Rice University Department of Sport Management

10/13/2026

We’re HIRING! 🦉

Rice University’s Department of Sport Management is searching for its next Chair and Professor of Sport Management or Sport Analytics!

Join a nationally recognized program ranked #1 in Best Colleges for Sports Management in America by Niche for eight consecutive years and help shape the next chapter of Rice Sport Management!

📅 Full consideration deadline: November 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the search is closed.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/195245

10/12/2026

She's got us HOOKED on Sport Management! 🎂💙

Happy belated Birthday to Professor Diane Crossey! From welcoming our newest Owls to guiding them through their journey, Professor Crossey knows how to make a winning first impression!

Whether she's teaching Intro to Sport Management, inspiring students to Lead with Service, or helping them navigate their academic game plan, she's always setting our students up for success! 📚

Thank you for your heart, dedication, and unwavering support of our students! We hope your birthday is a real HOOT! 🥳

10/08/2026

This summer, Sean Shen '28 gained hands-on experience as a Global Soccer Fan Festivals Intern with Octagon, supporting The Home Depot’s activation at the FIFA Fan Festival Houston. ⚽🏟️

Sean’s responsibilities included setting up, breaking down, and maintaining activation equipment, engaging with fans, and contributing to competitive reporting. He also helped keep interactive experiences running smoothly throughout the Fan Festival, from reloading soccer balls at Beckham’s Bucket to preparing and distributing fan workshop kits.

A highlight of Sean’s experience was engaging with large crowds of passionate soccer fans during live World Cup matches while learning how to stay organized, energetic, and calm in a fast-paced event environment.

His biggest takeaway was the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and quick problem-solving when supporting large-scale live events where situations can change quickly.

Congratulations, Sean, on a great summer with Octagon and an unforgettable FIFA Fan Festival experience! 👏

10/05/2026

We may be a day late, but the birthday wishes are still right on the money! 🎂

Happy Belated Birthday to our Sport Finance lecturer, Carrie Potter! 🎂 Thank you for sharing your expertise, investing in our students, and showing them the business behind the game. 🦉💙

We hope your birthday weekend paid BIG dividends in fun, cake, and celebration! 🥳

09/29/2026

This summer, Nadia Lee '28 gained hands-on experience as a Corporate Partnerships Success Intern with Los Angeles FC, supporting client calls, matches, watch parties, partner events, and experiences throughout the organization. ⚽🤝

Nadia helped coordinate partner accommodations at BMO Stadium, assisted with partnership assets, and supported a variety of activations. During the FIFA World Cup, she also helped execute LAFC’s official watch parties, managing VIP and general admission ticketing and check-in for fans and invited partners.

Her experience extended beyond match days—from helping execute a MyRealTrip Money Can’t Buy Experience and a ZippyPaws adoption event at Pasadena Humane to participating in LAFC’s inaugural Partner Summit.

Nadia’s biggest takeaway was seeing how closely departments across a professional sports organization must collaborate. She learned that partnerships, marketing, data strategy, and other teams all play a role in bringing successful events and activations to life.

Congratulations, Nadia, on an incredible summer with LAFC! 👏

09/24/2026

We’re proud to celebrate 20 recent Rice Sport Management graduates who have landed full-time roles across the sports industry!

See where they’ve landed and read more about their new roles 👇

Twenty of Rice’s recent graduates have launched directly into the sports industry, securing roles with professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, and agencies.

09/22/2026

This summer, Henry Daly '27 gained hands-on experience as an Account Specialist with Hyperice, helping develop new business with golf and country clubs across multiple markets. ⛳🤝

Henry researched potential clients, connected with Directors of Golf, scheduled calls, and developed customized Hyperice packages based on each club’s needs. He also gained valuable experience building relationships with prospective clients through calls, emails, and in-person interactions.

One of Henry’s biggest takeaways was learning the importance of persistence, consistency, and adaptability in sales. The experience showed him how strong relationships and a willingness to follow up can create new business opportunities.

👏 Congratulations, Henry, on a great summer with Hyperice!

09/21/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Gong! 🎂

From data and dashboards to guiding our seniors across the Capstone finish line, Dr. Gong is a BIG part of the Sport Analytics experience! 📈

Thank you for challenging our students, sharing your expertise, and helping turn all those numbers into something meaningful. We hope the data says today will be an OWLsome birthday! 🥳

09/20/2026

appy Birthday to our Department Chair, Clark! 🎂

Your leadership, vision, and dedication have helped reach new heights and continue building an exceptional program for our students, faculty, and alumni. Thank you for leading with purpose and inspiring us every step of the way.

We hope your birthday is filled with celebration, laughter, and a well-deserved break. Have an OWLsome day! 🥳💙

09/17/2026

This summer, Will Karpf '29 gained hands-on experience as a Ticket Operations Experience Ambassador with the Houston Astros, supporting the Ticket Operations and Sales/Services team. ⚾🧡

Will’s responsibilities ranged from troubleshooting ticketing issues and assisting fans and clients to running reports, supporting season ticket holders, selling group and premium seating options, and helping develop pricing structures for the 2027 season.

A highlight of Will’s experience was getting an inside look at the business operations of a Major League organization early in his college career. He learned how ticketing systems, pricing strategies, inventory management, sales, and customer service all work together to support both organizational goals and the fan experience.

Will’s hard work also earned him special recognition—he was named an Astros Employee of the Month and honored on the field before the August 3 game!

His biggest takeaway was learning that while the business of sports moves quickly, success requires precision, attention to detail, and accurate data to make informed decisions.

Congratulations, Will, on an incredible summer with the Houston Astros and on your well-deserved Employee of the Month recognition! 👏