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For college students, getting to network with and learn from professionals within their chosen field can be a very valuable experience.

Such was the case for some ��Ӱֱ�� State sport management students, who were recently able to connect with key, senior-level sports industry executives during a Brooklyn Nets Networking Event.

This unique event featured a variety of business professionals, such as vice presidents, directors, and managers, from the Brooklyn Nets, New York Jets, New York Islanders, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Staten Island Yankees, Legends, and WISE (Women in Sports and Events).

While in New York City, the students also took a tour of the New York Mets’ Citi Field in Queens. While there, Inside Sales Representative Nick Suriani and Premium Services Manager Kyle Ingram spoke with the students about working in the sports industry and pursuing sales of luxury seating as a career within Major League Baseball.

John Lisec, an assistant professor in the Business Department, said the networking event and tour of Citi Field proved to be another extremely valuable networking opportunity for ��Ӱֱ�� State sport management students.

“While developing connections with a variety of premier professional sports organizations, our ��Ӱֱ�� State sport management students truly stood out and have embraced a variety of unique employment opportunities within the sports industry,” Lisec said. “They are developing a reputation of having strong skill sets and hands-on learning experiences that truly set them apart from students at other peer institutions.” 

Leigh Swartzfager, of Nunda, said the networking event was beneficial to the students, noting that they were able to “meet people who play a big role in the sports world,” and even take in an NBA game between the Nets and the Boston Celtics. 

“Also, touring Citi Field where the Mets play was very exciting,” she said. “Seeing game day operations for both organizations and touring both stadiums was an amazing experience that I will take with me as I continue my education.”

Cassidy McCourt, of Buffalo, said, “The tour at Citi Field was an amazing opportunity. It got us out of the classroom to see firsthand just how our industry works. It was a great way to build connections for our program and learn about the various internship opportunities offered through the Mets.”

In addition to Swartzfager and McCourt, the other ��Ӱֱ�� State students who attended included Kenny Bello (Brooklyn), Antoinette Gress (Lyndonville), Ryan Mills (Massapequa), Ben Reynolds (Cuba), and Trevor Stiles (Hornell).