Sport Management

From national conference presentations to industry-driven research projects, students in Elon’s Sports Media Lab are gaining hands-on experience with major sport organizations.

Through panels, research spotlights and interactive conversations, the Nov. 14 event examined the momentum driving change across today’s sport landscape.

From start-line preparations to race-day support, 16 students gained a deeper understanding of the teamwork and coordination that drive a major sporting event.

Driven by a lifelong love of sports, Shaan Gandhi ’27 has turned passion into purpose through hands-on learning at Elon. With support from the Queen City Internship Grant, he gained real-world experience with the ACC while growing his sports business, SAG Autographs, and learning from mentors who inspire him to lead with drive and adaptability.

At Elon’s Charlotte campus, Skylar Cook '28 is turning classroom lessons into real-world impact. Between her internship with the ACC and her research partnership with the Sports Business Journal, she’s building the skills and connections to launch a career in women’s sports.

The annual journalism workshop, hosted by the School of Communications in partnership with the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and The News & Observer, welcomed students and advisers for a day of sessions led by media professionals and educators.

Through a new partnership with Pistoia Basket, a top professional basketball organization in Italy, and the Accademia Europea di Firenze, Elon students will explore the intersection of sport, culture and education.

Lily Barker ’25, a sport management major and former women’s volleyball player, collaborated with Assistant Professor Alex Traugutt on a study published in the Journal of Amateur Sport exploring what influences NCAA Division I volleyball match attendance. Their findings highlight the key roles of scheduling, opponent quality, and promotional efforts in attracting fans to games.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration during Homecoming Weekend, the School of Communications honored Wilson for her accomplishments as a showrunner and writer in Hollywood. The milestone event also reflected on the school’s transformation over 25 years – from its early beginnings to a nationally respected program known for producing industry-ready graduates.

The strategic communications and sport management double major impacted the NHL team with an idea that benefited fans.