As the spring semester comes to a close, the Sport Management Department reflects on a packed and rewarding March and April Students connected with industry leaders like Charlie Freeman, President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, during a special lunch and open session Alumna Jessica Messner, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, shared insights from her journey in game day entertainment, while Professor Jim Scott welcomed SMG alumnus Parker Murphy on the Sport Management Insights Podcast Women Leaders in Sport hosted a powerful talk with Sage Steele and joined the HPU Volunteer Center for a service initiative with the YWCA Meanwhile, SMA students toured the Spectrum Center where the Charlotte Hornets play, took part in the March Madness Bracket Challenge, and celebrated graduating seniors with a memorable event
This season also showcased the excellence of our students at the annual Nido R Qubein School of Communication (NQSC) Awards Ceremony Ten sport management students were honored for their excellence with departmental and/or school-level awards during the ceremony held in April Their hard work and dedication have set an example for others to follow Freshman Jack Paris stood out for his experience at The Masters and upcoming roles with Perfect Game and Wake Forest Sports Properties. As we head into summer, we applaud our students for their hard work and leadership and look forward to what’s ahead in the 2025–2026 academic year!
Guest Speaker Series
Alumni All-Stars
SMG Podcast Club Updates
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
To cap off an exciting stretch, the Sport Management Department hosted a special open session and lunch with Charlie Freeman, President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, on April 3. Held on campus, this event gave students a unique opportunity to engage with a high-level executive in the professional sports world Freeman shared insights about his career journey and the importance of innovation and leadership in sport business
Jessica Messner is an Entertainment Representative for the Philadelphia Phillies, managing game day entertainment, booking performers, writing scripts, and overseeing the Birthday Program She started as an intern and moved into a full-time role, handling higher-profile events Her most rewarding moments include making dreams come true for performers and fans Jessica credits her five internships at High Point University for preparing her for the industry and advises students to gain experience and expand their networks She’s excited to mentor HPU students!
This memorable event was a prime example of the department’s commitment to offering meaningful, real-world learning experiences Students walked away with a deeper understanding of the sports industry, fresh inspiration for their career paths, and new connections that could help shape their futures Charlie Freeman’s visit was both energizing and encouraging, a powerful reminder to keep aiming for the stars!
Our Sport Management alumni continue to make meaningful contributions across the industry In this episode of the Sport Management Insights Podcast, we spotlight Parker Murphy, an HPU Sport Management graduate who now serves as the Operations Manager for the prestigious Wyndham Championship, a premier PGA Tour event Tune in to hear how Parker oversees hundreds of staff and discover how you, too, can get involved in the world of sport operations. Brought to you by the Nido R Qubein School of Communication’s Sport Management Department
Highlights and Events
SMA
March was packed for SMA!
Students attended a Hornets vs Cavaliers pre-game tour on March 7, held multiple meetings, and enjoyed an incredible Second Annual March Madness Bracket Challenge! These were
The semester wrapped up on a celebratory note with a gathering of SMG faculty and students for the Senior SendOff on April 29 Seniors were honored for their outstanding accomplishments, marking a meaningful close to a rewarding season It was a perfect way to recognize the leadership, growth, and lasting legacy the seniors leave behind
Women Leaders in Sport
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, WLS hosted a series of empowering, service-driven, and leadershiprelated events Partnering with the Turning Point USA chapter at High Point University, they welcomed guest speaker Sage Steele, whose powerful message on resilience and leadership deeply resonated with students and faculty
Additionally, Women Leaders in Sport joined forces with the HPU Volunteer Center for a meaningful service initiative supporting the YWCA. This incredible collaboration reinforced the university’s commitment to community engagement while honoring the strength and influence of women shaping the future of the evolving sports industry
J h in y y g g y involved on campus at High Point University Recently, he served as a Merchandise Sales Floor Usher at The Masters Tournament, where he greeted and assisted patrons, guided them to merchandise throughout the shop, and helped manage foot traffic to prevent congestion This role not only strengthened his communication nd customer service skills but also ave him the unique opportunity to atch live golf at one of the sport’s ost prestigious and historic events. ooking ahead, Jack will be interning th Perfect Game, a premier aseball organization for top high hool prospects, where his sponsibilities will include orekeeping, merchandise perations, and fan engagement at e gate throughout the summer. In addition, he has secured a role as a Property Assistant with Wake Forest Sports Properties beginning next school year. After networking during an SMA facility tour of Wake Forest, he landed the opportunity to assist with advertising placement and game day setup and takedown for home athletic events On campus, Jack serves as a Senator for the Class of 2028, is an active and engaged member of the Sport Management Association and Sales Club, and regularly supports Name, Image, and Likeness efforts for driven and excelling student-athletes.
Ceremony who positively impacted their peers through leadership and engagement
Departmental honorees included Brooke Allanach and Nicholas Kadela (SMG Senior of the Year Award), Tyler Cordery and Peyton Gilmore (SMG Professional Engagement Award), Megan Laidler and Jessica Rall (SMG Leadership Award), Andrew Petosa (SMG Freshman of the Year
Group
Scholarship Award), Peyton Gilmore (NQSC Professional Engagement Award), Maxwell Rattet (NQSC Outstanding Service Award), and Amy Downing (Wildred Tremblay Leadership Award). These outstanding students embody the passion and leadership the department values and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors at HPU and beyond!
Photo of Award Recipients
Left to Right: Tyler Cordery, Jessie Rall, Megan Laidler, Peyton Gilmore, Maxwell Rattet, Amy Downing, Nicholas Kadela
Left to Right: Brooke Allanach, Andrew Petosa, Ja’Niyah Williams
April and March Review & Summer Playbook
As the spring semester wraps up, the Sport Management Department proudly reflects on a season filled with meaningful events, student accomplishments, and industry connections. Highlights included a special session with Charlie Freeman, President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, and alumni insights from Jessica Messner of the Philadelphia Phillies and Parker Murphy with the Wyndham Championship
Students engaged in immersive experiences through the Sport Management Association’s facility tours, a powerful Women Leaders in Sport speaker with Turning Point USA featuring Sage Steele, and the second annual March Madness Bracket Challenge The department also celebrated the accomplishments of our seniors at a well-attended Senior Send-Off event and spotlighted standout freshman Jack Paris, who is already building an impressive résumé through roles at The Masters, Perfect Game, and Wake Forest Sports Properties
This summer promises exciting opportunities as many of our Sport Management students take the next step in their professional journeys through internships and hands-on roles across the industry From working with top-tier organizations to assisting at large-scale sporting events, students will gain real-world experience that builds on the knowledge and skills they’ve developed throughout the year
We can’t wait to reconnect in August for the annual Sport Management Semester Kickoff event, marking the beginning of a fresh semester full of promise This signature gathering sets the tone for the year ahead and helps students re-engage with peers, faculty, and new opportunities With a new academic year on the horizon, the department remains committed to providing beneficial and engaging experiences that prepare students for success Congratulations to our graduating seniors! We wish everyone a restful, productive, and inspiring summer break!
Thank you for reading!
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Charlie Freeman
Charlie Freeman is the President of Business Operations for the Orlando Magic, overseeing marketing, sales, and fan engagement initiatives He drives the team’s overall business strategy and enhances fan experiences Connect with him on LinkedIn
Parker Murphy
Parker Murphy, HPU Sport Management alum, is Operations Manager for the Wyndham Championship He oversees event logistics and staff for the PGA TOUR event His role offers insight into largescale sport event operations Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more
Jessica Messner is an Entertainment Representative for the Philadelphia Phillies, managing performers, scripts, and fan engagement experiences
A proud High Point University alumna, she values experience and welcomes connections on LinkedIn
Jack Paris
Jack Paris is a sport management student at HPU ‘28 with experience in event operations, fan engagement, and merchandise sales, currently interning with Perfect Game and Wake Forest Sports Properties Feel free to contact him via LinkedIn
