Gavin works as the Managing Director of Tournament Production for Seattle Pride Hockey Association (SPHA).
This blog is focused on when he was a student and his experiences with the SCLA program.
What brought you to the SCLA program?
I want to work as part of the operations department of a professional or collegiate hockey team, but I needed more academic background and preparation than my undergraduate degree could provide. While searching for master’s programs, the MSU SCLA program stood out to me, and I got in contact with Dr. MacCharles who is ultimately the reason I came here to Michigan.
What do you hope to do upon completion of the SCLA program?
After completion of the degree program, I hope to work with a hockey team or organization full time, eventually getting to that ‘director of operations’ or operations department position.
Having years of experience in theater, technical production, and event management, I have a lot to offer SPHA and the Sports Coaching and Leadership program has given me even more.
What are some highlights of your time in the SCLA program so far?
Highlights of this program would be the experience of the professors that we get to inquire of, the opportunity to interface with other sports professionals of all ages from around the world in our classes and projects, and for me it was the connection to MSU Athletics Office of Event Management, where I was a graduate intern for the 2021-2022 school year.
What has been your favorite SCLA course so far and why?
My favorite course so far is actually an elective outside of the main SCLA courses, but KIN 840 (Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity) with Dr. Malete was a huge challenge and connected me to a ton of research focused students in doctoral programs that I otherwise would’ve had no interactions with.
Fun fact
Michigan and the Great Lakes are the fourth major region of the U.S. that I’ve lived in by the age of 24.
Learn more about Gavin and the great work he and his team are doing at the Seattle Pride Hockey Association!