Sport management students Zoom with sports legends

JOHNSON CITY – (April 7, 2020) From their laptop computers, students in Dr. Natalie Smith’s “International Sport” course at East Tennessee State University have the opportunity to ask questions of sport legends and leaders from around the world.

This week is “Pro Athlete Week in International Sport” and students have already chatted via Zoom with Anita Asante, English professional soccer standout who currently plays for the Chelsea Football Club.  She played in the London 2012 Olympics and the 2011 World Cup.

Later this week, students will have a Q&A with French professional basketball player Axel Toupane, a current Euro League player and French National Basketball Team member.  He has played games for the Denver Nuggets and the NBA’s D and G leagues.

Earlier this semester, the class has had similar meet-ups with leaders from the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, and FIFPRO, as well as a Paralympian and executives from Citibank who offered advice on how to match sport sponsorships with major corporations.

“These are incredible educational opportunities for our students to hear from these prominent names in sport industry, and they gain an appreciation and deeper perspective of the global world of sports,” said Smith, an assistant professor of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology in the Clemmer College.

“And, the presenters really embrace the opportunity to connect with our students.  I really appreciate the insights they bring to the discussions,” she added.

            The Sport & Recreation Management program’s “International Sport” course was offered in-person at the beginning of the semester and Smith used Skype to host the Q&A sessions.  When the university moved all courses online following the COVID-19 outbreak, Smith is now conducting all activities using Zoom. Most of students in the course are undergraduates who are seeking careers in sport management. Prior to joining the academic community, Smith worked in various sectors of the sport industry including men’s and women’s professional soccer.

Media Contact: Joe Smith, smithje@etsu.edu