Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program
Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program
Bold Innovators. Fearless Game Changers.
Explore Our Program
The Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program brings together expertise from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, the Department of Kinesiology at the School of Public Health, the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism, and Maryland Athletics to deliver a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Designed for aspiring leaders, this interdisciplinary program provides students with the foundational knowledge, essential skills, and insider connections to thrive in the ever-evolving sports industry. With a mix of specialized courses, career exploration, and strategic networking with industry professionals, Schanwald Sports Management offers unmatched experiential and co-curricular learning opportunities that set our students up for success in a wide range of sports management careers.
Beyond the Classroom
As a student in the Schanwald Sports Management Program, you’ll gain exclusive access to experiences that build your professional network and enrich your understanding of the sports industry. From behind-the-scenes site visits with top sports organizations to engaging fireside chats with industry leaders, our programming is designed to set you up for success. You’ll have the chance to attend specialized career fairs, dynamic networking nights, and live sporting events that bring real-world insights to life. Plus, our cohort social events foster a strong sense of belonging creating lasting connections and camaraderie within our vibrant Schanwald SMP community.
Get involved outside the classroom!
Join the Sports Business Society Intern with Maryland Athletics
Since joining the Sports Management Program, I have gained so much experience and knowledge that will help me navigate the high expectations and fast-paced environment of the sports industry. One of the best parts of the program is the countless opportunities that we have as SMP members to network with industry professionals, tour different facilities and venues, and even travel to cities such as Philadelphia to learn from the best in the industry.
Zoe Melonas
Kinesiology ’25
Meet the Team
Our interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff combines expertise from business, kinesiology, journalism, and athletics to provide a comprehensive learning experience for students. With real-world insights and hands-on instruction, our team is dedicated to helping students excel and thrive in the dynamic field of sports management.
The Schanwald Sports Management Program is an extraordinary gateway for students looking to make their mark in the sports industry. This transformational program combines cutting-edge coursework with immersive, hands-on experiences, giving students the tools to rise above the competition and craft standout résumés. Beyond that, it cultivates a powerhouse network of alumni and industry leaders who are not just opening doors but actively mentoring the next generation of sports professionals. This program is a career-launching game changer.
Doron Tamari ‘11
Senior Director, International Marketing & Innovation
BSE Global
Sports Management Advisory Council
The Sports Management Advisory Council is made up of esteemed University of Maryland alumni and friends who work or are closely connected to the sports management industry. The goal of SMAC is to leverage the expertise and insights of our advisory council members to provide strategic guidance, expand networks and partnerships, and offer mentorship and leadership to students within the Sports Management Program. This collective effort aims to enhance the program's alignment with industry trends, foster valuable collaborations, and empower students and emerging professionals to thrive in their careers in the sports management field. We thank each of the following individuals for their contributions to our program.
Tish Carmona ’17
Contractual Marketing Manager
WNBA
Benjamin Eidelberg ’15
Director, Basketball Strategy and Analytics
Washington Wizards
Danny Frank ’87
Senior VP, Client Entertainment & Ticketing Services
Citi
Jim Harris
Vice President for University Relations
President of University of Maryland College Park Foundation
Neil Hofman ’09
Vice President, Ticketing & Premium Seating
Philadelphia Flyers
Wayne Kimmel ’92
Managing Partner
SeventySix Capital
Rachel Levitt ’22
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Nucleus Advisors
Ashley Miller ’08
Senior Manager, Group Sales
Washington Wizards
Mike Morrison ’88
VP Sports Betting & Fantasy
ESPN
Bradley Polkowitz ’23
League Sports Betting Analyst
National Football League
Steve Schanwald ’77
Former Executive Vice President
Chicago Bulls
Jon Schwartz ’97
Head of Sports
Prosek Partners
Amanda Shank ’05
Vice President of Business Development
Ripken Baseball
Doron Tamari ’11
Director, International Marketing & Innovation
BSE Global
Ted Towne ’08
Chief Financial Officer
Washington Nationals
Gary Williams ’68
Former UMD MBB Coach
2002 National Champion
This November, I was able to travel to Ann Arbor to attend the Michigan Sport Business Conference and represent the Sports Management Program. I connected with numerous sponsors interested in supporting Maryland's sports management efforts, and was able to promote our program to a number of professionals and attendees. I was recognized on stage as a Big Initiative award winner, which is given to five outstanding student leaders throughout the country who have achieved an exceptional level of success in the sports industry. It was an honor to represent SMP at the conference and I'm excited to apply all that I learned to even further develop the program for future cohorts!
Joshua Liu
Finance and Marketing ’24
Contact Us
If you would like more information about the Schanwald Sports Management Program, please contact:
Tori Shay
Associate Program Director, Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program
sportsmanagement@umd.edu