Sport Management Banquet Celebrates Record-Setting Industry Executives

April 11, 2019

St. John Fisher College sport management students, faculty, alumni, and families joined together to honor Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Atlanta United FC on Friday, April 5, at the annual end-of-year celebration at Oak Hill Country Club.

Sarah Kate “Skate” Noftsinger (center), the Club’s director of marketing and fan engagement, accepted the Sport Organization of the Year Award on behalf of the team.

Sarah Kate “Skate” Noftsinger, the Club’s director of marketing and fan engagement, accepted the Sport Organization of the Year Award on behalf of the team.

Noftsinger shared her experiences working for Atlanta United and how the work of her team contributed to the many accolades the Club has earned for breaking MLS attendance records. She capped off her presentation by encouraging future sport industry professionals to learn as much as possible through a variety of experiences and to find ways to give back throughout their careers. Program alumnus Connor King ’14, an event producer for Atlanta United, also attended the dinner.

The evening included a celebration of student accomplishments from throughout the year. Derek Raux was named Major of the Year, as well as Sport Management Club Member of the Year.

From left to right: Owen Hetherington, Kelly Vanderwall, Eddie Mahana, Derek Raux, and Taylor Ketchum.

From left to right: Owen Hetherington, Kelly Vanderwall, Eddie Mahana, Derek Raux, and Taylor Ketchum.

Additionally, Owen Hetherington, Taylor Ketcham, and Kelly Vanderwall were named Freshman, Sophomore, and Minor of the Year, respectively. Eddie Mahana and Kelly Bergamo were selected as co-recipients of the Junior of the Year Award.

The St. John Fisher College Sport Management program is the only COSMA-accredited Sport Management program in New York State. The bachelor of science degree program offers a broad-based foundation of knowledge in the liberal arts and sport business. Classes blend theory with practical experiences to provide the tools necessary for successful careers in the sport industry.