the Living Sport Network and is excited to grow his network outside of New York. He is thrilled to receive a more hands-on position for his resume to help him secure his next sport business opportunity.
Luke's dream job is working in basketball as either an agent or general manager.
KIERSTEN STIERS | TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Two-stepping her way into the program is Kiersten Stiers, who studied Recreation Administration at Texas State University.
Even though Kiersten's degree is not in sports, she has always had a love for sports. "I love sports, I know that's something we were told not to say and it's cliché, but it's true," Kiersten said.
Kiersten's love for sports has brought her to where she is in life now, "it (sports) has shaped who I am today. It shows how dedicated you have to be, develops your communication skills, and works on your time management skills."
Kiersten has been working from a young age with her families bay fishing company. Through her families company she has learned the value of hard work, and asking for help when needed.
She has no previous experience in sports, but believes her internship with the parks and rec department of Lake Tahoe can translate to sports.
How you ask? As an intern Kiersten helped with event coordination through the department. Some events she helped set up were: Eggstravaganza, Ski and Skate Week, and Snowfest to name a few. Kiersten believes this can translate into event coordination with sports or even promotion nights she can create.
"I think my next step is to get into MiLB somehow. If I can get a background in event coordination that would be great, but I'm open to whatever," Kiersten said.
Kiersten doesn't have a clear plan next, but thinks after the program her horizons will be open to more. Wherever she goes next, she'll be two-stepping her way there with a smile.