The Everyday Scholar

The Hustle Behind the Hobby: Careers in Modern Sports Collectibles | EP130

This episode of Voices in the Field features Andrew Stern, Director of E-Commerce Project Management at Fanatics Collectibles, who shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at his unconventional path into the sports industry. From internships in minor league baseball to experiential marketing and ultimately e-commerce leadership, Stern emphasizes the value of adaptability, storytelling, and embracing both success and failure. His career highlights the importance of gaining diverse, hands-on experience – often in roles that require “wearing many hats” – and leveraging those moments to build a compelling professional narrative that sets candidates apart in a competitive job market.  The conversation also dives into the rapidly evolving world of print-on-demand sports collectibles, where Fanatics capitalizes on real-time moments – turning standout performances into physical trading cards within hours. Stern explains how this model blends sports fandom, e-commerce, and digital culture, attracting both traditional collectors and new audiences seeking tangible connections to memorable events. He underscores the operational complexity behind scaling this business globally, while reinforcing key career advice: be proactive, reach out to industry professionals, craft your story intentionally, and maintain a positive, engaged attitude – because opportunity often favors those willing to take initiative.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inside Sports Architecture: Building Spaces Where Sports Happen | EP129

In this Voices in the Field episode, hosts Dr. Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs welcome Jamie Benallo, Associate Principal and Senior Architect at Populous, to explore how sports and recreation facilities are designed with long-term impact in mind. Jamie shares her path into sports architecture and explains how listening to communities, athletes, and stakeholders is central to creating adaptable, future-ready spaces.  Jamie also offers insight into her work on the Denver Summit NWSL expansion projects, highlighting the collaboration required to balance athlete needs, fan experience, and community use. She closes with advice for students pursuing careers in sport management and related fields, emphasizing curiosity, relationship-building, and learning the craft before chasing titles.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inside the LPGA’s “What If” Department: Research, Fans, and Growth | EP128

In this Voices in the Field episode, hosts Dr. Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs welcome Kerrilyn Curtin, Director of Research at the LPGA and a member of the APUS Sports Management Program advisory council. Kerrilyn walks through her career path – from early experiences at York College (and an unexpected first research opportunity handing out surveys), to a decade at Madison Square Garden, a stint at NBC Universal and a startup research firm, and ultimately eight years at the LPGA. She explains why she calls research the “what if” department: her team’s job is to make the organization smarter by connecting fan insights to decision-making across social, TV viewership, sponsorship, website analytics, and now ticketing – after the LPGA brought ticketing in-house as part of a broader data acquisition strategy.  Kerrilyn shares surprising insights about women’s sports audiences – including that the LPGA’s fan base skews older and male – and how the LPGA uses that data to both attract the right partners and grow younger and female fans through more digital engagement and deeper storytelling. The conversation digs into where data is headed (more personalization, more connected touchpoints, more attribution), how sponsorship activation increasingly revolves around data exchange, and why privacy and opt-ins get complicated across states and global markets. Throughout, Kerrilyn and the hosts emphasize the same core career advice for students: volunteer early, stay curious, ask questions, build relationships, and keep networking—because most jobs, opportunities, and career pivots happen through connections and “three degrees of separation.”  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Voices in the Field: Building a 20-Year Career in Sports with Scott MacDonald | EP127

In this episode of Voices in the Field, hosts Jim Reese and Britt sit down with Scott MacDonald, Senior Director of Youth Partnerships for the Cleveland Cavaliers, to trace his 20+ year journey in professional sports. Scott shares how a high school job-shadowing experience and a love of sports led him to Ohio University, an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a formative stint in minor league baseball where he learned to “sell a $6 ticket” and, more importantly, to sell himself. Along the way, he emphasizes the role of grit, mentorship, and personal branding, as well as the power of relationships and being coachable in a highly competitive industry.  Scott also gives an inside look at how the Cavs approach youth sports and fan development, guided by a simple but powerful matrix: friends, swag, snacks, and fun. He explains how the organization partners with rec centers, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Special Olympics to support kids, empower parents, and equip coaches—creating first-class experiences that build lifelong fans and better humans, not just better athletes. With reflections on servant leadership, the impact of commissioners like Adam Silver, and practical advice for students aspiring to work in sports, the episode is a thoughtful, energetic exploration of what it means to lead with humility, hustle, and heart.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Voices in the Field: Chris Canty on Building a Sports Media Career | EP126

In this Voices in the Field episode, hosts Dr. Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs sit down with Chris Canty, Super Bowl XLVI champion, ESPN radio host, and former University of Virginia standout. Canty reflects on his transition from the NFL to sports media, sharing how building “mouth memory,” staying coachable, and putting in the reps helped him succeed beyond the field.  Canty discusses the challenges athletes face when careers end, the importance of finding new communities, and how team chemistry extends to broadcast studios. Chris also explores player empowerment, NIL’s impact on collegiate sports, and the expanding career paths available in today’s industry. For students and aspiring professionals, he offers practical advice on seizing opportunities, investing in personal growth, and leading with resilience.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.