We are beyond excited to kick off the 2025–2026 academic year at the Sport Management Department at High Point University! After a busy and eventful summer, our students have returned to campus with incredible experiences to share. Over the summer, our Sport in Society class traveled to Germany and the Netherlands, exploring the role of sport across cultures and gaining invaluable international perspectives Meanwhile, our students took full advantage of internship opportunities, achieving remarkable milestones Evelyn Lerch and Alex Connors led impactful projects and gained hands-on experience in professional sports settings We are especially proud of our 2025 graduates, including Jackson Philleo, who are stepping confidently into the next chapter of their careers, applying experiential learning and the skills developed in the SMG department
Back on campus, we welcomed the semester with our Sport Management Kickoff Event, featuring Alana Sullivan, HPU alumna, who shared valuable insights into how her time in the department prepared her for success beyond graduation. We also highlighted updates from our Sport Management clubs, which were active at the Fall 2025 Involvement Fair, meeting new students and reconnecting with familiar faces eager to get involved and make an impact this year. Keep reading to learn more about our students’ incredible summer experiences, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved in the SMG community this year!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: FAITH ANNE YELEY
SMG Study Abroad
This past May, the High Point University Sport and Society class traveled to the Netherlands an in
Madison Mingo, who traveled with the Sport and Society class, shared that her love of travel and interest in the global sports industry inspired her to study abroad A highlight was visiting the Adidas Headquarters, where she experienced the brand’s innovation and athlete-focused design firsthand She emphasized that studying abroad provides a competitive edge, personal growth, career-building opportunities, and truly unforgettable memories.
2025 Graduates
Jackson Philleo, a 2025 HPU Sport Management graduate, was an active leader on campus through his involvement in the Sport Management Association and other campus opportunities This fall, he is joining the Miami Marlins as a Representative in Membership Sales Jackson credits the hands-on experiences and network within the department for preparing him and looks forward to applying his passion for sports as he begins his career HPU is proud to celebrate Jackson’s accomplishments and excited to watch him make an impact in the sports industry analyzed results, and presented solutions now under consideration for implementation She encourages others to embrace challenges, build team relationships, and look for ways to make a lasting impact.
Highlights and Events
Club Updates
September 24 at 7 p.m. in NQSC 232 Save the date and join us to explore ways to get involved this semester!
g y connections, develop leadership skills, and enhance your HPU experience
Alex Connors, a Sport Management major with a minor in Spanish, has built an impressive resume of experiences that reflect both his passion for athletics and his commitment to professional growth During the academic year, he worked as a Facility Operations intern with the Carolina Thunderbirds and continued his second year as a student employee for Facility Operations with HPU Athletics This summer, he expanded his experience on a global stage, serving in Guest Operations at the FIFA Club World Cup in Charlotte, NC and at the European Men’s Lacrosse Championships in Wroclaw, Poland. Alex credits the Sport Management department’s unique culture of connection and support as a driving force behind his success. He emphasizes the role of professors, alumni, and peers in creating meaningful opportunities, sharing that he wouldn’t have joined the European Men’s Lacrosse Championships without the outreach of faculty, or secured his Thunderbirds internship without the guidance of an HPU alum working in the field He is grateful for a department that not only challenges students to achieve their best but also provides the tools and connections needed to thrive in the sports industry Looking ahead, Alex hopes to continue pursuing opportunities that combine his passion for sports with his drive to make a global impact
August Review & September Playbook
The Sport Management Department hit the ground running this August! We kicked off the semester with our SMG Kickoff Event featuring alumna Alana Sullivan, and our three SMG clubs were out in full force at the Fall 2025 Involvement Fair, reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new students ready to get involved Students returned energized from amazing summer experiences, including international travel and impactful internships, setting the tone for an exciting semester ahead
Looking ahead to September, there are countless ways to get involved and stand out Tune in to the SMG Insights Podcast with Professor Jim Scott for episodes featuring inspiring guest speakers. Don’t miss Facility Fridays with the Sport Management Association, engaging events from Women Leaders in Sport, and other opportunities to build connections, gain leadership experience, and make an impact in the SMG community
Whether you’re a new student or a returning member, this is your chance to dive in, explore your interests, and take full advantage of everything the department offers Get involved in clubs, attend events, and connect with faculty and alumni eager to support your growth Every experience is an opportunity to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact in the sports industry Stay tuned for updates, highlights, and stories from our incredible SMG students throughout the semester!
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 begin this academic year strong and show what makes High Point University exceptional; together, we can make a difference!
Thank you for reading!
to Right: Brooke Allanach, Andrew Petosa, Ja’Niyah Williams
On the Field: Networking Contacts
Madison Mingo is a junior at High Point University, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Legal Studies She is an excellent resource for students interested in studying abroad. Connect with Madison on LinkedIn to learn more and get advice on global opportunities in sport management
Jackson Philleo
Jackson Philleo, a 2025 graduate of High Point University with a degree in Sport Management, is beginning his professional career with the Miami Marlins as a Representative in Membership Sales You can connect with Jackson on LinkedIn to follow his professional journey
Evelyn Lerch
Evelyn Lerch is a senior at High Point University, studying Marketing with a minor in Sport Management With hands-on experience from internships and leadership roles, she has plenty of advice and insights to share Looking to expand your network? Connect with Evelyn on LinkedIn!
Alex Connors
Alex Connors is a junior at High Point University, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Spanish He has gained experience with the Carolina Thunderbirds, HPU Athletics, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the European Men’s Lacrosse Championships Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more
