Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2025 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Marshfield, Massachusetts

Q: Why did you choose UConn?

A: I chose UConn because the University provided me with the best opportunity to support my academic journey and career aspirations. UConn was highly recommended by some of my older friends who were undergraduate students at the time. They raved about the school’s student-driven culture and the number of opportunities and resources that the campus and different schools offered to its students. I would be lying, too, if the sports culture at the school wasn’t a top priority for me as I was looking to immerse myself in that type of environment. The recommendation, comfort of familiarity, and proximity to home drew me to the University, and upon admission, it was an easy and quick decision for me.

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

A: I am a sport management major at the Neag School of Education. Like most majors, my interest started at an early age with a passion for sports. When it came to furthering my academic journey and beginning to explore career interests, I was drawn to sport management. I discovered UConn’s Sport Management program and was immediately motivated to pursue this major and career.

Q: Did you have a favorite professor or class?

A: My favorite professor while at UConn is Dr. Danielle DeRosa in the Sport Management program. Dr. DeRosa teaches the career development course in the Sport Management program, and she is one of the first people you meet in the program to support you in your undergraduate studies. Dr. DeRosa puts the student first and provides immense support when navigating your academic and career aspirations. She provides students with many resources to be successful and cares about each student and their successes. Dr. DeRosa is an incredible professor at the University of Connecticut, but more importantly, she is an amazing person, and I am grateful to have met her during my undergraduate experience at UConn.

Q: What activities were you involved in as a student?

A: As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to work for the UConn women’s basketball team as a student manager. This opportunity shaped my entire undergraduate experience. I was able to work for a prestigious program, gain valuable real-world experience, travel to new places all over the world, and further my academic journey and career aspirations while gaining internship credit for school. On top of this experience, I was involved in the UConn Sports Business Association and UConn’s TME Mentor program. These activities shaped my experience as a student at UConn.

Q: What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

A: One thing that surprised me at UConn was the close-knit community feel that was driven by the student body. With over 20,000 students, I initially thought that the large state school UConn community was larger than one could imagine. Still, the students create a community on campus that feels extremely close, like a family. From the classroom to sporting events, the UConn community makes you feel like you’re a part of one big Husky family.

Q: What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

A: Following graduation, I have accepted a position with the UConn women’s basketball team as a graduate assistant. I will be continuing my academic journey, pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut.

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

A: UConn has prepared me for the next chapter in life by providing me with an unforgettable undergraduate experience. The resources and opportunities that the University offers its students prepare you for your next chapter in life. I have gained valuable real-world, hands-on experience as well as developed transferable skills needed to be successful in any field. I have networked and built strong relationships with both students and faculty that will last a lifetime.

UConn has prepared me for the next chapter in life by providing me with an unforgettable undergraduate experience. — Rocco DeSantes

Q: Any advice for incoming students?

A: My biggest piece of advice for incoming students is you will get what you put into your experience at UConn. You can’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; you have to go out, look for them, and jump on them. UConn offers students many opportunities, resources, and support to be successful, but it is on the individual student to put the most into their own experience.

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

A: One thing everyone should do at UConn is attend a sporting event. UConn sports culture is unmatched. You will always have a place where you feel like you belong when it comes to UConn sports. The school spirit and the passion the students have for the sports team are an experience you cannot miss out on as a Husky.

Q: What will always make you think of UConn?

A: One thing that will always make me think of UConn is the Husky logo. This logo represents much more than just the University’s mascot and the school’s logo. The logo represents a community, a family, and a culture that no other university has. Whenever you see someone wearing the Husky logo, you can count on yelling out ‘UConn’ and hearing a Husky’s response. I will always bleed blue, and the Husky logo will remind me of UConn and my unforgettable undergraduate memories and experiences.