Sports fans around the country have filled out and are updating their basketball post-season tournament brackets. The thrill of victory and agony of defeat in gyms and arenas across the US is providing excitement for millions. Lest not we forget, players are hoping that career-best performances can propel them to realizing their dreams as a professional basketball player. 

Baylor University’s National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship (NCSSC) provided similar excitement for sport management student organizations on campuses across the country. The NCSSC competitors, aspiring revenue-generators in professional sports, were afforded the same opportunity as basketball players to jumpstart their professional careers at the competition. 

The championship began during the fall semester, with four members of the Hawkeye Sports Business Association competing in the competition’s virtual qualifier rounds. HSBA officers Isabel Martinez and Nathan Escobedo were joined by Hunter Arbogast and Marc Cortez to put HSBA in 12th position in the Ticket Sales School Rankings. As a result of their individual performances, Isabel and Nathan E. qualified for the in-person Round of 32 that recently took place. 

In total, three #SalesHawks, participated in NCSSC’s in-person final rounds which were contested in Atlanta, GA at State Farm Arena and hosted by the Atlanta Hawks. Nathan Morse joined Isabel and Nathan E. at the competition’s final stages. Nathan M. competed in the Speed Sales Challenge in addition to participating in the event’s ancillary activities. While Isabel bowed out of the competition in the Round of 32, Nathan E. advanced to the Round of 16. Results by all three #SalesHawks is impressive as this is the first year the HSBA participated in the competition. 

The NCSSC uses sales managers at ‘Big Four’ pro sports organizations to facilitate sales role-plays and score the competitors’ performances. In addition to feedback from these sport industry professionals, students use the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to hiring managers in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and NASCAR, which provides them a competitive advantage during hiring season. 

In addition to the competition, the NCSSC offered several educational sessions titled ‘The Importance of Integrity’, ‘Selling Yourself on Mental Health’, and ‘The Best Sellers are Healthy Sellers’. Also, participants networked with professionals and each other during tours of Mercedes Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, exploration of the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and the NCSSC Award Ceremony and Reception. 

Here’s what Isabel, Nathan E., and Nathan M. had to say about the experience: 

Isabel Martinez (ex. BS 2023, pictured middle): The days at NCSSC were some of the most eventful and most insightful that I’ve had in a while.  I sure learned more about myself and more about what the sports sales industry entails! I’m excited to get into the sports industry and learn more. 

Nathan Escobedo (ex. BS 2023, pictured right): It was an honor representing the University of Iowa Sport and Recreation Management program and placing amongst the top 16 competitors in the competition. Once again, shout out to Packy Moran for putting the dream team together! 

Nathan Morse (ex. BS 2023, pictured left): I was able to meet other students like myself throughout the trip, ranging from New York to Washington. These are people I hope to stay connected with since we are the future of the sports industry. Thanks to all the people I met! 

Congratulations to Isabel, Nathan E., and Nathan M. on representing the #SalesHawks admirably and for all the professional development earned!