Welcome to this month’s Sport Management Newsletter, your all-access pass to the standout moments, major wins, and momentum-building achievements across our exciting program This edition is packed with impactful highlights from every corner of our roster We’re kicking things off with our Sports Intern of the Month, spotlighting a student who’s gaining real-world experience and making big plays in the industry
We then shift over to our inspiring Alumni All-Stars, where former Panthers are making waves across the dynamic sports landscape and showing what it means to take their HPU training to the competitive big leagues. Our coverage of the Sport Management Association breaks down their latest highimpact events, industry panels, and professional development opportunities that keep our students game-ready
We’re highlighting our Women Leaders in Sport initiative, a collaboration with the YWCA that brought students to support youth through mentorship, teamwork, and empowerment To wrap up this edition, our Student Spotlight shines on one of our majors who raises the bar both on and off the field with commitment and growth. This month is what you’d expect from a program built on performance, motivation, and impact
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate another exciting month in Sport Management Continue reading to stay tuned!
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In this newsletter you can expect:
Sports Intern of the Month Alumni All-Stars
Sport Management Association
Women Leaders in Sport
Student Spotlight
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
preparing for game days, supporting on-field activities, and contributing to fan engagement efforts across multiple collegiate sports.
Alumni All-Stars
Nicholas Kadela, B A Sport Management ’25 and current graduate student in HPU’s M.A. in Communications and Business Leadership program, is building a path in motorsports marketing He has strengthened his creative and leadership skills through projects with HPU’s American Marketing Association and experience with the Greensboro Gargoyles, where he works with fans and assists with operations With his continued drive and mindset, Kadela is continuously committed to elevating motorsports and shaping the future of the sport industry
Professional Development resources, building connections early, and stepping confidently into new roles. We are beyond proud of her!
Alumni All-Stars
Alexis Austin, a 2019 HPU alum with a B A in Communication in Sport Management, serves as the Sales Manager at CP3 Basketball Academy, where she has contributed for more than six years Known for her strong communication skills, organization, and ability to build meaningful connections, she plays a key role in supporting the Academy’s mission and engaging with athletes and their families Driven, adaptable, and growth-focused, Alexis continues to make a positive impact in the sport industry while representing HPU and the Sport Management program
Highlights and Events
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its meeting with guest teamwork, and leadership within the world of sports, cultivating connection, growth, and empowerment.
panel with three Hurricanes
how sports can support others, and the experience strengthened the connection between HPU and the YWCA
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y, helping her find her place within the HPU community. Cox’s advice to fellow students is simple but powerful: be open to opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, and get involved, because doing so opens doors for growth, networking, and meaningful experiences
Looking ahead, Cox plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a contract lawyer for a sports organization, a goal supported by her upcoming year-long law internship beginning after graduation Her favorite memory from the program is working the 2024 Women’s ACC Tournament alongside her classmates, an experience that solidified her passion for the industry Her drive and enthusiasm for sport management continue to shine, and we’re excited to see where her journey leads next
December Review & January Playbook
As we close out December, we note a month of hands-on learning and achievements across the Sport Management program Students, alumni, and faculty showed the initiative that makes our community so strong From our Sports Intern of the Month and Alumni All-Stars to the Sport Management Association’s events, the Women Leaders in Sport initiative, and an uplifting Student Spotlight, this month highlighted opportunities students had on campus and in the industry
These experiences showed the collaborative spirit that drives our program and a commitment to leadership and engagement December closed the year on a high note and prepared the stage for the coming moments. Students grew their skills through work with professionals Faculty and staff encouraged opportunities that helped students build confidence. The month proved how dedication and teamwork guide our program to success
In January, we will introduce the Sport Management Executive Council, welcome the Rho Phi Lambda Honor Society Executive Council, and begin a semester full of potential as we move into 2026 These leadership groups will guide student involvement and support ongoing development across the program With new goals and a motivated start, the semester offers fresh opportunities for students to grow, connect, and make an impact within the program and the sports industry
If you have questions, ideas for the newsletter, or would like to nominate a student or alum for recognition, please reach out to Faith Anne Yeley at fyeley@highpoint edu Your contributions truly help celebrate achievements, highlight passions, and support one another throughout the department Let’s continue this academic year proudly and show what makes High Point University exceptional; together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for reading!
to Right: Brooke Allanach, Andrew Petosa, Ja’Niyah Williams
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Gaining skills in fan and game-day as a Fan Experience Intern at Wake Forest University, Baker is passionate about enhancing experiences and growing in the sports industry. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn to continue building your professional network
Passionate about elevating fan engagement and shaping the future of sports, Kadela is always eager to learn, collaborate, and grow within the field as he builds an impactful career journey ahead Connect with him on LinkedIn to stay inspired and network
Alexis Austin
Dedicated to helping athletes grow and supporting the mission of CP3 Basketball Academy, Austin brings strong communication skills and a driven, people-focused approach to her work in the sports industry Connect to follow her on LinkedIn to remain connected
Maliyah Cox
Currently a senior at High Point University, Cox is building her skills in leadership, operations, and team support through hands-on experience and campus involvement Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn to continue building your professional network
