New UMW club explores the business of sports management
2 min read
The Sports Management Club helps students to learn what will help them excel in the industry. Photo Courtesy of Jakob T. Robinette
by HANNAH ABRAHAM
Staff Writer
The next generation of sports gurus might be inspired by a new club on campus. The Sports Management Club is a way for students to explore how sports are more than just entertainment; they’re a business.
The Sports Management Club is entirely student-run, according to the club’s president, Jakob T. Robinette.
“All of our board members are students, and we coordinate meetings and conduct fundraisers,” said Robinette, a freshman business administration major.
Robinette views the club as an outlet for students to explore the business side of athletics.
“The Sports Management Club will focus on the side of sports as a business, covering front office activities like developing and trading players for immediate and long-term benefit, negotiating contracts and managing the team’s finances,” he said. “We will also go over what it takes to succeed in this business and, ultimately, how to make it to the top.”
A large percentage of club members are involved with athletics at UMW, and the club meets once a month in order to work around students’ busy schedules.
So far, the club has held two meetings. During the most recent meeting, the members hosted a former UMW alumni, who is now an assistant general manager of the Kansas City Royals.
“The meeting was very informative,” said Stephen Wallach, a junior sports management major and vice president of the club. “He explained his journey and advice for getting into the sports management industry. The club is hoping to meet with more alumni in the industry this semester.”
Robinette has been swimming since he was six years old and is now on the swim team at UMW. His passion for sports is what led him to contemplate a career in sports management. However, after seeking out a club on campus that fit his needs and interests, he came up empty. This inspired Robinette to create UMW’s first-ever sports management club, not only for himself but for any student who wishes to have a career within sports management.
Regarding the participation and inclusivity of female students, Robinette said, “There are currently 26 club members, with 10 of those members being female and five more female students showing interest in joining.”
Brendan Huber-Wilker, the club’s treasurer, is a part of UMW’s swim team. Huber-Wilker, a junior communications and digital studies major, said, “I’m most looking forward to meeting everyone this semester. Last semester we only had 8-10 members and I know we’ve at least doubled in size.”
Those interested in joining or learning more about the Sports Management Club may email Robinette at jrobinet@mail.umw.edu.
