Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program

Student Profiles

Class of 2023

Trace Arena
Trace Arena grew in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from University of Florida in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in sport management. Previously, he was a student manager for the UF baseball team and a bat boy for the Tampa Tarpons. Upon graduation, Trace hopes to work in analytics for a professional baseball team with dreams of one day being in a front office position.

Alicia Armes
Alicia Armes grew up in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida Tampa Campus in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She was previously a sales and event intern for the Florida Aquarium and an Event Coordinator for the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Upon graduation Alicia hopes to work as an event coordinator for an NHL or NFL team. Alicia currently holds a fellowship with the Identity at the Vinik Sports Group.

Giana Baez
Giana Baez grew up in Weehawken, New Jersey. She graduated from Eckerd College in 2021 with bachelor’s degrees in business management and communication with a minor in marketing and concentration in sports. Previously, she served as Head of Operations for Men’s Basketball at Eckerd, Director of Athletic Relations Committee and Communication Coordinator for the athletic department. Giana is currently serving as the content graduate assistant for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program. She hopes to one day be the marketing director for a professional sports organization.

Shannon Bardol
Shannon Bardol grew up in Macomb, Michigan. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in integrative public relations with a concentration in advertising. Previously, Shannon was an internal communications intern with Vertava Health. Upon graduation she hopes to work within the communications department of a professional sports team working on an emphasis in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chris Bevard
Chris Bevard grew up in Davidsonville, Maryland. He graduated from University of Florida in 2021 with a bachelor’s in sports management with a concentration in business administration and mass communications. Previously, he was a facilities, game operations, and events intern with the Stetson University Athletic Department and a Team Leader at Gatorade Summer Camps. Upon graduation, he hopes to become an athletic director in collegiate sports.

Luis Cardoso
Luis Cardoso grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He graduated from FGV in 2014 with a degree in economics. Previously, Luis was a large corporate manager for Safra Bank and a corporate manager for Bradesco Bank. Upon graduation he hopes to be in sport governance, sales, or sponsorship with a sports organization.

Chase Crist
Chase Crist grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University in 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in PreProfessional Health and Health Promotion. Previously, she was a lead intern for marketing in the Athletic Department at Clemson and worked as an intern with SWITCH, a nonprofit organization that works to fight human trafficking. Currently, she is the events and recruiting graduate assistant for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program. Upon graduation, Chase hopes to work in community relations or partnerships for a professional sports organization.

Dillon Daxe
Dillon Daxe grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Dillion graduated from University of Mount Union in 2019 with a bachelor’s in management and sport business. Previously, he worked for BSE Global (Brooklyn Nets), Vector Solutions, and the Dayton Dragons. Upon graduation he hopes to be the director of ticket sales or partnerships for an NFL or NBA team. Currently, Dillon is a Partnerships fellow with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Andrew Hope
Andrew Hope grew up in Oviedo, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a bachelor’s in statistics and a concentration in actuarial sciences. Previously, Andrew was a financial analyst for Northwestern Mutual. Currently, he is the executive graduate assistant for the USF Business Honors Program. Upon graduation, he hopes to work in individual and team performance analytics and player development.

Jazmyn Johnson
Jazmyn Johnson grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from University of South Florida in 2021 with a bachelor's in marketing with a concentration in sports and entertainment management. Previously, Jazmyn was a fan engagement intern with Orlando City Soccer Club, an athletics marketing intern with USF, and a new boarding account intern at EVO Payments. Upon graduation she hopes to work in guest services or gameday operations for an NBA team.

Nadir Khan
Nadir Khan grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan. He graduated from National University of Sciences and Technology in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Previously, Nadir was Officere in Command for the Pakistan Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Head of Sports and Recreation for Active Cities Committee Pakistan, and the Manager and Head Coach for the Pakistan Army Cycling Teams. Upon graduation he hopes to work in sports operations and business development with the goal of transforming the sports structure in Pakistan. Currently, Nadir has a fellowship within the Bulls Club at USF athletics.

Henry Kogan
Henry Kogan grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2021 with a bachelor's in sports marketing and management and a minor in sports media. Previously,  Henry was an intern at the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department and an intern with the Washington Wildthings. Upon graduation he hopes to work in corporate partnerships for an NBA team.

Alexis-Brooke LoBianco
Alexis-Brooke (A-B) LoBianco grew up in Irvine, California. A-B graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2021 with a bachelor’s in operations management and concentrations in business of sports and operations and information management. Previously, she was the research intern for the Colorado Rapids and the Student Government Vice President and the University of Colorado Boulder. Upon graduation she hopes to work in event and facility management in the sports industry.

Caroline Mauser
Caroline (Callie) Mauser grew up in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Callie graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 2021 with a bachelor's in sport administration with a minor in conflict management and history. Previously, she was an intern at Wasserman, USA Triathlon, and Revolution. Upon graduation she hopes to manage large-scale sport sponsorship activations at an agency. Currently, Callie is a Sponsorship Services fellow with Fanatics.

Daron Mitchner
Daron Mitchner grew up in Mountain View, California. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2020 with a bachelor's in exercise and sport science and sport administration. Previously, he was an External Relations intern with Stanford Athletics, a marketing intern with Stanford Athletics, and a lead marketing intern with Carolina Athletics. Upon graduation he hopes to work in marketing with a sports agency or a professional team. Currently, Daron is a Student-Athlete Enhancement fellow within USF Athletics.

Jessica Modrak
Jessica Modrak grew up in Weston, Florida. Jess graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 with a bachelor’s in business management and a minor in leadership. Previously, she was the manager of business operations with USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, a sports business consulting analyst with US Olympic and Paralympic Committees, and committee manager of Operations at New Scooters 4 Less.

Jennifer Moeder
Jennifer Moeder grew up in Bowie, Maryland. Jenna graduated from University of South Florida Tampa in 2021 with a bachelor's in global business and minors in business analytics and information systems. Previously, she was an administrative intern for 3Gimbals, an Orange Ambassador, and a marketing intern for the Bowie Baysox-  AA Baltimore Orioles Affiliate. Currently, Jenna is the research graduate assistant for the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program. Upon graduation she hopes to work in legacy events and for the International Olympic Committee.

Jaxon Naramore
Jaxon Naramore grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Jaxon graduated from University of South Florida Tampa with a bachelor's in marketing with a concentration in sport and entertainment management. Previously, he was a sports marketing intern at USF Athletics, a digital marketing intern at JSK Marketing, and a resident assistant for USF Housing. Upon graduation he hopes to work in marketing for a professional sports organization.

Brett Nelson
Brett Nelson grew up in Cumming, Georgia. Brett graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with a bachelor's in sport management and a minor in business. Currently, he is a recruiting assistant for USF Football. Upon graduation he hopes to work in analytics or operations in the athletic sector.

Zachery Netzel
Zachery Netzel grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Zakk graduated from University of South Florida in 2021 with a bachelor's in marketing with a concentration in sport and entertainment management. Previously, he worked at Super Bowl LV, worked as an assistant with USF Football, and assisted with the American Marketing Association for the ScramBULL golf tournament. Currently, he works as an athletic assistant for USF Football. Upon graduation he hopes to work in community relations for the NHL or MLB.

Gopi Patel
Gopi Patel grew up in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Gopi graduated from Symbiosis International University in India with a degree in photography and a minor in visual arts. Previously, she was a gymnastics coach and a travel and real estate photographer. Upon graduation she hopes to be a sport entertainer or a team manager. Currently, Gopi is a fellow with the Tampa Bay Lightning working with the social media team.

Bryce Reddick
Bryce Reddick grew up in Land O Lakes, Florida. Bryce graduated from Barry University in 2021 with a bachelor's in sports management and a minor in business administration. Previously, he was a facility and event operations assistant for Barry Athletics, a media relations assistant for the Miami Dolphins and a Super Bowl LIV PR Media Staff. Upon graduation he hopes to work in player relations and operations for the NBA or NFL. Currently, Bryce is a Facilities and Events fellow within USF Athletics.

Hope Reiter
Hope Reiter grew up in Bowie, Maryland. Hope graduated from University of Maryland College Park in 2021 with a bachelor's in business management. Previously, she was an undergraduate research assistant and an undergraduate teaching assistant. Upon graduation she hopes to work in sports production, broadcasting, and marketing, highlighting women’s athletics.

Gianni Salzillo
Gianni Salzillo grew up in San Antonia, Texas. Gianni graduated from Louisiana State University in 2019 with a bachelor's in sport administration and minors in business administration and sport commerce. Previously, he was an event management volunteer for LSU Athletics, an operations assistant for LSU University Recreation, and an operations volunteer for Youth Basketball of America –– Mexico. Currently, Gianni is a Brands and Sponsorships fellow with Wasserman. Upon graduation he hopes to work in operations and analytics for the athletic sector.

Zachary Schloemer
Zachary Schloemer grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Zack graduated from University of Akron in 2021 with a bachelor's in sports studies with a concentration in management. Previously, he was a grounds crew intern with the Akron RubberDucks, a property assistant with Learfield/IMG College, and an athletics and event operations intern with the University of Akron. Upon graduation he hopes to work as an events and operations manager in professional sports and aspires to open his own gym.

Christopher Shannon
Christopher Shannon grew up in Boynton Beach, Florida. Chris graduated from University of Tampa in 2021 with a bachelor's in sport management. Previously, he worked in hockey analytics for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Tampa Bay Rays call center, and in customer service for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Upon graduation he hopes to work in operations for a professional sports organization.

Mackenzie Turchan
Mackenzie (Mac) Turchan grew up in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Mac graduation from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019 with a bachelor's in business administration with an international business concentration. Previously, he was a marketing and communications assistant for Ontario Basketball, a marketing and events coordinator for Social Venture Partners (SVP) Waterloo Region, and a varsity sports reporter for Wilfrid Laurier University Athletics. Upon graduation he hopes to work in collegiate athletics with an international focus working cross-culturally. Currently, Mac is a Marketing fellow within USF Athletics.

Class of 2022

Toluwani Adebakin
Toluwani Adebakin grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and graduated from William Carey University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.  Previously, he worked as a sales representative at Vector Marketing, was an intern for XLT Media, and co-founded Athletic Heat.  Upon graduation, Toluwani aims to work in partnership and business development. Toluwani currently holds a fellowship with the partnership department at the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kevin Alwell
Kevin Alwell grew up in Whippany, New Jersey.  He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in statistics, economics, and sport management.  Kevin has previously worked as the Director of Operations for the UConn Women’s Soccer team and held various positions in public relations and operations for the MLS and International Champions Cup.  Currently, Kevin works as graduate research assistant for the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program.  Upon graduation, he aims to work in operations and analytics for a professional sports league or media company. Kevin currently holds an analytics marketing intelligence fellowship with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

De'ja Brown
De’ja Brown grew up in Westampton, New Jersey.  She graduated from the University of Tampa in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management.  Previously, De’ja worked as an athletic communications assistant for the University of Tampa Athletics, a student assistant for the University of Tampa Women’s Basketball team, and a site manager for i9 sports.  Upon graduation, she would like to work in business operations for the NBA, WNBA, or a Division I Athletic Department. Currently, De’ja holds a fellowship with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission as the Event Development Institute associate coordinator.

Julian Crockett
Julian Crockett grew up in Wesley Chapel, Florida and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in foreign area studies.  Previously, he served as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army.  Upon graduation, Julian would like to work for the MLS or a major European team as a marketing director or technical director. Julian currently holds a fellowship with the United Soccer League.

Dorian Earley
Dorian Earley grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated from Florida State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and nutrition.  Previously, he has worked as a regional sales and marketing strategist, marketing manager, and recruiting and marketing assistant.  Upon graduation, Dorian aims to create a non-profit sports business for the youth. Currently, Dorian is a ticket sales and services fellow with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tyler Equizi
Tyler Equizi grew up in Tampa, Florida and graduated from the University of South Florida in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in business management.  Previously, he worked as a brand ambassador for the Tampa Bay Vipers, an event management intern for USF Athletics, and in game day operations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Tyler currently works in game day operations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Upon graduation, he hopes to work MLB or NFL in analytics, operations, or partnerships. Currently, Tyler is a sponsorship services fellow with Fanatics.

Lane Fahey
Lane Fahey grew up in Tampa, Florida.  She graduated from Furman University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication studies.  Previously, Lane worked as a marketing intern for Furman athletics and a marketing intern at World of Beer.  Upon graduation, she hopes to work for the NHL in communications and public relations or data analytics. Lane is currently a CRM and business intelligence fellow with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Alexis Farmen
Alexis Farmen grew up in Tampa, Florida and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  Previously, she was a logistics intern for SMU Rowing.  Upon graduation, Alexis hopes to be Division I Athletic Director. Currently, Alexis is an events fellow with the Hard Rock Casino.

Jamisse Gordon
Jamisse Gordon grew up in Avon Park, Florida.  She graduated from the University of South Florida in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.  Previously, Jamisse has worked as a marketing communications specialist intern for the New Tampa YMCA.  She currently serves as a marketing consultant at Consult FGC.  Upon graduation, Jamisse aims to work as a sports agent or in special events, community relations, or marketing for a professional sports organization. Currently, Jamisse holds an events fellowship with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Samantha Hoo
Sam Hoo grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida.  She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in human communication.  Previously, she worked with TicketSocket, UCF Athletics, and the Orlando Solar Bears. Sam is currently the content graduate assistant for the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program.  Upon graduation, she would like to work in professional or collegiate sport doing marketing and advertising analytics. Sam is currently a marketing analytics fellow with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sean Kennedy
Sean grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri and graduated from Southern Virginia University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in History. Previously, Sean has worked for Nicholls State University, Southern Virginia University Athletics and the Kansas City Royals. After graduation, Sean would like to pursue a career in game presentation for a professional sports team. Currently, Sean holds a fellowship within the ticket office at the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sarah Linebaugh
Sarah grew up in Linden, New Jersey and recently graduated from Temple University where she studied sport and recreation management. During her time at Temple, Sarah worked in multiple departments within Temple Athletics including compliance, student-athlete affairs, recruiting, strategic communications, development and operations. Sarah currently works as the events and recruiting graduate assistant within the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program. Upon graduation, she would like to pursue a career in compliance within college athletics. Sarah is currently a Bulls Varsity Club fellow with USF Athletics.

Tim Miles
Tim is from Gainesville, Florida and went to Florida State University where he majored in statistics. Tim has previous experience as a gym assistant and bridal consultant and hopes to pursue a career in operations and strategic analytics in professional or collegiate sports upon graduation. Currently, Tim holds a fellowship at the Hard Rock Casino working with database marketing.

Rachel Noble
Rachel is from Carlsbad, California and earned her degree in Sport Management from Stetson University while also playing beach volleyball. Previously, she has worked as a marketing intern for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics, coach at Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club and was involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Stetson Athletics. Rachel’s ultimate goal is to become a college athletics administrator. Rachel currently holds a fellowship in strategic partnerships with Advent Health.

Blake Parry
Blake grew up in Trinity, Florida and studied marketing at the University of South Florida. He previously has worked as a social media intern, for Fluent, Inc. and World of Beer and has also been a marketing intern for the USF Muma College of Business Dean’s Office. Blake would ultimately like to pursue a career in the NHL or MLB as a marketing director. Blake is currently a marketing content fellow at the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bobby Schuster
Bobby grew up in Naples, Florida and studied marketing at the University of South Florida. Previously, he has worked as a sports marketing intern, sports marketing assistant and game day operations intern. Bobby currently works as a Hall of Fame Guest and Member Relations Game Day Support Staffer. Upon graduation, he would like to work for a team in the NFL or NBA. Currently, Bobby holds a fellowship with USF Athletics in ticketing.