Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program

Student Profiles

Maria Eduarda Amorim
Maria Eduarda Amorim grew up in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Hospitality Management. She previously worked as a Marketing Communications Student Assistant for the USF Muma College of Business, Head of Marketing & Communications for Brasa Connect, and an Event Management Intern for USF Athletics. Currently, she serves as a Marketing Communications Graduate Assistant and a Social Media Intern with USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Maria plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, fan engagement, or brand marketing with a professional sports team or league.

Alyssa Brooks
Alyssa Brooks grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in Media and Communications and Advertising Marketing with a concentration in Public Relations. She previously worked as a Community Relations and Marketing Promotions Intern for two summer minor league teams, a Marketing Assistant for ETSU Athletics, and a Social Media Coordinator for numerous organizations, businesses, and teams. Currently, she works as the Marketing and Content Graduate Assistant for the USF Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program. Upon graduation, Alyssa plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, media, branding, or partnerships.

Noah Carrasco
Noah Carrasco grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing. He previously worked as a Guest Experience Lead for the Orlando Magic and as a Marketing Lead for the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center. Currently, he works as a Guest Services Representative for Vinik Sports Group. Upon graduation, Noah plans to pursue a career in social media marketing and advertising for a professional sports team.

Isadora Caswell-Wallace
Isadora Caswell-Wallace grew up in Cape Coral, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance and Management and a minor in Marketing. She previously worked as a USF Mascot. Upon graduation, Isadora plans to pursue a career in talent acquisition and human resources.

Lara Blanco Cavallieri
Lara Blanco Cavallieri grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. She graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Integrated Public Relations & Advertising and Political Science. She previously worked as a Marketing Strategy Graduate Associate for the Orlando Magic, an Omni-Channel Marketing Intern for the Miami Heat, and an Event Management Intern for USF Athletics. Currently, she works as an Event and Match Operations Intern for Tampa Bay Sun FC and as an Events Graduate Assistant for the Muma College of Business. Upon graduation, Lara plans to pursue a career in event management in professional sports.

Nick Coskren
Nick Coskren grew up in State College, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Marketing and minors in Sport Studies, Business Law, and Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management. He previously worked as a Stadium Operations Assistant for Beaver Stadium, a Lead Event Management Intern for Penn State Athletics, and a Training Camp Fan Engagement Intern with the Minnesota Vikings. Currently, he works as an Event Management Intern with USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Nick plans to pursue a career in facility management, capital projects, or collegiate athletics administration.

Sawyer Evans
Sawyer Evans grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Analytics and Information Systems. He previously worked in the Scouting and Recruiting Department for USF Football. Upon graduation, Sawyer plans to pursue a career with a professional sports team in the Tampa Bay area.

Sarah Fuller
Sarah Fuller grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from St. Petersburg College with degrees in Business and Marketing. She previously worked as a Figure Skating Director and has served as a figure skating and hockey coach since 2012. Currently, she continues to work as a Figure Skating and Hockey Coach. Upon graduation, Sarah plans to pursue a career in sports partnerships and marketing.

Mitchel Gagne
Mitchel Gagne grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Marketing. He previously worked as a Beaver Stadium Operations Assistant and Lead Event Management Intern for Penn State Athletics. Currently, he works as an Event Management Intern with USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Mitchel plans to pursue a career in events and facilities management or team operations.

Kenneth Harris
Kenneth Harris grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Media Production Management and double minors in Sport Business Management and Anthropology of Pop Culture. Upon graduation, Kenneth plans to pursue a career in sports and entertainment journalism, content development, or social media.

Alexis Hernandez
Alexis Hernandez grew up in Kittery, Maine. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Management and a minor in Leadership Studies. She previously worked as a 50/50 Raffle Seller for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and as a Student Success Center Worker at the Maine Business School. Currently, she serves as an Events Graduate Assistant for VSEM and the School of Hospitality. Upon graduation, Alexis plans to pursue a career with a professional sports team in New England.

James Hill
James Hill grew up in Trinity, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance. He previously worked as a Game Day Staff member for the Tampa Tarpons and as an Intern with Kinsman Racehorse Farm. Currently, he works as a Customer Relations Associate at Driveline Baseball. Upon graduation, James plans to pursue a career in business operations for a professional sports team.

Aiden Jensen
Aiden Jensen grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Sports Management and a minor in Sport Science. He previously worked as a Head Coach and Video Analyst for the Clearwater Chargers MLS NEXT and in Scouting and Sales with Global Soccer Development. Currently, he serves as the Head Coach and Video Analyst for the U13 MLS NEXT Clearwater Chargers. Upon graduation, Aiden plans to continue in coaching/analytics or pursue a career in sports partnerships.

Tinisha Jones
Tinisha Jones grew up in Miami, Florida. She graduated from Florida A&M University with degrees in Public Relations and Journalism. She previously worked as a Multimedia Specialist for Sunrise Community. Currently, she works as a Recruitment Graduate Assistant for USF Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management and as Founder and Multimedia/Marketing Consultant for Jones Media & Co. Upon graduation, Tinisha plans to pursue a career in sales, media, or community partnerships within the sports industry.

Alma Katana
Alma Katana grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science. She previously worked as an Event Coordinator for the Motor Enclave and as an Assistant Soccer Coach for Atletico de Madrid Firmament. Currently, she works as a Sports Operations and Marketing Associate at Momento. Upon graduation, Alma plans to pursue a career in team relations and operations.

Ella Keebler
Ella Keebler grew up in Lithia, Florida. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Management, with a concentration in Sports Management. She previously worked as a Facilities and Operations Intern with FGCU Athletics. Currently, she works as a Street Team Ambassador for Tampa Bay Sun FC and as a Fan Host for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Upon graduation, Ella plans to pursue a career in the sports and hospitality industry.

Jenna Kittrell-Lybbert
Jenna Kittrell-Lybbert grew up in Radcliff, Kentucky. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She previously worked as a Marketing & Operations Intern for North South Consulting Group and as an Athletics Marketing Intern for WKU Athletics. Currently, she works as a Shift Supervisor at Starbucks. Upon graduation, Jenna plans to pursue a career managing brand partnerships and athlete contracts or working in marketing with ESPN.

Heidi Knoll
Heidi Knoll grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Emerging Sport Enterprise. She previously worked as a Capstone Intern with the Syracuse Crunch and as an On-Ice Performance Coach at Amped Sports Lab and Ice Complex. Currently, she works as an Athlete & Influencer Partnerships Specialist at Swift Hockey. Upon graduation, Heidi plans to pursue a career in professional hockey.

Carlos Mercado
Carlos Mercado grew up in Fort Hood, Texas. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing. He previously worked as a Live Event Intern with USF Athletics and as a Technical Director Operator for Tampa Bay Sun FC. Currently, he serves as a Live Events Graduate Assistant for USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Carlos plans to pursue a career in game presentation and team operations.

Easton Mullins
Easton Mullins grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Analytics and Information Systems and a minor in Finance. He previously worked as a Sports Data Analyst Intern at NA3 Sports. Currently, he works as an Analytics Fellow for Oak View Group at the Benchmark International Arena. Upon graduation, Easton plans to pursue a career in golf or football analytics.

Madison Rabe
Madison Rabe grew up in Florence, Kentucky. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Professional Legal Studies and minors in Criminology and Psychology. She previously worked as an NIL & Student-Athlete Development Intern, Mental Health Co-Chair for CUSA, and President of the WKU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Currently, she works as a Partnerships Intern for USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Madison plans to pursue a career as a sports agent.

Ava Rispler
Ava Rispler grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Sport and Entertainment Management. She previously worked as a Recruiting Intern for USF Football and as an Entertainment Intern for Princess Cruise Line. Currently, she works as a Graduate Assistant for the Business Honors Program. Upon graduation, Ava plans to pursue a career in marketing strategy.

Jessica Rosenblum
Jessica Rosenblum grew up in Augusta, Georgia. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Child Development. She previously worked as a Marketing Intern with LMI Advertising and served as President of the FSU Women’s Club Rugby team. Currently, she works as a Marketing Intern for USF Campus Recreation. Upon graduation, Jessica plans to pursue a career in sports partnerships, marketing, or event operations.

Lucca Sarov Ferreira Santos
Lucca Sarov Ferreira Santos grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing. He previously worked with USF Athletics. Currently, he works as an Insights & Strategy Fellow with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Upon graduation, Lucca plans to pursue a career as a sponsorship and partnerships strategist in the sports industry.

Adam Simmons
Adam Simmons grew up in Champaign, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Finance and a minor in Sport Administration. He previously worked as a Finance Intern with Humana and as a Basketball Scout independently and with Between the Lines Sports. Currently, he works as a VSEM Graduate Research Assistant. Upon graduation, Adam plans to pursue a career in finance or data analytics in the sports industry, with the long-term goal of working in an NBA front office.

Jane Spitulnik
Jane Spitulnik grew up in Hornell, New York. She graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing and Management, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She previously worked for four years as Student Manager for the Alabama Women's Basketball team. Currently, she serves as a Graduate Assistant for the USF Women's Basketball team. Upon graduation, Jane plans to pursue a career as a Director of Operations in collegiate or professional sports.

Matthew Turman
Matthew Turman grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Integrated Business. He previously worked as a Sports Media Intern for Sons of UCF and as a sports Journalist for 247Sports. Currently, he works as an Executive Search and Strategy Consultant at Catalyst Consulting Services. Upon graduation, Matthew plans to pursue a career in medical device sales, product management, or collegiate athletics administration.

Ava Uphues
Ava Uphues grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing. She previously worked as a Camp Coach and Coordinator for USF Women’s Lacrosse Camps and Recruiting Clinics, and as an Event Planning Coordinator for the City of Roswell at Newtown Park. Currently, she is a Division I student-athlete on the USF Women’s Lacrosse team. Upon graduation, Ava plans to pursue a career as a sports marketing or partnership activation manager for a professional sports franchise.

Damon Zimmer
Damon Zimmer grew up in Daysland, Alberta, Canada. He graduated from Salve Regina University with a degree in Business Administration and minors in Economics and Finance. He previously worked as a Farm Manager, Athletic Operations Intern, and Professional Hockey Player. Upon graduation, Damon plans to pursue a career as a Director of Sales or Partnerships.

Sarah Acevedo
Sarah Acevedo grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in Communication, Media, & Culture. She worked as as a Marketing Analytics Fellow at WMT Digital. She now works as the Tampa Bay Sports Commission fellow. Upon graduation, Sarah plans to pursue a career in partnerships, events, or international sports.

Kelsey Albert
Kelsey Albert grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Statistics. Upon graduation, Kelsey plans to pursue a career as a professional or collegiate Division I sports analyst or statistician.

Emersen Angel
Emersen Angel is from Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Digital Consumer Engagement. She previously worked as a Fan Experience Intern with Alabama Hockey and as a Marketing and Social Media Intern with Power Prospects USA. Upon graduation, Emersen plans to pursue a career in sports marketing with a professional sports team.

Daniel Chaiet
Daniel Chaiet grew up in Weston, Florida. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration and Real Estate. He previously worked as a Junior Golf Operations Intern with the Middle Atlantic PGA. Upon graduation, Daniel plans to work in the golf industry.

EJ Chiffer
EJ Chiffer grew up in Andover, Connecticut.  He graduated from Western New England University with a  bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. He previously worked as a Field Manager for Perfect Game USA. He is now the Operations Intern with the World Champions Cup and a Match Operations Assistant with the Tampa Bay Sun. Upon graduation, EJ hopes to pursue a career in events and operations.

Anthony Costanzo
Anthony Costanzo grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Accounting. He previously worked as a Corporate Partnerships Intern with the Columbus Crew. Upon graduation, Anthony plans to run his own business in the sports industry.

Caleigh Ertel
Caleigh Ertel grew up in Englewood, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Analytics & Information Systems and a minor in Leadership Studies. She currently works as a Graduate Assistant for the Muma College of Business Communications and Marketing team. Upon graduation, Caleigh plans to work for an NFL team in events and community outreach.

Erin Fink
Erin Fink grew up in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising. She currently works as a Creative Media Intern for USF Football and as a Student Social Ambassador for the USF NIL Store. Upon graduation, Erin plans to pursue a career in marketing for a professional sports team.

Sydney Fox
Sydney Fox grew up in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing with a focus in Sports and Entertainment. She previously worked as a Communications Intern with USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Sydney plans to pursue a career in media relations for a professional sports team.

Kylie Hafner
Kylie Hafner grew up in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing. Upon graduation, Kylie plans to pursue a career in fan engagement and game day activities for a professional sports team.

Kelsey Kadlub
Kelsey Kadlub grew up in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Sports Business Management and a minor in Communications. Previously, she interned with Florida Southern Athletics. Upon graduation, Kelsey plans to pursue a career as a college athletic director.

Chloe Le
Chloe Le grew up in Monticello, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Sports Management and Entertainment. She works as a Growth and Performance fellow for WMT Digital. Upon graduation, Chloe plans to work as a social media or digital marketing professional for a NHL team.

Taylor May
Taylor May grew up in Newburgh, Indiana. She graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Communications, with a concentration in Strategic Communications, and minors in Fashion & Retail Studies and Professional Writing. She previously worked as a Marketing Assistant at Columbus Arena Sports and Entertainment. She now works as the Strategic Sports fellow for Advent Health.Upon graduation, Taylor plans to pursue a career in partnership activations or digital marketing for a team.

Emma Mussante
Emma Mussante grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Florida Southern College with degrees in Psychology and Sports Business Management. She previously worked as a Game Day Promotions and Presentation Assistant for the Detroit Tigers and the Lakeland Flying Tigers. After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a career with a professional sports organization in fan engagement and marketing, utilizing data analytics and research.

Aidan Musumeci
Aidan Musumeci grew up in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Analytics & Information Systems and a minor in Marketing. He currently works as a Replay Coordinator with USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Aidan plans to pursue a career in sports marketing or sports business analytics.

Rachel Robidoux
Rachel Robidoux grew up in Medford, New Jersey. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Management. Currently, she has a Ticket Buyer Support fellowship with Vivenu. After graduation, Rachel hopes to pursue a career in event management or partnerships within the sports industry.

Victoria Rudolph
Victoria Rudolph grew up in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Sports Management, and a minor in Entrepreneurship. She currently works as a Development Coordinator for the University Area Community Development Corporation. Upon graduation, Victoria plans to work with sports teams or athlete foundations, specifically in fundraising or event planning.

Alivia Saemisch
Alivia Saemisch grew up in Dacula, Georgia. She graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Management and a minor in Biological Sciences. She works as part of the Event Operations Crew for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She now works as the Bulls Club Development Fellow Upon graduation, Alivia plans to pursue a career in sports operations or administration in collegiate athletics.

Edward Schmid
Edward Schmid grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida. He graduated from North Central College with degrees in Accounting and Sport Management. He currently works as a Scouting and Recruiting Assistant for USF Football. Upon graduation, Edward plans to pursue a career in the front office of a football organization, focusing on operations or personnel.

Brianna Sokol
Brianna Sokol grew up in Plano, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Sport Media. She previously worked as a Student Specialist in Texas Football Video Operations. Currently, she is an Operations Intern for USF Football. Upon graduation, Brianna plans to pursue a career in partnerships or team operations.

Yair Tennenberg
Yair Tennenberg grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey. He graduated from Reichman University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. He previously worked as an Operations Specialist at a software company in New York. He now works as the NFL/NIL Marketing Intern at the Exclusive Sports Group. After graduation, Yair plans to pursue a career in talent representation.

Francisco Vazquez
Francisco Vazquez grew up in Montville, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing with a concentration in Sales and a minor in Communication. He previously worked as a Marketing Intern for USF Athletics. Upon graduation, Francisco plans to pursue a career as a sports agent or in marketing analytics for a professional sports team.

Ava Zink
Ava Zink grew up in Anna Maria Island, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Sport and Entertainment Management. She previously worked in On-Campus Recruiting for USF's Football team. Upon graduation, Ava plans to pursue a career in the player personnel department for an NFL team.