It’s a Family Thing Fourth-Generation FSU Student Shines in the Sport Management Program We sat down with Courtney Caswell, a master’s student in FSU’s top-ranked sport management program, to get her thoughts on all things FSU. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO FSU? I feel extremely lucky to say I was born and raised in Tallahassee, which meant the garnet and gold was present very early on! When it came time for me to decide where I would attend college, my parents were incredibly supportive and never wanted me to limit my options. While I entertained various routes, we all knew Florida State would be my home. By attending Florida State, I knew I would be in a positive and uplifting environment that would challenge me to become the best version of myself. Most importantly, I knew twenty years from now I would be proud to call myself an alumna and represent an institution that so many hold dear in their hearts. The moment I received my acceptance, my dad said to me, “You are garnet and gold forever now!” and I will never take that for granted.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY AS FSU. The Caswell name has certainly spent time on Florida State’s campus! I am the fourth generation in my family to join the alumni family. My great-grandmother was the first to attend FSU (at what was then the Florida State College for Women) and earned a degree in library sciences. In total, 15 of my family members have attended Florida State! WHAT DREW YOU TO THE SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM? Florida State is nationally ranked in all areas and I am grateful to be a part of the #1 sport management program in the nation! The College of Education and Department of Sport Management focus not only on classroom studies but provide a variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and within the community. Sport management is composed of a community of mentors who are there to guide you through your coursework and professional aspirations. The world of sport is huge and at times can be overwhelming, but connecting with department faculty and staff quickly eases any fears. This program gives me the opportunity to best prepare myself to join a team behind the team! TELL US THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR STUDIES. My favorite undergraduate course was Diversity in Sport! This class focused on the impact that ethnicity, race, gender and other diversity topics have on sport. As a female entering the sport industry, it was fascinating to learn how the industry has changed over the last decade, as well as the current trends and issues facing those who pursue careers in sport. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF FSU SO FAR? Do I have to choose just one? The Florida State campus is absolutely stunning, has a ton of unique traditions and a variety of organizations to join. During undergrad, I had the opportunity to be an FSU Batgirl and Garnet and Gold Guide. The chance to travel to ACC Championships, College World Series, and provide campus tours to future student athletes was the opportunity of a lifetime! Each of these organizations gave me the opportunity to gain experience in sport and narrow down my career aspirations. More importantly, these groups provided me with the friends-turned-family you can only hope to meet in college. These friends became fixtures at my parent’s dinner table throughout the semesters and will always be welcome! WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO DO AFTER GRADUATION? After graduating with my master’s degree in sport management, I want to pursue a career in intercollegiate athletics. I am drawn to sport not only because of the opportunity to be in a competitive and fast-paced environment, but I want to help student athletes grow on and off the field of play. My dream job is to be the director of operations for a Division I collegiate baseball team! n
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