Trailblazing Mentors help MS Sport Graduates Advance Careers

At the beginning of each academic year, more than 30 alumni from the McCormack Department of Sport Management volunteer their time, expertise, and insights to help prepare graduate students for their careers in the sport industry. From monthly Skype calls and shadowing days to resume advice and job recommendations, each year the program results in the creation of lasting relationships that have become the hallmark of the program’s alumni network.

“It's been an unbelievable two years being connected to two trailblazing female leaders in the industry,” says Brooke Osmanski, who graduated in May 2024 with a MS Sport/MBA dual degree. She was paired with mentors Laurel Hosmer ’13 MS, director of athletics at Valparaiso University, and Heidi Pellerano ’98 MS, chief commercial officer of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. Osmanski, who started a role as a senior coordinator in the commercial division of the US Soccer Federation, said Pellerano had been an unbelievable mentor. “This year she coached me every other week, talking to me about what she does and what it looks like to work in the commercial world for soccer.”

Dabness Atkins, a May 2024 graduate of the sport management MS program, recently joined the Minnesota Vikings as a scouting associate—his dream job—after being hired by one of his mentors: Jamaal Stephenson ’99 MS. As the senior personnel executive at the Vikings, Stephenson gave Atkins insights into how the NFL draft works, hiring strategies and when to reach out to players. “I didn't make it to the NFL as a player,” Atkins says, “but now I’m working in the front office for the Vikings.”

Richard Larkin, who graduated in May 2024 with an MS Sport/MBA dual degree, recently joined the Los Angeles Football Club as a revenue and data strategy associate. He was mentored by Dennis Mannion ’81 MS, CEO and President of House of 7, LLC, a sports advisory company with professional and amateur sports clients.

“He's been a champion for me and has always been a sounding board in terms of what I'm thinking, whether that's pursuing different opportunities or just looking for like general advice in the industry. He’s been willing to help me expand my network within sport. It’s an excellent part of the program.”