The Sport Management Department at High Point University is proud to highlight the achievements and opportunities our students and faculty embraced this semester From classroom experiences to real-world applications, our community demonstrates initiative, creativity, and leadership Each story in this edition reflects the passion and drive that make our program thrive
From a viral broadcast of the Big South Championship game by Griffin Wright and Jimmy Rosselli, to Brian Hanway’s hands-on experiences in broadcasting and marketing, our students continue to demonstrate initiative and leadership. We were also fortunate to welcome April Wines, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, to one of our classes where she shared insights from over two decades in collegiate athletics
Our clubs are thriving as well, with the Sport Management Association exploring Duke University’s athletic facilities and Women Leaders in Sport hosting a highly successful first meeting to build connection and community. Looking ahead, students can prepare for the exciting Global Experience 2026: Sport in Society in Italy and Greece and learn more about the distinguished Rho Phi Lambda Honor Society
We are inspired by the energy and dedication of our Sport Management community and look forward to celebrating continued success throughout the academic year
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
emotions and “a dream come true for a lifelong March Madness basketball fan The unforgettable experience also opened exciting doors to new connections, media opportunities, and confidence in pursuing his passion
Study Abroad
In May 2026, Sport Management students can take part in a study abroad program exploring the cultural and historical role of sport in Italy and Greece Highlights include a visit to AS Roma FC, tours of Ancient Olympia, time at the International Olympic Academy, and opportunities to engage with clubs, universities, and sport organizations. Students will experience firsthand how sport reflects society, past and present, while gaining valuable global perspectives on the European Model of Sports, with applications due by November 15, 2025, at 5:00 p m EST
secure a graphic design and social media role with MLB Network and build connections with CBS professionals Click here to hear more about their story on the Sport Management Podcast, where you’ll find greater insight and inspiration
Guest Speaker Feature
This semester, students in SMG 2881: Management of Intercollegiate Athletics heard from April Wines, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at High Point University With 21 years of experience at HPU, April shared insights from her career and offered students a behindthe-scenes look at managing intercollegiate athletics. Her perspective highlighted both the challenges and rewards of athletic administration and gave students a real-world understanding of leadership, growth, and the evolving role of athletics within the university
Highlights and Events
The Sport Management Association kicked off the semester with a trip to Duke University on Friday, September 26. Members explored the campus, toured the football stadium, and got a behind-the-scenes look at both the baseball facility and basketball court
while, Women L in Sport hosted their meeting of the year, p a welcoming space fo members to connect build relationships Th set a foundation for collaboration and gro We continue to be am the energy and initia our Sport Manageme don’t miss out on the to get involved today!
Rho Phi Lambda
Rho Phi Lambda connects high-achieving Sport Management students with like-minded peers, alumni, and professionals in the field. The organization provides opportunities to engage in alumni panels, professional development workshops, case studies, service projects, group study sessions, career exploration, and more
Membership is open to Sport Management majors and minors who meet specific requirements: an overall GPA of 325+, at least 16 credit hours completed in the major, and a minimum 3.6 major GPA. To get more involved with Rho Phi Lambda, please reach out to President Megan Laidler at mlaidler@highpoint.edu anytime!
hands-on experience calling games and writing post-game recaps On campus, Hanway is a Marketing Intern for High Point Athletics, and since his freshman year, he has been proudly calling games for HPU Athletics on ESPN+ His leadership extends beyond the field as he currently serves as Vice President of the National Sports Media Association after previously holding roles as Treasurer and SGA Representative. Hanway credits Jim Scott as a mentor, noting his guidance and support throughout his academic journey Looking ahead, Hanway hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting and media relations, with aspirations of attending graduate school A dedicated Philadelphia Eagles fan, he also admires his favorite athlete, Saquon Barkley Hanway encourages fellow students to take advantage of every opportunity the university offers, especially those that foster growth and involvement in sports His story is a testament to how passion, persistence, and hands-on learning can open doors to meaningful opportunities
September Review & October Playbook
September was an energizing month for the Sport Management Department, filled with dynamic club activities, inspiring guest speakers, and opportunities for students to connect and grow Our community continues to showcase initiative and collaboration, setting the stage for an exciting and impactful October ahead These early successes demonstrate the momentum and enthusiasm that will carry us through the rest of the semester
To begin, Joe Wetzler, Director of Partnership Development at Allied Sports and HPU alum, will be sharing his insights with students in the Introduction to Sport Management course On October 14 at 6 p.m. in NQSC 233, Sport Management and Women Leaders in Sport will co-host a career and professional development event These opportunities provide industry insight and help students strengthen their professional networks
Be sure to save the date, October 22, 2025, for the NC-SMA Symposium, which will feature learning opportunities and a case study competition And with an additional case study competition taking place later in October in Arizona, there are plenty of ways to engage, learn, and sharpen your professional skills this month These events are opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings and connect with peers who share your professional goals
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 begin this academic year strong and show what makes High Point University exceptional; together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for reading!
Left to Right: Brooke Allanach, Andrew Petosa, Ja’Niyah Williams
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Interested in Wright’s path in broadcasting and sports media? From calling games to creating viral moments, he continues to pursue his passion for storytelling in sports. Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey, stay updated, and engage with future opportunities
April Wines
With over 21 years of experience at High Point University, Wines has built an impactful career as Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. Follow Wines on LinkedIn to learn from her insights, stay connected, and follow her continued leadership in athletics at HPU
Curious about Rosselli’s journey in sports broadcasting and media? His drive has led from calling games to building professional experiences that reflect his creativity and passion for sports storytelling Follow him on LinkedIn to connect, explore his work, and see where his career takes him next
Brian Hanway
Looking to learn more about Hanway’s experiences in sport management and media? From internships to calling games on ESPN+, he continues to grow his skills and passion for sports communication Connect with him on LinkedIn to keep up with his work, and see where his career path leads
