ISSUE #17
Mastering the Field of Sport Management
AUGUST 2026
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
Welcome to the Sport Management Newsletter! The new academic year is underway, and the Sport Management Department is kicking things off with new opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved. In this issue, we look back at an unforgettable two-week journey through Italy and Greece, where students explored the connection between sport, culture, and history, from Italian football and iconic landmarks to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. We also welcome Professors Davidson and Hollingsworth to the Sport Management Department and highlight students gaining industry experience, from professional baseball to the FIFA World Cup. Get to know one of our outstanding students in this issue’s Student Spotlight, and catch up on the SMG Semester Kickoff and guest speaker Jonathan Forsberg.
Learn more about the clubs and organizations that make the department an active community, including the Sport Management Association, Women Leaders in Sport, Rho Phi Lambda, and the Case Study Team. Whether you are looking to build your network, develop leadership skills, pursue academic excellence, or gain hands-on experience, there are countless ways to get involved this semester. Get involved, make connections, and make this semester count!
In this newsletter you can expect:
Study Abroad
Introducing New Faculty
Internship Spotlight
Student Spotlight
SMG Kickoff
Sport ent m e g a n a M
Clubs
Study Abroad As part of the Sport in Society course, students traveled to Italy and Greece for two weeks in May, experiencing the intersection of sport, culture, and history. In Italy, students explored football at the Italian Football Federation while visiting landmarks such as the Vatican and Colosseum. The experience provided insight into how sport shapes Italy’s identity. “It was an unforgettable experience,” said Shyaa Mendez, a junior Sport Management major.
In Greece, students visited Hydra, Aegina, and Poros before exploring Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium, Acropolis, and Ancient Olympia. The journey connected students to the origins of the Olympic Games and their lasting influence on sport worldwide while creating meaningful memories together with fellow classmates. “My favorite was getting to spend the day with my friends and classmates,” said Sydney Allen, a junior Sport Management major.
Introducing New Faculty As our department continues to grow, so does our faculty and opportunity to expand. Introducing Nicholas Davidson and Scott Hollingsworth, two new faces bringing industry experience and fresh perspectives to the Sport Management Department. Davidson joins the department with experience in athletic communications, public address announcing, parks and recreation, youth sports, and community engagement. He teaches Sport Facility Management, Strategic Management, and Organizational Behavior of Sport Organizations, with a focus on experiential learning and helping students turn their passions into successful careers.
Hollingsworth joins the department as a Professor of Practice, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a C-suite sports executive. His career includes serving as CEO of AMA Supercross and Managing Director of Strategic Development at NASCAR/ISC, providing students with firsthand insight into leadership, strategy, and the business of sport. Hollingsworth also brings expertise in litigation consulting, expert witness testimony, and broadcast media commentary. Together, Davidson and Hollingsworth bring a wealth of industry experience that will further strengthen the Sport Management Department and create new opportunities for students to learn.
Highlights and Events
Palm Springs Power “Catch live baseball under the desert sun and stars” captures Liam Graham’s summer experience with the Palm Springs Power. Graham spent his summer as a Marketing and Game Operations Intern, gaining valuable experience in baseball marketing and game-day operations.
Graham’s favorite memory was MicroMania Night, where he helped build the wrestling ring and race with a wrestler. The experience reinforced his commitment to excellence and to be his best every day. “Being the best at what I do is something that I strive for every time I step into work,” Graham said. “Be the intern that works the hardest and always wants more to do.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 The FIFA World Cup 2026™ united the world through sport, and Brianna Larkins was part of it. As a Sport Management major and Strategic Communications minor, she joined On Location as a Guest Experience Host, creating VIP experiences throughout the tournament. From client gifting to transportation, she helped bring one of the world’s biggest sporting events to life.
Working with a team of approximately 200 people, Brianna experienced firsthand how collaboration and attention to detail create a successful guest experience. She especially enjoyed working with Nike, meeting athletes and industry professionals, and building connections for her future career while gaining confidence and strengthening her communication skills.
Student Spotlight From High Point to center court, Kaitlyn Grenier is turning her passion for sports into a future in the WNBA. This summer, she served as a Community Relations Ambassador with the Connecticut Sun, gaining firsthand experience while building professional skills and relationships through the team’s Ambassador Program. A sophomore Sport Management major and Sports Media minor, Kaitlyn has also gained experience in communications and marketing with High Point University Athletics and gameday merchandise sales with the Savannah Bananas. Through the Sport Management program, Kaitlyn has learned to step outside her comfort zone, build meaningful connections, and embrace opportunities that challenge her. She credits Dr. Jenny Lukow and the supportive SMG community for encouraging her growth, and she emphasizes the value of talking to new people and pursuing informational interviews, which have helped lead to multiple internship opportunities. On campus, Kaitlyn serves as Secretary and a member of the Socials Team for the Sport Management Association, Associate Secretary of Women Leaders in Sport, Recruit Ambassador for the Spirit of High Point University, and Social Media Lead for the Panther Pulse Drumline. Her goal is to build a career in public relations and communications within the WNBA.
SMG Kickoff Students in the Sport Management Department gathered to begin the new academic year at the annual SMG Semester Kickoff on Monday, August 24, in the Wanek Cinema. The event provided an opportunity for students to connect with new faculty and highlighted department opportunities, including the Sport Management Association, Women Leaders in Sport, Rho Phi Lambda, Case Study Competitions, the SMG Podcast, Study Abroad, and more.
The kickoff featured Jonathan Forsberg, Greensboro Market President for Zawyer Sports, as its guest speaker. Forsberg oversees the Greensboro Gargoyles and UPSHOT Greensboro Groove and brings experience across the professional hockey industry, with previous roles at the Worcester Sharks, American Hockey League, Charlotte Checkers, and Bridgeport Islanders. His career gave students insight into diverse opportunities in the sport industry.
Women
LEADERS IN SPORT
SPORT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Clubs Get involved! The Sport Management Department offers several clubs that help students connect, lead, and gain experience beyond the classroom. With nearly 400 members, the Sport Management Association (SMA) connects students with industry professionals through networking, venue tours, and real-world experiences that help prepare them for careers in sport. Women Leaders in Sport (WLS), with more than 100 members, empowers women in sport leadership and builds community within the department. Rho Phi Lambda, the sport management honor society, recognizes students who meet the organization's academic requirements and demonstrate leadership.
Rho Phi Lambda members can also join the Case Study Team, representing HPU in competitions that challenge students to apply critical thinking and teamwork to real-world sport scenarios. The team gives students a chance to compete, collaborate, and showcase their skills. Students can gain valuable experience presenting solutions to industry challenges. Leadership opportunities will open later this semester for spring, so get involved this fall and build your network, skills, and professional experience. For more information, contact Vincent Cafiso for SMA, Faith Anne Yeley for WLS, Haiden Giles for Rho Phi Lambda, or Dr. Tim Koba for the Case Study Team.
August Review & September Playbook August marked an exciting start to the new academic year, with students reconnecting, new faculty joining the department, and opportunities to get involved. As we wrap up the month, we look forward to carrying this energy into the weeks ahead and making the most of everything the semester has to offer.
As more engaging opportunities continue to come through the department, there is plenty to look forward to this upcoming month. Be sure to stay connected, attend monthly club meetings, and keep an eye out for more exciting events and new ways to get involved throughout September.
September brings several opportunities to get involved and connect with fellow students. The Sport Management Association will host its first club meeting on September 7 at 7:00 p.m. in NQSC 381, where students can learn more about upcoming events and opportunities for the semester. Women Leaders in Sport will also meet on September 30 at 6:00 p.m. in NQSC 232, providing another opportunity to get involved and grow within the department.
If you have questions, ideas for the newsletter, or would like to nominate a student or alum for recognition, please reach out to Faith Anne Yeley at fyeley@highpoint.edu. Your contributions truly help celebrate achievements, highlight passions, and support one another throughout the department. Let’s continue this academic year proudly and show what makes High Point University exceptional. Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for reading! Click to learn more about the Sport Management department. For more information about HPU’s Sport Management program, please contact Dr. Jenny Lukow at jlukow@highpoint.edu. Left to Right: Brooke Allanach, Andrew Petosa, Ja’Niyah Williams.
ISSUE #17
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Shyaa Mendez
Sydney Allen
Shyaa Mendez is a sophomore at High Point University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. She is passionate about building meaningful professional relationships as she prepares for a career in sports. Connect with Mendez on LinkedIn to learn more about her experiences and interests.
Sydney Allen is a junior at High Point University studying Social Media and Digital Communications, with a minor in Strategic Communication, Public Relations, and Advertising. Connect with Allen on LinkedIn to learn more about her experiences, career goals, and professional journey.
Nicholas Davidson
Scott Hollingsworth
Nicholas Davidson is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at High Point University. He is passionate about sport business and preparing future industry professionals through teaching and real-world learning experiences. Connect with Davidson on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and expertise.
Scott Hollingsworth is a Professor of Practice in Sport Management at High Point University, bringing 25 years of Csuite sports executive experience to the classroom. His career includes serving as CEO of AMA Supercross and holding leadership roles across the sport industry. Connect with Hollingsworth on LinkedIn.
ISSUE #17
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Liam Graham
Brianna Larkins
Liam Graham is a senior Sport Management student at High Point University with a minor in Finance. He is interested in the business side of sports and developing the skills needed for a career in the sport industry. Connect with Graham on LinkedIn to learn more about his experiences and interests.
Brianna Larkins is a sophomore at High Point University studying Sport Management with a minor in Strategic Communication. She is passionate about developing communication skills for a future career in sports. Connect with Larkins on LinkedIn to learn more about her professional journey.
Kaitlyn Grenier
Jonathan Forsberg
Kaitlyn Grenier is a communications and public relations student at High Point University with a passion for athletics communications. She is involved in various clubs while building experience for a career in sports communications. Connect with Grenier on LinkedIn to learn more about her career interests.
Jonathan Forsberg is the Greensboro Market President for Zawyer Sports, overseeing the Greensboro Gargoyles and Greensboro Groove. He is passionate about community engagement and growing the local sports market. Connect with Forsberg on LinkedIn to learn more about his experience in the sport industry.