In today’s world, being a college student extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom setting. With a commitment to providing unparalleled hands-on experiences and fostering connections within the industry, Lynn University’s sports management program propels aspiring sports professionals toward success.
Lynn faculty members Ted Curtis and Sherry Andre, associate professors in the College of Business and Management, took 11 students from the program to attend the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana—allowing them to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of sports management.
The NFL Scouting Combine is a critical component in turning amateur athletes into NFL professionals. During the event, hundreds of college football players with dreams of being drafted into the NFL are evaluated in a week-long extensive workout involving physical and mental tests that can impact their draft positions—the conference also focuses on the business of professional football. Hearing from team executives, coaches, agents and more at panel events helps prepare students for potential careers after graduation. Throughout the experience, Lynn’s students met exclusively with agents and executives, attended a conference on NFL business, and visited the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Curtis, a seasoned NFL Combine attendee, took great pride in the fact that students enhanced their networking skills. “For students wishing to pursue careers in the sports business, the experience is invaluable,” said Curtis. “Sure, we do great work in the classrooms, but nothing can compare with the learning that occurs when our sports management students participate in the industry.”
Professionals in the industry echo the importance of establishing connections. “Always network and be open to new opportunities” is more than just a mantra; it is a skill that Lynn’s sports management students start honing from the beginning of their college careers. At Lynn, all students in the sports management program have multiple opportunities to participate in networking, sports events, panels and more. Sports management student Arantza Espinosa Valencia ’26 took significant advantage of all opportunities available. Valencia attended the NFL Combine, the Delray Beach Open tennis tournament, and the PGA Tour at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton—led and mentored by professors Andre, Curtis and longtime sports management professor Charles Barr.
Valencia speaks on the overall experience at the NFL Combine and how it changed her perspective on the industry after engaging with professional leaders in the business. “When I was picking my major, I wasn’t sure if I should pick sports management,” said Valencia. “Being that it’s a male-dominated industry, it can be intimidating; going to events like the NFL Combine showed me it is possible.”
Opportunities are open to more than undergraduate day students. With Lynn offering both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports management, graduate students are encouraged to participate in networking opportunities like the NFL Combine as well. Brian Pod ’24 made the most of his time with Lynn’s MBA in sports management program. “Attending the NFL Combine was life-changing for me in my educational journey,” said Pod. “Being able to meet so many people from the sports industry and hear first-hand what it’s like to have a career in sports was inspiring. I’m grateful to the faculty at Lynn for putting this trip together.” As Pod recently completed his MBA and will soon start an exciting career, he’s looking forward to using what he’s learned throughout the program with his real-world insights.