The Network - Spring 2024

AMERICA'S SPORTS UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2024

THE NETWORK USSA ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SCHOLARSHIP

Empowering New Leaders Cronan-Summitt School of Sport Business honors legacy of influential leaders Pat Summitt and Joan Cronan

FRESH FACES

NEW COACHES STIR EXCITEMENT ON CAMPUS DECORATED OLYMPIANS JOIN USSA FAMILY

About USSA Board of Trustees Mr. Robert C. Campbell III, Chairman - Mobile, AL Mr. Vincent Butta Lloyd Harbor, NY Dr. Steve Condon President, USSA Daphne, AL Ms. Joan Cronan Knoxville, TN Dr. Gary Cunningham Santa Barbara, CA Dr. Lee A. McElroy Troy, NY Dr. Nick Niccolai Mobile, AL Ms. Tina Xavie Beverly Hills, CA

Inside this issue 3

Decorated Olympians Join USSA Family

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After the Tassel: Dr. Heidi Crone, C/O ‘22

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How to Land a Sports Job: Dr. Anthony D’Onofrio, C/O ‘97

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Cover Story: Empowering New Leaders

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Coaches Stir Spirits on Campus

Orange Beach, AL

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How to Get Recruited: Coach Ray Leone, C/O ‘90

Dr. Reggie Sykes

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Alumni Network

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USSA Now

Washington D.C.

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Working Together: Shelton State Articulation Agreement

Dr. China Jude Highlands Ranch, CO John C. Thornton, Jr. Chattanooga, TN

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USSA Scholarships

Dr. T. J. Rosandich President Emeritus, USSA Fairhope, AL Mr. Jack Scharr St. Louis, MO Mr. Randy Smith

Mobile, AL Mr. Joseph Szlavik

USSA MISSION: The United States Sports Academy is an independent, nonprofit, accredited sports university created to serve the nation and the world with programs in instruction, research, and service.

The role of the Academy is to prepare men and women for careers in the profession of sports using modern technologies and traditional teaching methodologies.

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Artist-in-residence Nancy Raia treated students from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce youth leadership group to a campus tour and a painting demonstration.

The Network - Spring 2024 Managing Editor: Eric Mann Copy Editor: Kimiko Lumsden

One Academy Drive Daphne, AL 36526-7055 Phone: (251) 626-3303 Fax: (251) 621-2527 E-mail: communications@ussa.edu Website: ussa.edu

USSA ACCREDITATION: The United States Sports Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The United States Sports Academy also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the United States Sports Academy may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on the SACSCOC website (www.sacscoc.org).

Cover photo courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics.: Influential sports leaders Joan Cronan and the late Pat Summitt.

Decorated Olympians Join USSA Family A pair of highly decorated Olympians have joined USSA’s leadership and faculty roster. Olympic swimming medalist Dr. Noemi Zaharia and Olympic handball player Cristian Zaharia joined the USSA family in January.

Dr. Noemi Zaharia is USSA’s new Director of Sport Leadership and an associate professor, while Cristian Zaharia is USSA’s Director of International Sport Business Development and a member of the faculty.

“What a gift the Zaharias are to our USSA family,” USSA President Dr. Steve Condon said. “In my 44 years in higher education, I have never seen more talented, humble, student-focused global representatives that fit a university better than them. We are blessed and honored that they have decided to share their talents with us, our students, and all those who dream of achieving ‘The Gold Standard’ for their higher educational pursuits.”

Dr. Noemi Zaharia was the keynote speaker at the GCC Universities Sport and Wellness Symposium in Doha, Qatar in January. The event was organized by the Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) and Qatar Collegiate Sport Federation. Zaharia is pictured gifting USSA shirts to FISU president Leonz Eder and FISU secretary general Eric Saintrod.

I will strive to inspire the next generation of sports leaders, scientists, and coaches, making USSA a leader in the sports community. I am confident that together, we can make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of students, our community, and the world.

Dr. Noemi Zaharia My goal is to help the Academy be the benchmark for sports management and sports science in every corner of the globe. We can create the conditions for every athlete, Olympian, and sports enthusiast to get their education at this fine institution.

Cristian Zaharia

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ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE

After the Tassel

BY DR. HEIDI CRONE CLASS OF 2022

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ince earning my Doctor of Education degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, my professional journey has taken a pleasant turn towards a new and exciting career.

The program at USSA instilled in me a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics within the realm of sports management leaving me well prepared for a new challenge.

The transition from teaching to my current role as a Professional Services Consultant at the ACTIVE Network was seamlessly facilitated by the wealth of knowledge acquired during my doctoral studies. My USSA experience refined my problem-solving skills and equipped me with a deeper comprehension of business needs. Now, as I navigate the dynamic landscape of sports management, I find myself drawing upon the comprehensive education and practical insights gained at USSA on a daily basis.

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In my role at ACTIVE, I collaborate with recreation organizations all over North America. My main objective is to tailor technology-driven strategies to meet the unique needs of my clients.

Whether crafting solutions for urban sports programs or working with rural communities, USSA's doctoral program continues to be the cornerstone of my professional success. It has provided me with the expertise and confidence to excel in the ever-evolving field of sports management.

Dr. Heidi Crone is a professional services consultant for the ACTIVE Network in Dallas, Texas.

ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE

How to Land a Sports Job WITH DR. ANTHONY D’ONOFRIO CLASS OF 1997 In his role as the Director of the Graduate Sports Leadership Program at Endicott College, USSA alum Dr. Anthony D’Onofrio has advised hundreds of students on how to find their paths in the sports industry.

This is the advice he gives every student:

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Identify a mentor.

Find someone who is currently working in the sports profession and ask them three simple questions:

What was your career journey in sports?

What current or new challenges do you see in the sports industry? How did you land your first job?

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Map out your plan.

Answering the following questions will point you in the right direction and help you map out a plan:

Where do you want to be in five years?

Ten? Where do you want to live? How much money do you want to make? Are you willing to travel for work or relocate?

Dr. Anthony D’Onofrio is the director of the graduate sport leadership program at Endicott College.

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Network, network, network.

I cannot overstate the importance of building and cultivating your professional network.

I encourage all my students to develop relationships with their peers, with the faculty and staff at school, and with their mentors. Education is key, but having a reliable network of professionals who you can call on to get your foot in the door somewhere is invaluable.

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Investigate, identify, improve.

Educate yourself on sports jobs. Find one you want.

Make yourself good at it.

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Cover Story

USSA’s Cronan-Summitt School of Sport Business honors legacies ofJoan Cronan and the late Pat Summitt

or more than three decades, Joan Cronan and Pat Summitt positively impacted the lives of countless young men and women, paved the way for generations of new leaders, and taught the world how to serve others with humility.

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Now, the legacies of the two collegiate sports powerhouses will be shared with a new generation of emerging leaders through multiple initiatives at the United States Sports Academy (USSA).

Through an agreement with the Pat Summitt Foundation, USSA will rename its sports management school the Cronan-Summitt School of Sport Business. The initiative also includes a host of scholarship opportunities for USSA students, including the Cronan Scholars Program, Summitt Scholars Program, and the Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year.

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Photos courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics. Top: Joan Cronan. Bottom right: Pat Summitt.

Summitt, who passed away in 2016, is remembered as a coaching giant in collegiate women’s basketball, and her coaching record is virtually unmatched.

She amassed 1,098 career wins as head coach of the Lady Vols between 1974 and 2012, won eight national titles, and her teams never missed the NCAA tournament or suffered a losing season.

She also coached the US Women’s National Team to a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.

Tyler Summitt, Pat’s son, is a former college basketball player and coach who works with the Pat Summitt Foundation on its initiatives to fund the fight against Alzheimer’s.

“This initiative is an extension of my mother’s legacy because of the opportunity it provides students to advance their education and positively impact the world of sports,” Tyler Summitt said.

“This scholarship program and the naming of USSA's business school will introduce my mom’s legacy to the next generation of students and student-athletes, including the foundational leadership principles she taught.”

Pat Summitt’s friend - longtime Tennessee women’s director of athletics and USSA trustee Joan Cronan - remembers her for the way she led others to become leaders.

“It is such an honor for me to be recognized by USSA with my friend Pat,” Cronan said. “Our motto at Tennessee was always ‘Make a Difference,’ and I know we can continue that important work through these initiatives at USSA. “ Cronan’s record as a leader holds its own as well. She served as the women’s athletics director at Tennessee for 29 years until 2012. During her tenure, the Lady Vols earned 10 NCAA titles and 24 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament Championships.

She prioritized academics with student-athletes, leading an initiative that stressed class attendance and engagement. As a result, female student-athletes earned an average 93 percent Graduation Success Rate during her tenure. She’s also a master fundraiser, having led multiple million dollar campaigns on behalf of Tennessee athletics and the university.

A native of Louisiana, Cronan has served on the Academy’s Board of Trustees since 2014. She received the institution’s Honorary Doctorate award in 2019 and in 2011 earned its Carl Maddox Sports Management Award in honor of her contributions to the growth and development of sport enterprise through effective management practices.

Courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics.

Cronan and Summitt Scholars Coming this Fall The first round of Cronan and Summitt Scholars will begin attendance at USSA in Fall 2024 as the university eyes a historic wave of students on campus in Daphne, Ala. The university will also award the Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year scholarship to one female high school athlete selected from its “Scholar Athlete of the Week” program with local television station WKRG News 5.

“The names of Joan Cronan and Pat Summitt represent the finest in athletic leadership, administration, coaching and sports management over the past 50 years,” USSA President Dr. Steve Condon said. “To place their powerful names on our School of Sport Business, to apply their legacy to future scholars at USSA, and to have them linked to our history through their teachings, is to merge three world class sports influencers for future generations to to appreciate and enjoy.”

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COACHES STIR SPIRITS ON CAMPUS TALENTED ROSTER OF COACHES, DEDICATED ATHLETICS STAFF PREPARE EAGLES FOR THE FUTURE

Morgan Cinello Softball

Peter Fuller and his men’s soccer team ended their first season with a 5-5-1 record and four players earned a spot on the Fall 2023 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Fuller’s historic inaugural Eagles paved the way for four additional sports teams and coaches to make their own marks on the university’s legacy. As the university prepares for another record enrollment and additional student-athletes on campus in Fall 2024, four new coaches are playing a significant role in developing a sustainable future at USSA.

Andy Canegitta Track & Field

President and Director of Athletics Dr. Steve Condon leads a dedicated athletics staff that includes Shealynn Miller and Taylor Rogers as associate and assistant directors of athletics and Sarah Peoples as compliance officer. Together, they are leading a growing university into the collegiate athletics world.

Softball coach Morgan Cinello Morgan Cinello brings a wealth of collegiate softball experience after two stints working under Patrick Murphy at powerhouse Alabama. During her time with the Crimson Tide, the team went 188-55 and made two College World Series appearances. She also worked for Wichita State as pitching coach in 2020, and has coached high school softball in Gulf Shores, Ala. “I am honored to coach the first USSA softball team,” she said. “I look forward to cultivating an environment that focuses on building strong, independent women both on and off the field.”

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Mike Neal Baseball

Cinello played softball at The United States Military Academy before transferring to Hofstra University. She earned Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors as a pitcher.

Ray Leone Women’s Soccer

Peter Fuller Men’s Soccer

Track & Field coach Andy Canegitta

Women’s Soccer coach Ray Leone

Andy Canegitta brings a championship pedigree to the inaugural track and field program at USSA.

Ray Leone has coached women’s soccer at some big places. In his 38-year career, Leone made coaching stops at Harvard, Clemson, Creighton, Arizona State and Maryland. He is also a USSA alum, having earned his master’s degree from the university in 1990.

In his previous stop as track and field coach at the University of Mobile, his teams won two NAIA National Championships, two Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Championships, and were SSAC Conference Runner-ups seven times. Canegitta is a three-time SSAC Coach of the Year, earning the title in 2017, 2021, and 2022.

“It is an honor to be part of history as Head Track & Field Coach at USSA,” he said. “I’m excited to build this program, recruit quality student-athletes, and make an impact in their lives academically and athletically.”

Baseball coach Mike Neal Baseball coach Mike Neal brought three decades of collegiate coaching experience with him to Daphne. He spent 25 years as head coach at Blackburn College in Illinois and has collected 437 career college wins. Neal will also serve USSA as the athletics department’s sports information director.

In Leone’s highly decorated coaching career, he has won six conference titles, two conference Coach of the Year awards, and has led four different schools to postseason play. With 24 winning seasons and 309 head coaching wins, Leone is placed in the top-25 winningest coaches among active Division I head coaches.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to start something special where I proudly went to school,” Leone said. “We want student-athletes that are looking for a cutting-edge education in the ever-growing sports world while playing the game they love.”

Neal also developed a relationship with the staff at Vanderbilt, a perennial powerhouse in college baseball.

He worked as a coordinator at the Vanderbilt University baseball camps for two decades.

“This is such a great match for the coach and USSA,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Tim Corbin said. “Mike is a genuine human being with great communication and teaching skills. He has served in every imaginable position while shaping the lives of many individuals.”

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USSA women in athletics: Softball Coach Morgan Cinello, Assistant Director of Athletics Taylor Rogers, Associate Director of Athletics Shealynn Miller, and Compliance Officer Sarah Peoples.

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How to Get Recruited

RAY LEONE, C/O ‘90 USSA WOMEN’S SOCCER

USSA women’s soccer coach Ray Leone has coached at the highest level in collegiate sports at places like Harvard, Clemson, and Arizona State. He has recruited hundreds of top-level women’s soccer players throughout his career.

This is his advice on how to get recruited:

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01

Introduce yourself.

Write an email to as many college coaches as possible with your profile, grad year and a little statement about yourself. Make sure your email is unique to the school and the coach you are writing. In other words, do not copy and paste. Always include your team’s name and jersey number.

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Use your network.

Ask your high school or club coach for help with contacting college coaches on your behalf.

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Attend clinics.

Go to as many ID clinics as possible that you can. This is a good way to see if you fit with the coaching style and the overall environment of the program.

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Make a highlight tape.

Make sure the video is quality enough so a college coach can identify who you are and evaluate your strengths.

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Keep your grades up.

This will open more doors and allow you an opportunity to earn potential academic scholarships.

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Be persistent.

Coaches hear from a lot of players on a weekly basis. Separate yourself by being personal and letting the prospective program know who you are.

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Believe in yourself.

There is a college for everyone. You will find the place for you.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Alums Dr. China Jude and Dr. Dexter Davis bumped into each other at a Super Bowl event in Las Vegas.

During a trip to Houston, USSA Assistant Director of Athletics Taylor Rogers, left, Associate Director of Athletics Shealynn Miller, right, and others met with Houston Christian University Softball Coach Mary-Ellen Hall, a USSA alumna.

During a trip to Austin, Dean of Marketing, Communications, and Community Relations Eric Mann, left, and son Cade, right, met former MLBl All-Star and current University of Texas Director of Baseball Player Development Troy Tulowitzki, a USSA alumnus.

Assistant Vice President for Administration Shealynn Miller welcomed alumnus Donnie Albert for a campus visit.

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USSA NOW STUDENTS

Fall 2023 Honor Roll USSA students who excelled during the Fall 2023 semester are included on the President’s List and Dean’s List. Those on the President’s List had a grade-point average of 4.0. Undergraduates on the Dean’s List had a gradepoint average of 3.4-3.99, while graduate students on the Dean’s List had a grade-point average of 3.8-3.99.

Graduate President’s List: Steven Graulau, Eric Mann, Radenko Miskovic, and Richard Ponce Undergraduate President’s List: Bartholomew Doucet, Amara Gilbert, Alfred Greenwood, and Hannah Walasik Graduate Dean’s List: Jackson Barber, Jamie Joss, and Seth Weister Undergraduate Dean‘s List: Nada Alhussain, Sammie Arnsdorff, Austin Caporale, Santos Cruz, Saul Diaz, Dylan Dickey, Petra Felix, Christopher Fletcher, Jensen Gilligan, Jeremy Henderson, Anthony Lactaoen, Kirven Lang, Isaiah Lauzon, Ramses Martinez, Ryan McKenrick, Henry McMurphy, Julia Norris, Gregory O’Toole-Bierals, Adrial Olea, Juan Rodriguez, and Omar Wehbe 12

Christmas at USSA: Sarah Peoples, Kimiko Lumsden, Dr. Katrina Wahlstrom, and Dr. Brandon Spradley met Santa Ernest Berger at the USSA Christmas party.

ON CAMPUS

USSA Hosts Spirited Christmas Parties The halls of the United States Sports Academy echoed with holiday cheer as the university hosted two Christmas parties, including one for a group of students from the Callahan Regional School for the Deaf and Blind for a Christmas party.

The students from Mobile, Ala., were greeted by artist-inresidence Nancy Raia, who treated them to a campus art tour, holiday-themed art activities, Christmas caroling with USSA faculty and staff, and USSA and artist-in-residence Nancy Raia hosted a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. a Christmas party and art tour for students from the Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind.

WORKING TOGETHER

USSA Helping Shelton State Students Finish Degrees

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helton State Community College (SSCC) and the United States Sports Academy (USSA) have signed a Transfer Articulation Agreement aimed at creating a

In addition, USSA has agreed to accept all full-time faculty or staff wanting to pursue a Master of Sports Science or Doctor of Education degree.

pathway for SSCC students with an associate’s degree who wish to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree from USSA. The new partnership will facilitate bachelor’s degree attainment for students transferring from SSCC to a bachelor’s degree program at USSA.

“We continue to seek out articulation agreements like this one where we know high-quality students are interested in sports degrees. Shelton State represents one of the top-quality products in our state where applying a transfer scholarship might assist worthy students with receiving an online degree in sports business or coaching,” said Dr. Steve Condon, USSA President.

“Shelton State consistently works to secure transfer and job pathways for our students,” said Dr. Jonathan Koh, SSCC President. “This newest partnership with USSA gives our students an opportunity to explore exciting degrees and careers in sports, sports management, and other areas.”

USSA will accept credits for students who have completed an associate’s degree at SSCC and are seeking a bachelor’s degree in any specialty.

SSCC students, faculty, or staff admitted to any of the USSA degree programs are eligible to receive the Academy’s Presidential Transfer Scholarship, covering up to 30% of tuition expenses.

The primary objective of both institutions is to best serve and support students and employees by offering opportunities for educational advancement and excellence.

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USSA Scholarships United States Sports Academy scholarships are designed to help students find their path to a sports career with the benefit of a lighter financial burden. Interested students should email Dean of Enrollment Services Taylor Rogers at trogers@ussa.edu or Director of Admissions Brenda Hinson at bhinson1@ussa.edu for information. Students must maintain minimum required criteria and continuous enrollment, as determined by the university.

Eagles Wings Scholars Program

President’s Transfer Scholarship

The USSA Eagles Wings Scholars Program is designed to assist students who have a demonstrated financial need and are interested in pursuing or continuing a USSA degree in any program at any degree level. This 30% award exemplifies USSA’s vision and mission to prepare a diverse student body for careers in the sport profession.

The USSA President’s Transfer Scholarship is available to all incoming undergraduate transfer students who have earned an associate’s degree at a previous institution. Community college faculty and staff are eligible for this scholarship. The 30% award is designed to help students as they transition into USSA’s sports-specific, four-year degree programs.

Cronan Scholars Program

Summitt Scholars Program

Named for USSA Trustee Joan Cronan, a monumental force for women’s athletics at the University of Tennessee for 30 years, this award is for incoming sports management students at all degree levels who have demonstrated a high academic standard at their previous institution. There is a limited number of these 30% scholarships available each year. Students who receive this award will be denoted as Cronan Scholars.

Named for legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, this scholarship is designed for any sports coaching student at any degree level, and there is a limited number of these 30% scholarships available each year. Students who receive this award will be denoted as Summitt Scholars.

Cronan and Summitt Scholars Program Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA at either the undergraduate or graduate level 700-word essay describing your desired path in sports leadership and how you will make a difference in the sport profession Deadline for entry: July 1

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Athletics Sports Award

Dean’s Scholarship

The USSA Athletics Sports Award is given annually to student-athletes who intend to study at the university and play on one of the university’s intercollegiate sports teams. This scholarship exemplifies USSA’s vision and mission to prepare a diverse student body for careers in the sport profession.

The USSA Dean’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to help new students at any degree level complete their studies. This scholarship exemplifies USSA’s vision and mission to prepare a diverse student body for careers in the sport profession.

USSA Scholarships The United States Sports Academy’s Jim Thorpe Scholar Athlete of the Year Award and Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year Award are given annually to the male and female high school athletes selected from the USSA/WKRG Scholar Athlete of the Week program. Interested students should email Dean of Enrollment Services Taylor Rogers at trogers@ussa.edu or Director of Admissions Brenda Hinson at bhinson1@ussa.edu for information.

USSA/WKRG Scholar Athlete of the Week winners are eligible for the Thorpe and Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year awards.

Jim Thorpe Scholar Athlete of the Year

Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year

The USSA Jim Thorpe Scholar Athlete of the Year Award is given annually to a male high school athlete selected from the Scholar Athlete of the Week program who intends to study at the university. The scholarship covers all tuition for four years, provided the student remains in good standing with the university. The scholarship is named in honor of Native American multi-sport athlete Jim Thorpe, who is remembered as one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. He won two Olympic track and field gold medals at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, and excelled at baseball, basketball, and football at both the collegiate and professional levels. He was also the first president of the American Professional Football Association, which later became the NFL, from 1920-1921.

The USSA Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year Award is given annually to a female high school athlete who intends to study at the university. The scholarship covers all tuition for four years, provided the student remains in good standing with the university. The scholarship is named for the legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, who made a tremendous impact on collegiate athletics and at the international level as head coach of the USA women’s basketball team. She remains one of the winningest collegiate women’s basketball coaches and her Definite Dozen program has positively impacted leaders in the worlds of business, sports, and education for decades.

Jim Thorpe and Pat Summitt Scholar Athlete of the Year Award Requirements: Must be present at the WKRG USSA Scholar Athlete of the Week banquet on April 22, 2024 700-word essay describing your desire to work in sports and how you will make a difference through your education Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 Deadline for entry: April 1, 2024 15

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