Beyond the Scoreboard: Shaping the Future of Sports Management by Mckayla

Beyond the Scoreboard: Shaping the Future of Sports Management by Mckayla - December 2023 Scholarship Essay

My career and educational goals are centered on sports management. Throughout high school, I’ve become very passionate about sports and the influence they have on individuals and communities. Sports unite and inspire greatness in people. It’s in the heated moments of intense competition, under the blinding glare of stadium lights or on a quiet field, that the transformative power of sports is so evident. A single game can fuel and empower fans and athletes. For fans, it's not just about cheering for their team; it's about dedicating their time, energy, and emotions to the sport and the community it creates. Both the exhilaration of victory and the pain of defeat create a sense of belonging and commitment to the team. For athletes, one game can be a defining moment. It's the culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and training. It inspires them to strive for excellence, to push their limits, and to continually raise the bar for what’s possible in their sport. Sports celebrate diversity, inspire the world, and demonstrate the limitless potential of human achievement and teamwork.
My overarching goal is to make a positive difference in the business and science of sports. I want to continually improve the sports experience for fans and athletes. In my pursuit of higher education, I plan to get both a bachelor’s and a master’s in Sports Management. To complement this knowledge, I also want to minor in Kinesiology, Athletic Training, or Sports Psychology. I’m eager to learn more about the intricacies of sports, including event planning, marketing, finance, athlete representation, and analytics, which are all crucial aspects of this field. It is at the intersection of these areas that I believe creative thinking thrives. Through creative problem-solving, I want to develop innovative solutions to challenges in the industry, such as improving fan engagement, enhancing athlete performance, and making sports events more sustainable. The sports industry is constantly evolving to match the latest trends and incorporate updated technologies, so there is plenty of room for positive and lasting change, and I am excited to be at the forefront of this transformation.