Mastering the Field of Sport Management - January 2026

Mastering the Field of Sport Management

Welcome to the Sport Management Newsletter!

Welcome to this month’s Sport Management Newsletter, where we spotlight the students, alumni, and organizations fueling progress across our program From internships and leadership to service and professional growth, this edition showcases how our Panthers continue to make an impact on campus and throughout the sports industry in meaningful and measurable ways

Our Sports Intern of the Month, Gabriella Silva, is building her playbook as a Marketing Intern with HPU Athletics, developing skills in promotions and fan engagement In Alumni AllStars, Nick Blackman highlights how grit and opportunity can lead to the NHL, now serving as Director of Team Operations and Hockey Communications for the New Jersey Devils His journey reflects the impact of stepping outside your comfort zone and staying ready when opportunity calls

Student organizations kept momentum strong SMA hosted a Super Bowl Watch Party and toured the Greensboro Gargoyles facility, gaining insight from HPU alum Brooke Allanach Women Leaders in Sport supported Division I Women’s Basketball and connected through a paint night Our Student Spotlight features freshman Priyah Goff, who is building impact through leadership and involvement

Keep reading to see how February delivered another strong and impactful month for the SMG department Explore the highlights and experiences that continue to move our program forward together

MSportanagement

with minors in Marketing and Spanish, graduating in 2027, and serves as a Marketing Intern with the HPU Athletic Department In this role, she supports promotions and fan engagement efforts that enhance the game-day experience while gaining industry exposure Through this experience, she has developed communication and organizational skills that translate to sport marketing and operations.

opportunities and take initiative in their professional development She believes being enthusiastic and reliable sets you apart and opens doors in the sports industry Her internship has boosted her confidence and clarified her long-term career goals in sport marketing She hopes other students take advantage of opportunities to grow and build momentum in their journeys.

Alumni All-Stars

Nick Blackman, Director of Team Operations and Hockey Communications for the New Jersey Devils, has built his career through grit and seizing opportunity After graduating from HPU in 2017, he began in marketing and media with a startup in San Francisco before returning to New Jersey and earning an internship with the Devils Starting as an unpaid intern while working multiple jobs, Blackman climbed the ranks through dedication and a team-first mindset A former club hockey player at HPU and Devils fan, he turned passion into profession and now operates at the heart of an NHL franchise, proving that hard work meets opportunity when you step outside your comfort zone

In his current role, no two days look the same Blackman oversees the behind-the-scenes engine of NHL operations, coordinating travel logistics, managing road trips, and serving as a liaison between players, coaches, executives, and media He thrives in high-pressure moments, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, adaptable, and comfortable being uncomfortable when challenges arise during NHL competition His advice to students is clear: be ready when your opportunity comes, outwork expectations, and never hesitate to kick the door down when your shot appears For Blackman, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: bringing a Stanley Cup championship to New Jersey

Highlights and Events

Pr of M is th Th su di w st ef Di th Ex to in Sp , p g her leadership and professional communication skills. These opportunities have allowed her to connect classroom concepts to realworld sport operations

WLS

highlighted WLSs commitment to uplifting female student-athletes and building campus community It was certainly a fun and meaningful way to celebrate teamwork and Panther pride.

and connect before spring break The creative atmosphere brought great energy and strengthened the bond within the organization, continually cultivating positivity, creativity, and encouragement

Goff describes her experience in the program as challenging and inspiring, crediting faculty mentorship for pushing her to get in the game early Her long-term goal is to become a WNBA sports agent and eventually a sports attorney, advocating for greater equity and visibility in women’s sports at the professional level One of her favorite memories was attending a Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies game with the Sport Management Association, an experience that brought the industry to life in a new way She believes real impact in sports starts with showing up, taking initiative, and building strong professional relationships

February Review & March Playbook

February delivered strong opportunities for learning, networking, and real-world exposure Students heard from Ronnie Fauss of the Dallas Mavericks on February 4th, followed by the SMA x NSMA x Phi Beta Sigma Super Bowl Watch Party on February 8th SMA also attended the Greensboro Gargoyles Facility Tour and Game on February 13th, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into professional sports operations

March is shaping up to be another actionpacked month for SMG students The March Monthly Meeting with a guest speaker will take place on March 2nd at 7:00 PM in NQSC 381, along with the 3rd Annual March Madness Bracket Challenge On March 18th, students will hear from Charlie Freeman, President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, bringing executive-level insight and real-world leadership perspective to campus

Students can also look forward to venture trips to see the Charlotte Hornets on March 19th and the Carolina Hurricanes on March 28th, as well as the SEME Conference trip to Washington, D C from March 26th–28th Women Leaders in Sport will partner with the HPU Volunteer Center for a philanthropy event on March 25th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Stay updated for more opportunities ahead for both SMA and WLS

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!

On the Field: Networking Contacts

Gabriella Silva

Gabriella Silva is a Sport Management major at High Point University and a Marketing Intern with HPU Athletics, gaining experience in promotions and fan engagement. Connect with Silva to follow her journey and growth in sport marketing and operations

Nick Blackman

Nick Blackman is the Director of Team Operations and Hockey Communications for the New Jersey Devils who has built his career in NHL operations Connect with Blackman to hear more insights and follow his journey in professional hockey

Brooke Allanach

Brooke Allanach is an HPU Sport Management alum and Account Executive with the Greensboro Gargoyles, building her career in professional sports sales and operations Connect with Allanach to gain insight into the world of minor league hockey.

Priyah Goff

Priyah Goff is a freshman double majoring in Sport Management and Sport Media at High Point University, building early experience in digital engagement and sport communications Connect with Goff to follow her passion for advancing women’s sports