The Columbia University M.S. in Sports Management program hosted its 12th Annual Elevator Pitch Event at Columbia’s Faculty House, bringing together a like-minded group of sports industry leaders from agencies, teams, leagues, and brands, alongside more than 60 students. The highly successful networking event focused on building confidence in networking and professional development skills while providing students with a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and refine their personal branding.
“The annual Elevator Pitch has become the cornerstone career event of the year, bringing together an impressive array of industry executives with our students in a dynamic setting where our students receive personalized feedback on their brand statements and career advice,” said Mary Scott, Senior Associate Director, Career Services for the Sports Management Program. “It's a rewarding event for our guests and students alike, and we look forward to continuing it for years to come.”
In the weeks leading up to the event, students participated in dedicated workshops designed to help them develop and refine their personal brand statements. Through classroom exercises, peer feedback, and guidance from Mary Scott and Bess Brodsky of Career Services, students focused on storytelling, clarity, and delivery, ensuring they arrived prepared to confidently articulate their experiences, goals, and value to potential employers.
A distinguished group of industry professionals engaged with students in a rotating speed-pitch format. Students delivered 60-second personal branding statements, received direct feedback, and participated in open dialogue with executives at each table. After several rounds, they refined their pitches, built confidence, and formed meaningful connections. The event concluded with an open networking session, allowing students to connect with additional industry leaders beyond their assigned tables.
Throughout the event, industry leaders encouraged students to lead with their “why”: why they are passionate about sports, why they are interested in a specific role, and how their skill sets add value. Executives emphasized clearly articulating real-world experience, linking past projects and internships directly to the job, and using specific examples to demonstrate how they can make an immediate, high-impact contribution to an organization.
“The Elevator Pitch event was an incredible opportunity to receive unparalleled advice and real-time feedback from some of the industry’s sharpest minds, while also forming meaningful connections across the sports business landscape,” said Payton Altman (’26SPS, Sports Management).
Industry leaders in attendance included:
- A’Maiya Allen, National Football League
- David Arbutyn, CAA Hockey
- Alexis Brown, Wasserman (’20SPS, Sports Management)
- Nicole Chaplin, Klutch Sports Group
- Annika Florio, SailGP
- Melanie Freiria, New York Yankees
- Scott Gilly, Elevate
- Briana Gilmartin, National Women’s Soccer League
- Stephanie King, Major League Soccer
- Dustin Longest, Rolex (’15SPS, Sports Management)
- TJ Lynch, Allied Sports (’16SPS, Sports Management)
- Brendan Moynihan, Sportfive
- Cynthia Munoz, New York City Football Club
- Ali Nicolas, Overtime
- Laura Sapp, Fanatics
- Joanna Solowey, Next League
- Russ Spielman, GSE Worldwide
- Brooke Steinberg, Excel Sports Management
- Christine Stromberg, USTA
- Kenlyn Tyree, Jordan Brand (’16SPS, Sports Management)
“The pitch event was fantastic because it actively helped me prepare for interviews while also allowing me to meet impressive professionals in the sports industry,” said Sam Henry (’26SPS, Sports Management). “I am very grateful to Mary Scott and Chris Tennant for their hard work in organizing the event.”
The event empowered students to build professional relationships, gain industry insight, and strengthen their confidence. The skills developed through the Elevator Pitch Event equip students with tools they can immediately apply in internships, full-time interviews, informational meetings, and future networking opportunities—better preparing them to navigate the recruiting process and advance their careers in the sports industry.
About the Program
The Columbia University’s M.S. in Sports Management prepares students with a comprehensive curriculum and access to sports industry practitioners and leaders. Students acquire skills in areas such as entrepreneurship and innovation, global sports management, facility and event management, and sports law and ethics.
The program is available for part-time or full-time enrollment. Learn more about the program here.
