Voices from the Field --- Sport Industry Professional Insights

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning, interviewed Christopher McLeod, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida in the Department of Sport Management for the Faculty in Focus Series.  Christopher received his Ph.D. in Sport Management, Florida State University (2017), M.S. in Sport Management, Florida State University (2013), and his B.S. in Physical Education, the University of Otago in New Zealand (2012). Christopher studies athletes, the ecosystems that invest in them, and the leagues that employ them.

Please tune in to learn what Chris shared with #UFSPM​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his research, what sparked his interest, and what continues to drive his curiosity today.  

#UFSPM #GoGators

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Kim Bastable, the Director of Professional Tennis at the University of Florida and president of Vital Leadership.  Kim received her bachelor's in finance and business administration from the University of Florida and her master's in positive coaching from the University of Missouri. Her work experience includes being an Assistant Women’s Tennis coach at the University of Kansas, a Head Boys and girls Tennis Coach at Kansas City Christian School, and an Elite Professional at the US Professional Tennis Association (for 22 years). Kim is currently the president of Vital Leadership and an Adjunct Professor and Director of Professional Tennis  Management for the University of Florida.  

#UFSPM #UF #GoGators 

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Ed Buckley, Chairman, and CEO of Peerfit.  Ed received his bachelor's in public relations, master's in public health management and policy, and doctorate of philosophy in digital health behavior from the University of Florida (triple Gator). While attending Florida he was a graduate research assistant for the UF department of health behavior and a group fitness instructor for Gainesville Health and Fitness. Ed is currently a contributing writer for Get Your Fit Together, the VP and Board of Directors for Balance 180, and Chairman and CEO of Peerfit.   

#GoGators #UF #UFSPM 

David Fizdale (two-time NBA Coach) & Steve Stowe (VP Miami Heat Fund) joined host Nathan Whitaker (#1 NYT Bestselling Author, Coach, and Speaker) on the topic of Coaching at the Intersection of Culture, Race & Influence as a part of the Wasdin Speaker Series.

Susie and Tom Wasdin sponsor the Wasdin Speaker Series to highlight the cutting-edge research, education, and industry partnerships at the University of Florida within the College of Health & Human Performance, and the Department of Sport Management.

#UFSPM #UF #GoGators 

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Lee Davis, Director of Recruiting Operations for Florida Gators Football. 

Lee received her bachelor's degree in public relations and her masters degree in sport management from the University of Alabama. Her previous work experience includes being a student assistant for the Alabama Football Team and coordinator of recruiting operations for the Mississippi State University Football team for over six years. Lee is currently the Director of Recruiting Operations for Florida Football. 

#UF #UFSPM #GoGators 

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Taylor Wells, a Senior Coordinator for the MLS. 

Taylor received her bachelors from Concordia University Irvine and her masters of business administration from La Sierra University. Her work experience includes PR/Communications for the L.A. Clippers, Client Service Rep for Bank of America, Marketing and Global Outreach Coordinator for the Grover Corner Counseling and Community Center. Taylor has worked for the MLS for over 3 years serving as the Executive Assistant to Deputy Commissioner and Executive Vice President, Communications before taking on her current role as Senior Coordinator of Player Engagement. She is also attending Law school at Fordham University of Law. 

#UFSPM #GoGators #UF

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Becky Burleigh, UF Head Women's Soccer Coach. 

Becky received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Methodist University and her Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Georgia State University. She was a head coach for Berry’s Women's Soccer team before she took the Head Women's Soccer Coaching position at University of Florida. Becky has been with the Gators for 26 years. She has multiple SEC championships, coached several national team players and one National Champion. Becky is a public speaker, a part of the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy and Co-Founder of What Drives Winning. She is also a local DJ in the Gainesville area. 

#UF #GoGators #UFSPM

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Tyler Stewart, VP of Brand + Experience and Sports WarnerMedia. 

Tyler received his bachelor’s of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida. After graduating he worked in communications for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is the founder of i wear cool socks menswear and lifestyle platform and has held various sport marketing positions. Some of these positions include Associate Director of Integrated Marketing & Partnerships for GQ, Senior Director of Marketing & Partnerships for The Players’ Tribune and Executive Director of Marketing + Experience for Bleacher Report. Tyler stepped into his current role as Vice president of Brand + ExperienceSports for WarnerMedia this month. 

#UF #GoGators #UFSPM 

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed John Tull the Senior Account Executive at Florida Gators Sports Properties-Learfield IMG College.

John received his bachelor’s in History from DePauw University and his master’s in Sports Management from Indiana University. John worked with various sports teams throughout his career. More recently he worked as the marketing manager for the Fresno Fuego Soccer Club, the CEO for the Fresno Falcons Professional Hockey Team, the Manager of Business Development for Penn State's Sports Properties, Associate General Manager for IMG College, and was on the Corporate Partnership Team for FOX Sports before taking his role as the Senior Account Executive for Gator Sport Properties.   Please tune in to learn what John shared with #UFSPM​​ students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends regarding his many professional accomplishments.

#GoGators #GatorNation #UF #UFSPM 

Hosts Brian Avery and Shelley Lyle, with the University of Florida Department of Sport Management, Office of Engaged Learning interviewed Greg Stolt the Vice President of International Operations for the National Basketball Association (NBA).  

Greg received his bachelor's of Exercise Science from the University of Florida and his master's of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii. While at UF, Greg played basketball as a forward. He also played 6 years of professional basketball in Dominican Republic, Spain, Belgium, France, Japan, Australia, and the NBA G League.   

As Greg pivoted from being an athlete, his first professional role was as the assistant manager for Sumito Heavy Industries Limited.  After a two-years with Sumito, Greg moved into his current role as VP of international operations for the NBA. He has been with the NBA for over 11 years.   

Please tune in to learn what Greg shared with #UFSPM