Sport Studies

Lara Keenan ‘22, ’24

Sport Studies — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 02:28:00 -0600

Lara Keenan is passionate about sports, both on the field playing Women's Lacrosse and in the classroom.

"I loved being surrounded by people who shared an interest in sports and having the opportunity to explore sports through the various class categories offered in the program," said Lara, who was a Sport Studies and Education major as an undergrad. "It had the power to bring multiple different perspectives into all our class discussions. Some of my favorite classes were Youth and Sports with Dr. White, Equal Play: Gender and Sport with Dr. Bass, and Introduction to Sports Medicine with the Athletics Department’s trainer, Dr. Cullen."

Now finished with her Master's in Teaching (MAT) in Sport Pedagogy and Physical Education at 91ֱ��, Keenan, who finished her collegiate career with 131 goals, 28 assists, and 214 raw controls, worked two seasons as assistant coach for women's lacrosse at SUNY New Paltz and now coaches for Compass Lacrosse, a woman owned youth club in Westchester.

She currently teaches Physical Education and serves as Director of Athletics for in Pawling, New York.

Lianna Divitto '21, '23

Sport Studies — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 02:23:00 -0600

Lianna Divitto had such a great experience as a Sport Studies and Psychology major at 91ֱ�� she decided to stay.

Now a Senior Financial Aid Counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services at 91ֱ��, Lianna reflects on her experience as both an undergraduate and graduate student.

"Majoring in Sport Studies allowed me to explore so many subjects and how they apply to the sports industry, including communications and media, marketing, nutrition, and storytelling," said Lianna. "One class and professor that made the most impact on me was Dr. Bass and her seminar Sport Stories. It was a great class because it taught me how to write in different styles, which helped me in graduate school. It was also the last Sport Studies class I took as an undergraduate and really culminated the entire program for me."

As an undergrad, she interned in the psychology program as an office assistant. Lianna went on to earn a Master's in Sports Business Management and an advanced certificate in Human Resources at 91ֱ��. She is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

Pablo Bravo Olle ‘21

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:30:00 -0600

As a four-year member of the Valiants Men's Soccer team, Skyline Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and 91ֱ��'s Male Athlete of the Year, Pablo Bravo Olle was a highly motivated student-athlete. As an undergrad, he majored in Sport Studies and Political Science/Legal Studies.

"Being from Spain, sport -- soccer in particular -- is heavily integrated into my life. My passion for sports drove me to pursue a Sport Studies major at 91ֱ�� College," said 91ֱ�� alumnus Pablo Bravo Olle '21. "And I can guarantee that the professionalism of the program turned a hobby into a career path where I aspire to grow."

Rounding out his student experience while at 91ֱ��, Pablo interned at Liverpool Football Club International Academy, D.C. United, and the offices of Congresswoman Nita Lowey. After graduating from 91ֱ�� in 2021, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University, graduating in 2022.

Pablo credits his early career success to his start in the Sport Studies program. "At 91ֱ��, I found a class, 'Ethics in Sport,' and a professor, Dr. Amy Bass, who helped determine this path. The class emphasized what I always believed: sport is one of society's most influential drivers. Dr. Bass saw the passion I had for the class and and asked, 'Pablo, why don't you look at a masters degree in the field of sports?'"

He is Head Coach of the Arlington Soccer Association, Arlington, VA, and Sales Manager of Union Kitchen in Washington, DC.

Nolan Nye '21, '23

Sport Studies — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:27:00 -0600

Nolan Nye, a double alum of 91ֱ��, exemplifies the transformative power of education and dedication to the world of sports. His journey from student-athlete to a prominent role in the sports industry is a testament to his passion and the exceptional education he received at 91ֱ��.

Nolan completed his undergraduate degree with dual majors in Business Management and Sport Studies. His journey towards the sports industry began when he stumbled upon an elective class in Sport Studies, a discovery that would change the course of his academic and professional life. He recalls, "Before that, I had no idea the program existed and never realized the endless possibilities of future career options.” He enjoyed exploring potential careers through his coursework. “I loved classes like Ethics in Sport and Sport Journalism,” added Nolan.

During his time as a Valiants Men's Lacrosse player, Nolan demonstrated not only his athletic prowess but also his commitment to teamwork and discipline. These qualities would serve as a strong foundation for his future career.

Nolan's career trajectory took a significant leap when he interned at NBC Universal in Studio Operations for NBC Sports. In this role, he handled day-to-day logistics for remote and studio production, gaining hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting. This internship opened doors to opportunities that would shape his future.

Nolan's academic journey at 91ֱ�� continued as he pursued a Master of Science in Sport Business Management. During this time, he had the privilege of learning from esteemed professors like Professor Amy Bass, PhD, Professor Schreck, and Professor Beardsley. Courses such as "Ethics in Sport" and "Sport Journalism" fueled his passion for the intersection of sports and media. He fondly remembers Dr. Bass as the most influential professor during his undergraduate years, providing unwavering support and guidance both inside and outside the classroom.

“Dr. Bass was the most influential professor in my undergrad years,” said Nolan. “She provided amazing support and guidance outside of the classroom and stretched my mind to see new ideas in the classroom. I continued at 91ֱ�� with my graduate studies, where Professors Schreck and Beardsley took my learning to the next level with seminars like ‘TV and Media Rights,’ constantly showing how the classroom study related to the real world.”

Today, Nolan Nye is the Executive Coordinator at NBC Sports in Stamford, CT. His journey from discovering the Sport Studies program to excelling in his career is a testament to the education, mentorship, and opportunities at 91ֱ��.

Sebastian Testa '24

Sport Studies — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:20:00 -0600

A double major in Sport Studies and Digital Media Production at 91ֱ��, Sebastian Testa was a four-year member of the team, winning a conference championship in 2023 and with it, a trip to the NCAA championship tournament. His commitment to both academic and extracurricular pursuits shaped his journey as a student-athlete and aspiring sport media professional.

In Sebastian's own words, "I studied sport in college because it has been such a huge part of my life thus far, and I aspire to have a career in sport media. Taking Sport Media and Communication with Professor Seigerman was a highlight for me – I really liked his teaching style and the course content. Definitely one of my favorite courses and professors."

At 91ֱ��, Sebastian pursued opportunities to bridge the gap between his academic studies and real-world applications through internships at BSE Global, the parent company of the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets, as well as NBC Universal.

A rising talent in the sports industry and digital media landscape, his work can be seen at and on his Instagram, @shootwithseb, where he demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of sports and athletes in a visually captivating way -- especially his work with the NY Liberty and Brooklyn Nets.

Sebastian Testa's journey at 91ֱ�� exemplifies the intersection of sports, media, and education. His dedication to his majors, his impressive internships, and his creative prowess in digital media production make him a standout student ready to make his mark in the dynamic world of sports media.