Monday, November 22, 2021

Current students are gaining valuable work experience through internships and practicums. Recent UISRM graduates are entering the sport and recreation industries with internships and full-time employment. Alumni are advancing toward their dream job. The achievements of UISRM students, alumni, and faculty that the program is aware of are below.

  • Lindsay (Sorenson) Jones (BS 2013) accepted a promotion to Manager, Group Sales with the Memphis Grizzlies.  
  • Announcement graphic of Erin Mykleby after she accepted the position of Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Emporia State University
    Erin Mykleby (MA 2014)
    Erin Mykleby (MA 2014) accepted the position of Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Emporia State University.
  • Matt Marquez (BS 2015) accepted the position of Account Executive, New Business with the Chicago Blackhawks.  
  • Nick Pritchard (BS 2015) accepted the position of Recreation Manager with the City of Winterset.  
  • Chris Milligan (BS 2016) accepted the position of Account Supervisor with Optimum Sports.  
  • Jake Edwards (BS 2017) accepted the position of Account Manager with CounterFind.  
  • Jason Matteson (BS 2017) was promoted to Annual Fund Stewardship Officer with Kansas Athletics, Inc.  
  • Lewis Mickey (BS 2017) accepted a promotion to Assistant Director of Major Gifts at the Rams Club, UNC Chapel Hill.  
  • Scott Schneider (BS 2017) accepted the position of Director of Membership at Broward Performing Arts Foundation.  
  • Abimael Cruz (BS 2018) was promoted to Senior SBL Sales Consultant with the San Francisco 49ers.  
  • Paul Growt (BS 2018) accepted the position of Group Account Executive with the Milwaukee Bucks.  
  • Jennison Jenkins (BS 2018) accepted a position in Legal, Logistics, and Client Services with JB Sports, Inc.  
  • Brett Pomeroy (BS 2018) accepted the position of Member Experience Manager at Fitness Formula Clubs.  
  • Andrew Schnoebelen (MA 2018) was recently promoted to Director of Football Operations at the University of Memphis.  
  • Kayla Smith (BS 2018, MA 2020) accepted the position of Manager of Eligibility Services at the NAIA.  
  • Chike Ukah (BS 2018) accepted the position of Technical Sourcer at Guild Education.  
  • Josten Boyer (BS 2019) accepted the position of Group Sales Executive with the Memphis Grizzlies.  
  • Announcement image of Ben Colin accepting position as Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach at UNI
    Ben Colin (BS 2019, ex. MA 2022)
    Ben Colin (BS 2019, ex. MA 2022) accepted the position of Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach at UNI.  
  • Michael Cope (BS 2019) completed an Aquatics Internship at Southeast Missouri State University and accepted the position of Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations at Northwestern University.  
  • Sydney Hogan (BS 2019) accepted the position of Associate Territory Manager at BD.  
  • Bri Lantrip (BS 2019, MA 2020) accepted the position of Event Coordinator at TrackTown USA.  
  • Troy Neagle (BS 2019) accepted the position of Project Manager at Tradesmen International.  
  • Bailey Ploessl (BS 2019) accepted the position of Business Development Intern with Under Armour.  
  • Ryan Ruckdaschel (BS 2019, MA 2021) accepted the position Director of Operations with Iowa Hawkeye Gymnastics.  
  • Scott Selman (BS 2019) accepted the position of Relationship Banker at JPMorgan Chase & Co.  
  • Paige Snitker (BS 2019, MA 2020) accepted the position of Event Coordinator with IMG Academy.
  • Allison Szyman (BS 2019) accepted the position of Account Manager at 3D Exhibits.
  • Killian Walters (BS 2019) accepted the position of Box Office Manager at Tony’s Pizza Events Center.  
  • Lindsay Welker (BS 2019, MA 2021) accepted the position of Programs Coordinator with USA Triathlon. 
  • Taylor West (BS 2019) accepted the position of Director, On-Campus Recruiting at Eastern Kentucky University. 
  • Jess Westendorf (BS 2019) will attend Ohio University's Master of Sport Administration program beginning with the fall 2021 semester.  
  • TK Al-Amin (BS 2020, ex. MA 2021) accepted the position of Event Management Intern with Hawkeye Athletics. 
  • Connor Bedford (BS 2020) accepted the position of Recruiting Coordinator at NCSA. 
  • Aaron Bohling (BS 2020, ex. MA 2022) accepted the Assistant Director of Football Operations position at the University of Memphis. 
  • Maddie (Carver) Friedrichsen (BS 2020) accepted the position of Manager of Eligibility Services with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.  
  • Morgan Dvorak (BS 2020) was promoted to Account Executive with NASCAR.  
  • Matthew Johnson (BS 2020) accepted the position of Carrier Sales Associate with Coyote Logistics.  
  • Crew Keller (MA 2020) was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, K Club Engagement & Fundraising at Knox College.  
  • Announcement graphic after Spencer Lhotka accepted a position with the Chicago Wolves
    Spencer Lhotka (BS 2020)
    Spencer Lhotka (BS 2020) accepted the position of Groups Sales & Youth Hockey Account Executive with the Chicago Wolves.  
  • Jeremy Mims (MA 2020) accepted the position of Lecturer with the UI Sport and Recreation Management program.  
  • Caitlin O’Brien (MA 2020) accepted the position of Coordinator for Administration, Travel & Special Events with St. Ambrose University.  
  • Cassidy O’Leary (BS 2020, MA 2021) accepted the position of Assistant Director at BTN+ / Hawkvision Productions. 
  • Kayla Oloffson (BS 2020) will begin Illinois State’s Recreation Administration program and serve as the Club Sports Graduate Assistant.  
  • Brian Shallcross (BS 2020) accepted the position of Associate, Sports Practice with DHR International. 
  • Hannah Sieperda (BS 2020) accepted the position of Assistant Director of Trademarks & Licensing at the University of Iowa.  
  • Kenady Wardenburg (BS 2020) accepted the position of Tournament Director at Elmcrest Country Club.  
  • Dakota Zientek (BS 2020) accepted the position of Team Lead, The Silo with the Iowa Heartlanders.  
  • Tyler Barrett (BS 2021) accepted a position as Investment Analyst with Vivid Seats. 
  • Mackenzie Bonner (BS 2021) accepted the position of Membership Services Intern at the University of Denver.  
  • Izzy Bowman (BS 2021) accepted the position of Athlete Services Coordinator with The IRONMAN Group.  
  • Steven Carlson (MA 2021) accepted the position of Director of Athletic Communications at Northwestern College (IA).  
  • Brett DeSelm (BS 2021) accepted the position of National Account Executive at International Sports Management, Inc.  
  • Anna Dressen (BS 2021) accepted the position of Program Associate with the ITA Group, Inc.  
  • Bryce Fanti (BS 2021) accepted the position of Commercial Recruiter with RHM Staffing Solutions.  
  • Kevin Horan (BS 2021, above right) accepted the position of Inside Sales Representative with the Chicago Wolves.  
  • Ty Marth (BS 2021) accepted a summer internship with Scott W. Sheen & Associates, P.C.  
  • Image of Jasmine Mayes-Browning
    Jasmine Mayes-Browning (MA 2021)
    Jasmine Mayes-BrowningJasmine Mayes-Browning (MA 2021) accepted the position of Facilities & Member Services Coordinator at University of Arizona Campus Recreation Department.  
  • Dylan Mihalke (BS 2021) accepted the position of Graduate Assistant with Oklahoma Men’s Basketball. 
  • Miranda Miller (MA 2021) accepted the position of Operations and Office Administration Associate at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. 
  • Tanner Natkze (BS 2021) was promoted to Account Manager, Membership Services Department with the Miami Dolphins.  
  • Danny Papan (BS 2021) accepted the position of Graduate Assistant with University of Illinois-Chicago Recreation.  
  • AJ Poda (BS 2021) accepted the position of Ticket Sales Representative with the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.  
  • Allen Rashid (BS 2021) accepted an Inside Sales Associate position with the Milwaukee Bucks.  
  • Tre Stanton (BS 2021, below right) accepted the position of Iowa Games Summer Event Management Intern with the Iowa Sports Foundation. 
  • Matt Walters (BS 2021) accepted the position of Manager, Mid-American Junior Golf Tour with the Illinois Junior Golf Association.
  • Ian Mudd (ex. BS. 2021) accepted the position of Operations Intern with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders. 
  • Haley Mullinnix (ex. BS 2021) accepted a position as Promotion Intern with the Chicago Dogs. 
  • Emma Osborne (ex. BS 2021) accepted the position of Marketing, Communications and Digital Media Assistant with the Iowa Heartlanders.  
  • Adam Baker (ex. MA 2022) accepted an operations internship with the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).  
  • Jayson Barnes (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of League Operations Intern with RedZone Football. 
  • Jake Beeson (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Stadium Operations Intern with the Iowa Cubs. 
  • Daniel Crooks (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Gameday Operations Intern with the Iowa Heartlanders.  
  • Spencer Gudgel (ex. BS 2022) participated in the Training Camp Internship Program with the Kansas City Chiefs. 
  • Jake Heitman (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Gameday Operations Intern with the Iowa Heartlanders.  
  • Reed Hurt (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Gameday Operations Intern with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.  
  • Luke Jonasson (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Operations Shift Supervisor at Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse.  
  • Collum and StantonBen Kayser (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Partnership Activation Assistant with the Indianapolis Indians.  
  • Jenae Marshall (ex. SRM Minor 2022) accepted the position of Event Manager Intern at Prospect Meadows.  
  • Ryleigh Collum standing in front of Iowa Senior Games banner with another individual
    Ryleigh Collum (ex. BS 2023)
    Marcelina Marvelli (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of Athletics Director Intern at Clear Creek Amana High School.  
  • Maddie McCarron (ex. BS 2022) accepted the position of In-Game Host with the Iowa Heartlanders.  
  • Hannah McCreight (ex. Minor 2022) accepted the position of Marketing Assistant Intern with Hawkeye Athletics.  
  • Logan Scheer (ex. BS 2022) accepted a Ticket Operations Internship with the Iowa Cubs.  
  • Kayla Van Langen (ex. SRM Minor 2022) accepted the position of Box Office Intern with the Forest City Owls.  
  • Cameron Bottum (ex. BS 2023) accepted the position of Community Assistant at CA Ventures. 
  • Ryleigh Collum (ex. BS 2023) accepted the position of Iowa Games Summer Event Management Intern with the Iowa Sports Foundation. 
  • Nathan Escobedo (ex. BS 2023) accepted a summer sales internship with the Chicago Dogs. 
  • Gavin Matthias (ex. BS 2023) accepted the position of P.J. Boatwright Intern with the Iowa Golf Association. 
  • Laura McGee (ex. BS 2023) accepted the position of Marketing & Promotions Intern with the Iowa Heartlanders. 
  • Owen O’Brien (ex. BS 2023) accepted the position of Football Operations Student Manager with Hawkeye Athletics. 
  • Kevin Shaffer (ex. BS 2024) accepted the position of Event Management Intern with Hawkeye Athletics.

Fans First Practicum

Inside GreenState Family Field House

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the Fans First practicum course and provided front-line guest services at University of Iowa Athletics, Xtream Arena, and GreenState Family Field House events!

  • CJ Brncich, James Carter, Olivia Duffin, Kelly Frank, Sabrinna Hegelheimer, Mechail Hunt, Cameron Jourdan, Dylan Klynsma, Graham Kuehl, Ian Lauterbach, Garret Lerman, Alex Limber, Sam Milnamow, Felicia Moncada, Rachel Montgomery, Nico Ragaini, Brandon Rummelhart, Colin Siegel, Colton Spaur, Nathan Springberg, Trevaughn Stagen, Aleksey Tarasenko, Tanner Tolari, Matthew Will, Coby Will, Jack Wulf, and Yang Yu.

Practicum students were integral in Hawkeye Athletics safely executing events, especially as fans were allowed to return to cheer on the Hawkeyes. In addition, the class executed the area's first pickleball tournament in partnership with GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Pickleball. Masked Madness (pictured right) saw full participation in three levels of play and participants traveling as far as two hours to compete.

UISRM Agency Spring 2021

Zoom image of practicum participants

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the UISRM Agency practicum course and provided creative solutions to new UISRM partner, the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

  • Cam Baumann, Ben Beutel, Brodie Bohlen, Derek Boike, CJ Brncich, Morgen Brooks-Kuennen, Jeremy Bryan, Jaime Cervantes, Conor Cronin, Nick Dee, Anna Dressen, Sophie Fishbein, Kevin Horan, Nick Joens, Ian Lauterbach, Hunter Lee, Alex Limber, Ty Marth, Gennaro Milano, Miranda Miller, Riley Moss, KD Nellem, Daniel Papan, Ruben Rodriguez-Flores, Tajuan Slater, Brandon Smith, Connor Stewart, Anthony Storniolo, Nathan Tauke, Luke Vaiciulis, Tysen Van Draska, Coby Wills, Sydney Winger, and Yang Yu.

UISRM Agency Associates performed a social media audit, conducted market research among 18- to 22-year-olds, and developed innovative theme nights for the Wolves. Theme nights such as Into the Spiderverse, Barstool Night, and Mandalorian Night gave team executives new insights on existing promotions. In addition, the Wolves' front office was impressed with the structure and framework developed and used in the social media audit and market research projects. Excellent work Associates!

San Diego Sports Consulting Practicum

Group photo of those attending the San Diego Sports Consulting Practicum

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the San Diego Sports Consulting practicum course and provided creative solutions to valuable industry partners! 

  • Derek Boike, Danita Brown, Ryan Chang, Marc Cortez, Daniel Crooks, Chase Davison, Olivia Duffin, Tom Knoke, Robert Laible, Charlie MacKimm, Christian Mcphetridge, Gennaro Milano, Emma Osborne, Jessica Ragucci, Mitch Reyes, Mia Seidel, Brett Sweeney, and Sean Tormey.

Students kicked off the practicum by working with the ECHL-expansion Iowa Heartlanders to provide strategies to reach college students. Once in San Diego, the students performed a competition analysis for non-sport entities that impact purchase decisions for locals and tourists. The students celebrated 6/19 Day (the area code for most of San Diego) and the second anniversary of the founding of San Diego Loyal SC by serving with the Loyal’s ambassador team for a home game. The students presented their findings to the Marketing Director and the Senior Director, Guest Experiences of the San Diego Padres.

Team USA Practicum

Team USA log

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the Team USA practicum course and provided creative solutions to several national governing bodies! 

  • Triston Akers, Gabrielle Allen, Jackson Allmon, James Carter, Evan Downes, Jake Fratzke, Connor Holtz, Holden Hudson, Michael Janssen, Cameron Jourdan, Charlie MacKimm, Brandon Morrow, Jonethan Santana, Colin Siegel, Noah Swope, Aleksey Tarasenko, and Dane Vorbrich.

Chicago Blackhawks/Cedar Rapids Kernels Practicum

Group photo of participants at Chicago Blackhawks/Cedar Rapids Kernals Practicum

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the Chicago Blackhawks/Cedar Rapids Kernels practicum course and provided creative solutions to two valuable industry partners!

  • Kody Albright, Gabrielle Allen, Ashley Bryja, Sampson Burken, Marc Cortez, Daniel Crooks, Jackson Foulk, Kelly Frank, Hannah Gardner, Austin Hanson, Dylan Hubbard, Reed Hurt, Michael Janssen, Amy Knoebl, McKenzy Konradi, Graham Kuehl, Maddie McCarron, Ryan McHolland, Johanna Myers, Kate Nelson, Emma Osborne, Valerie Plutz, Jayla Rediger, Mia Seidel, Jordan Smith, Samuel Sommerfeld, Miguel Stoll, Nicholas Szimon, Christopher Werner, Jordan Will, and Matthew Will.

Special congratulations to recipients of John E. Evans Experiential Learning Awards to support their participation in the practicum:

  • Jordan Smith, Ashley Bryja, Christopher Werner, Daniel Crooks, Mia Seidel, Kate Nelson, Emma Osborne, and Gabrielle Allen.

And thank you to the John E. Evans Experiential Learning Award program for helping to reduce the fees associated with this course and keep it affordable for all students.

During the practicum, which was in its eighth year, students researched, developed and presented sport marketing recommendations to the Cedar Rapids Kernels before transitioning to work on a variety of sport management projects for the Chicago Blackhawks in such areas as Community Relations, Digital Content, Online Retail, Branding, Business Analytics, and more. 

Students also took part in a virtual networking function with 18 sport industry executives from organizations such as the PGA Tour, Iowa Football, Miami Dolphins, Windy City Bulls and more. Moreover, students traveled to Chicago for meetings with Blackhawks executives, tours (and a private skating session!) at the Blackhawks practice facility, and a networking function with executives from the Big Ten Conference. Finally, the Blackhawks organization held professional development panels for students with executives from all areas of team operations on such topics as Women in Sports, Careers & Internships, Social Media & Journalism, Analytics, Sports Marketing, Sales, and more.

Students have already seen the Kernels and Blackhawks implement some of their research and recommendations, and one graduating senior accepted a job offer from the Blackhawks the week after the practicum concluded. Well done, students!

Summer 2021 UISRM Agency Practicum

Hawkeye Tennis Academy activation at Iowa City Downtown Block Party

Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the UISRM Agency practicum course and provided creative solutions to valuable industry partners! 

  • Triston Akers, Kyle Allen, Jayson Barnes, Bryan Corrigan, Dolan Craine, Conor Cronin, Jake Fratzke, Spencer Gudgel, Ana Jacobson, Paris LaPoint, Ian Mudd, Lauren Paisker, Rylee Runge, Andrew Schiltz, Duncan Schultejans, and Aleksey Tarasenko.

Throughout the Agency, Associates conducted a variety of consultation projects and provided hands-on contributions for three partners. For the Harvest Preserve Foundation, Associates created activity and social-emotional lesson plans for the nature preserve's Harvest Adventure Camp youth program. Next, Associates spoke to multi-generational Hawkeye fans and developed digital storyboards for Eternal Fan, an expert in developing AfterLife Experiences at memorable locations. Lastly, Associates designed and executed the Hawkeye Tennis Academy activation at the Iowa City Downtown Block Party.

Kudos to the Associates for jobs well done and development of your flexibility and creativity.