Hear From the Pros

We can tell you how great Olin’s Business of Sports program is, but don’t just take our word for it. These quotes from sports industry professionals and our alumni prove our point better than we ever could.

This program provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the sports business world. Students are not just learning about the industry; they are equipped with the concepts, tools, and connections to navigate it successfully.

—Brian Gilbert, Olin 1990, Head of Sports Related Content, Village Roadshow Entertainment Group

Without the Business of Sports program at WashU and its connections, I can confidently say I wouldn’t be sitting at my desk today writing this testimonial with 3+ years of experience under my belt at an extremely respected company in the sports industry.

—Katie Sissler, Olin 2020, Account Coordinator, Paragon Marketing Group

I always looked forward to my time in the classroom. On more than one occasion, a WashU student has reached out to me following the presentation to talk more about the industry and ways they can make connections, and I have been impressed with their knowledge and engagement.

—Anthony Macri, Head of Commercial (US), BWT Alpine Formula One Team

 Our mutually beneficial partnership with WashU’s Sports Business program has inspired Olin students and members of our team to continue to find ways to work together and develop skills for the sports and entertainment industries.

—Mike Mannela Vice President, Business/Data Strategy, Los Angeles Football Club

Throughout my career in this industry, I have seen countless ways in which sports inspire, rebuild, and unite communities. The Business of Sport program at WashU produces students who contribute to these communities and support future students entering the industry.

—Meredith Geisler, WashU 1981, Sport Management Professor, George Washington University and long-time sports communication veteran

It is imperative that students learn all of the various aspects of sports business as our industry gets more and more complex and sophisticated. We are a proud partner and will help in any way possible to ensure WashU’s Sports Business program continues to play an active role in that transformation.

—Sandeep Satish, Chief Commercial Officer, Levy and E15

WashU’s Sports Business Program speaks for itself. Its successes are easily quantified – the number of alums who have found careers in the sports business, in addition to the number of industry connections who are used for speaking engagements and networking opportunities, stand out in particular. I can confidently say WashU’s sports business program is the reason I found my footing in the sports industry immediately upon graduating.

—Ollie Chessen, Olin 2023, Business Development Coordinator, Innovative Partnership Group 360

There might not be another program in the country with which we have had such integrated success across multiple lines of our business. I am convinced we need more research, more entrepreneurship, and bigger picture thinking to advance our profession/industry, and I am thrilled by the role the WashU program plays in that continued advancement.”

—Ben Gumpert, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Elevate