Syracuse Sun

During their immersion trip to Philadelphia in May, Sport Management students from the Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Club met with students from Temple University’s Women in Sport and Recreation Management (WSRM) Club.

Philadelphia is one of 12 cities that host teams in the "Big Four" major sports leagues in North America: the Phillies of Major League Baseball, the Eagles of the National Football League, the 76ers of the National Basketball Association, and the Flyers of the National Hockey League. Additionally, since 2010, Philadelphia has been home to Major League Soccer's Union.

The city also hosts numerous sporting events throughout the year at venues such as Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.

Over four days in May, nine female students from Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics visited Philadelphia. They met with various sports organizations and over 25 sport industry professionals. The meetings included executives from PlayFly Sports, Zelus Analytics, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Union, Leveling the Playing Field, Temple University Athletics, and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The group also attended a Phillies game.

Jake and Suzanne Doft have sponsored this trip for three years in honor of their daughter Dara Doft, a Class of 2022 Sport Management graduate.

The participating students were Jacqueline Dipaolo, Charlotte Howland, Kate Hubbard, Livia McQuade, Erin Moore, Marni Nirenberg, Brooke Siket, Ashley Stewart and Allison Vilms. They were accompanied by internship placement coordinator Beth Perez and Sport Analytics program coordinator Jackie Dorchester.

Livia McQuade ’25 shared her experiences about the trip:

“This year’s WISE immersion trip to Philadelphia was nothing but extraordinary! We are so thankful for the incredible generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Jake and Suzanne Doft...and our two advisors...for coordinating an amazing agenda."

“Our first day kicked off with an on-site visit to Playfly Sports...We gained a great perspective about mergers and acquisitions...and topped off our visit by playing basketball on their indoor court."

“On day two...we headed to meet with MLS team Philadelphia Union...A panel of Union executives gave us in-depth answers about both community-driven initiatives...We came away with great advice..."

“After visiting the Union...we made our way back into the city to meet with a panel stacked with Philly-centric executives who represented Learn Fresh...[and others]. With such a wide range of perspectives present..."

“To wrap up day two...we journeyed on a historic walking tour through Philadelphia..."

“We kicked off day three by meeting various individuals at Temple University...[including] women that lead Temple athletics who gave their insight on NIL...[It] was an exciting experience to exchange ideas between clubs..."

“In the afternoon we toured Lincoln Financial Field...[We saw] broadcasting suites...[and other facilities]. It was a one-of-a-kind experience!"

“We wrapped up [day three] by attending a Phillies’ game...[Our pregame activities included] networking event[s] with some Phillies’ powerhouse women..."

“On our last day we had [a meeting] with Leveling The Playing Field (LPF)...[They combat barriers to sport by redistributing equipment]. LPF was started by Syracuse alumnus Max Levitt ’11...

“Our group loved meeting LPF...[We learned about their partnerships], true difference they are making for youth teams..., life-changing impact they have on female athletes..., [and more].

“Our group is thankful for this experience,...the industry professionals we spoke with[,] ...the incredible generosity of [the Doft family]. We recognize this was an extraordinary opportunity that will catapult us as we prepare for our careers in sport.”

Livia McQuade ’25 is majoring in sport management with a minor in sport event management at Falk College. She is executive vice president of the Sport Management Club and co-chair of its 2024 Charity Sports Auction. Currently she interns at Olympus Sports Group assisting U.S. athletes ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics.