Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2024 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Littlefork, Minnesota

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn because it was the perfect blend of a big-time college and a small town, a premier academic school with a growing sport management program, and the success of the athletics program. Growing up in a town with a population of 550, the tight-knit community was what sold me. To pair with that, the athletics and sport management programs were both highly invested in, which I knew would go hand-in-hand in providing me amazing opportunities to learn about the business of sport and pursue my future goals.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

I am a sport management major. When I applied to UConn, I knew it was the field I wanted to be in. I have a deep passion for sports and the business aspect behind them. There are also so many career paths in sports to pursue. By going to a school where I can learn the various aspects of different jobs through the classroom, internships, and professional networking, I knew that I would find my niche and be able to continue to work in sports, which I love.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

Danielle DeRosa has been my favorite professor at UConn. She has been an unbelievable resource for my personal and professional development here. She builds people up and helps them maximize their potential. Danielle DeRosa played a significant role in obtaining my position as a student manager with UConn baseball, which helped me realize a path I want to pursue post-grad. Whether school, internship, or life-related, she will always take time out of her day to help. She is always willing to go the extra mile to make a positive impact.

UConn has allowed me to showcase my passion, work ethic, and talents. The positions I have held will be beneficial in pursuing a job in the future. — Dale Erickson

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I am a student manager for UConn baseball, which has been an unbelievable experience. I get the opportunity to learn about the sport and the business of the sport from our phenomenal coaches, support staff, and players daily. I also started working with the UConn Sport Business Conference in the fall of 2021 and was the CEO of the 2023 and 2024 UConn Sport Business Conference. Along with those, I am a UConn Athletic Operations student employee and was a member of UConn Club Archery.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

Aside from the blistering wind walking across campus, I must say that it has a small-town feel. Walking throughout campus, you run into friends and people you know all the time. The sense of community here is amazing. It is a big school, but it does not feel like it.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

I am currently applying to grad school and pursuing graduate assistant opportunities within collegiate baseball. I intend to pursue a master’s degree in the field of sport management. I want to continue to work in baseball due to my amazing experience with UConn baseball. My future career goals include working as a sports agent.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has allowed me to showcase my passion, work ethic, and talents. The positions I have held will be beneficial in pursuing a job in the future. UConn has also connected me with lifelong friends and mentors who will support me through my future endeavors.

Any advice for incoming students?

Seek out opportunities for yourself and take advantage of the opportunities you are presented with. My freshman year, my friends and I lived by the motto “Sleep in June.” We knew that our time here was finite, so we joined clubs we were interested in, participated in events like Oozeball and First Night, and attended just about every UConn sporting event possible. You are only an undergraduate at UConn for so long. There will be time to rest in the future, so take advantage of the present.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Go to as many sporting events as possible! The passion and energy that UConn fans bring are second to none!

What will always make you think of UConn?

The deafening U-C-O-N-N chant, led by Big Red, whenever we go on a big scoring run during a basketball game and the opponent calls a timeout. It will be tough not to experience the electric environment of Gampel Pavilion and chant along U-C-O-N-N with Big Red next year!