Ten Elon University sport management majors have been selected for induction into the COSMA Chi Sigma Mu Honor Society, a national distinction recognizing academic excellence, leadership and professional engagement in the sport industry.
Ten Elon University sport management majors will be inducted into the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Chi Sigma Mu Honor Society, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to professional development in the sport industry. The induction ceremony will take place in February during COSMA’s annual conference in St. Augustine, Florida.
Membership in Chi Sigma Mu is reserved for top-performing students enrolled in COSMA-accredited programs, a distinction Elon’s Department of Sport Management earned in 2024. That accreditation places Elon among a distinguished group of 36 programs across the United States. Fellow accredited institutions include Liberty University, Louisiana State University, Ohio University and Troy University.
As a COSMA-accredited program, Elon follows a rigorous nomination process to identify eligible students. Faculty members at accredited institutions may nominate up to 10 undergraduate students for honor society consideration. To qualify, sport management majors must complete at least 60 credit hours, maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA, and demonstrate exemplary academic performance, volunteer service, professional development engagement, and efforts to foster a strong sense of community within their program.
This year’s inductees reflect that standard of excellence across the sport management program. Elon’s inductees include Emerson Baker ’26, Alli Gerson ’26, Shelby Keel ’26, Carlos Rafael Levy Lanado ’26, Meghan Logue ’26, Lucy McAfee ’26, Zeke Petrou ’26, Lauren Winslow ’27, Will Wranek ’26 and Mia Zebley ’27.
“We’re excited to have 10 outstanding Elon students inducted into the 2026 COSMA honor society,” said David Bockino, associate professor of sport management. “The students selected for this honor have excelled in the classroom, taken advantage of Elon’s global footprint, and launched innovative undergraduate research projects. They represent the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and are the future leaders of the sport industry.”
Alex Traugutt, assistant professor of sport management, echoed that sentiment, noting that induction into Chi Sigma Mu captures a fuller picture of student excellence, one shaped by involvement, service and leadership as much as classroom success.
“Inductees must demonstrate exceptional classroom performance, meaningful contributions through service to the institution and community, active engagement in professional development, and leadership that enriches the program,” Traugutt said. “This honor not only celebrates our students’ outstanding achievements but also positions them among an elite group of future professionals. We appreciate the positive impact they have had on our program and are excited to see how they will continue to represent Elon sport management as leaders in the industry.”
Inductees
Click the inductees’ names to access their LinkedIn profiles.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Concord, NC
- In Their Words: I have enjoyed sport management because of how much the professors have gone above and beyond. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself, while also offering guidance and support. My love for the sport industry has grown every semester, and I can’t wait to see where my future in sport takes me.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Dresher, PA
- In Their Words: My experience with the Department of Sport Management has allowed me to explore a wide range of disciplines all centered around sport. The coursework has encouraged me to explore new interests while gaining transferable skills. The strong sense of community and support from both peers and faculty has made this program a meaningful and rewarding part of my college journey.
- Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Williamston, NC
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has given me a community where I could grow personally and professionally. From faculty and supportive peers who genuinely care about my success to courses that push me to be my best, this program has helped me reach my full potential. I am, and will always be, incredibly grateful for this department and the future it has prepared me for.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Mexico City, Mexico
- In Their Words: I have truly enjoyed studying in the Department of Sport Management because of its strong emphasis on real-world application. Through opportunities such as undergraduate research in the Sports Media Lab, presenting at NCUR, and courses built around real industry scenarios, I was able to apply what I learned in meaningful ways while also building strong, lasting relationships with faculty.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Charlotte, NC
- In Their Words: Studying sport management at Elon has been so meaningful because of the incredible faculty who constantly support and challenge me. They have opened my eyes to the vast opportunities within the industry and helped me turn a passion for sport into a realistic and attainable career. Their mentorship and encouragement consistently push me to aim higher and work harder to make a lasting impact through sport.
- Major: Sport Management and Exercise Science
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Walnut Creek, CA
- In Their Words: I started sport management later in my college journey, beginning my first class junior year. Throughout all of my classes, the faculty challenged me to think critically about sport and its broader impact. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the department provides, including internships and undergraduate research that support both academic and professional growth.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Durham, NC
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in shaping me as a student, researcher, and future sport professional. I have been provided with meaningful and unique opportunities to grow, from participating in the Elon in Charlotte Sport Experience to conducting performance analysis research with the Elon men’s basketball team. The mentorship I’ve received from the sport management faculty has made my undergraduate experience invaluable.
- Major: Sport Management and Strategic Communications
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Hometown and State: Cherry Hill, NJ
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has provided me with invaluable opportunities, from interning with NASCAR and the ACC through the Elon in Charlotte program to conducting sport-focused undergraduate research. Through these hands-on experiences and the guidance of passionate faculty, I have developed both professionally and personally. The department’s support has helped shape my academic interests and prepared me for a future career in the sport industry.
- Major: Sport Management and Finance
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown and State: Lexington, VA
- In Their Words: My time in the Department of Sport Management opened doors I never imagined. The faculty provided access to internship opportunities both externally and within Elon’s Athletic Department, and their guidance enabled me to engage in meaningful undergraduate research. The encompassing curriculum equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my passions and navigate the sports industry. I am extremely grateful for the mentors and relationships in the department.
- Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
- Graduation Year: 2027
- Hometown: Chadds Ford, PA
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in developing my professionalism and preparing me for a career by offering valuable opportunities to grow. The hands-on experiences, coursework, and networking have prepared me for success in the sport industry. What truly sets the program apart are the incredible professors who strive to create lasting relationships with students through mentorship and support. I will forever be grateful for this department.