HPU Sport Management

From ancient stadiums to modern sport innovation 🇬🇷🏛️⚽🏀

Our Sport in Society class spent the week exploring the heart of Greece! From walking through the birthplace of the Olympic Games, touring legendary venues like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium, meeting sport leaders and Olympians, and learning how sport continues to shape culture, community, and global society today. From island cruises and historic ruins to university presentations and friendly competition with local students, every day brought a new perspective on the power of sport beyond the game.

Athens, Olympia, Sparta, Nafplio, and everywhere in between! Thank you for the memories, lessons, and experiences we’ll never forget.

As we look back on an incredible school year, we want to recognize a few students who made a lasting impact on the Sport Management program this year 💫

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients! Your commitment, leadership, and passion for the industry continue to set the standard.

Thank you for everything you brought to the program this year, and congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition! 💜

From the Vatican to Stadio Olimpico 🇮🇹⚽️🏛️

The first days of High Point University’s Sport in Society Global Experience have been packed with history, culture, and football. We explored Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum while learning how sport and society have shaped cultures across generations.

We also visited the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for a presentation on the history and strategic model of Italian football, then toured Stadio Olimpico — home to AS Roma and Lazio.

From ancient gladiators to modern football development, Rome has already given us an unforgettable look at the global impact of sport. 🇮🇹

Exciting start for the High Point University Sport in Society program as the group traveled to Italy for the first leg of their global experience! While in Rome, students visited the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and attended a presentation from Mr. Nicollo Donna to learn more about the impact and structure of Italian football. Special thanks to Craig Douglass for planning an incredible itinerary. Stay tuned for more adventures in Rome and Greece!

From the classroom to the courtroom ⚖️
 
Students in SMG 3040 Sport Law stepped into the roles of lawyers and witnesses this semester, participating in mock trials focused on negligence in sport environments. From opening statements to cross-examinations, they developed critical thinking, communication, and legal analysis skills along the way.
 
With two course sections participating, this semester’s trials were elevated even further through the opportunity to hold proceedings in the HPU Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law courtrooms. This experience was made even more impactful through collaboration with law students who mentored participants and served as judges. A special thanks to Kiera Shea, Charles Baker, and Andrew Killgore for their willingness to share their time and expertise with our students – your mentorship truly enhanced the experience for our students!
 
An unforgettable, hands-on learning experience that brings sport law to life!🏛️

Almost Graduation 🎓

From baby pictures to building real futures; this is what growth looks like. Every step, every class, every late night got us here 🤍

Class of 2026… we’re closer than we think 💜

HPUSMA GoPanthers

What happens when you take a chance on yourself❓

Brian explored that firsthand while moderating a conversation with Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. His biggest takeaway: growth comes from stepping into opportunities when you don’t feel 100% ready. 💜🏀

🌟 Internship Spotlight: Maliyah Cox 🌟

Meet Maliyah Cox, a Senior Sport Management Major serving as the Women’s Lacrosse Team Manager with High Point Athletics. 🥍💜

Through this experience, Maliyah has shown the value of stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Coming into the role with zero prior knowledge of lacrosse, she took initiative, did her research, and turned it into an incredible learning opportunity.

💡 Biggest Takeaway:
“Take advantage of any and all opportunities that present themselves to you.”

Maliyah’s journey is a great reminder that growth happens when you say yes to new experiences and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

✨ Alumni Spotlight: Alex Bozek ✨

We love staying connected with our alumni and seeing where their journeys take them!

Alex graduated in 2022 and has worked at Apex Capital Corp, a financial services company in the transportation industry, since then. He worked his way up from a Junior Sales Consultant to his current role as a Sales Development Analyst. His role is the first one at Apex Capital Corp and he’s one of one. His responsibilities include handling everything surrounding projections, market trends, internal/external reporting, and is a large part of Sales growth.

His advice to current students: Say yes more. Whether the work is your speciality or not, the more involved you are, the more people will see the capabilities of your work. Also work in the office to ensure face to face communication and increase your network.

Keep up the great work, Alex—we’re proud of you! 👏