Sports have a way of bringing people together—uniting communities, inspiring pride and connecting people across backgrounds. Whether it’s the excitement of a last-second buzzer-beater, the electric atmosphere of a gym packed with classmates or the behind-the-scenes planning that makes game day possible, sports represent much more than what happens on the field. They’re also part of a massive global industry that touches marketing, technology, finance, health and countless other disciplines.

For many students here at Guilford—myself included—the world of sports isn’t just about entertainment. It represents potential career paths filled with creativity, leadership and opportunity. That’s why I see the sports management major and the sports administration minor as both exciting and practical. These programs combine business, communication, leadership and analytical skills into one field of study.

Recently, I read an opinion piece in The Guilfordian by Chase Lewis. In the article, he shared his personal story of switching from sports management to business. Lewis wrote that he enjoyed his sports management classes but ultimately changed majors because he felt the field was “oversaturated” and “least valuable” for those pursuing sports careers. He argued that the major relies too heavily on connections and internships.

While I respect his perspective, I see the program differently. I believe it’s a strong, versatile path that gives students valuable skills and opportunities—even for those who aren’t die-hard sports fans. I enjoy tennis more than football or basketball, but that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing a minor in sports administration.

One of Lewis’s main concerns was competition. He cited a statistic that nearly 17,000 sports management degrees were awarded in the 2020–21 academic year, arguing it’s challenging to stand out in such a crowded field. At first glance, that number might seem intimidating, but it’s actually a sign of growth.

The sports industry itself is constantly expanding, with new career options appearing every year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs related to sports management—especially in areas like marketing, analytics and entertainment—are projected to grow steadily over the next decade, with an estimated 99,770 openings each year.

Consider how esports, social media marketing and streaming platforms have transformed how people experience sports and entertainment. These fields didn’t exist a generation ago, and now they need skilled professionals who understand the intersection of sports and business.

Hands-on experience and networking are also topics of frustration in the original article. While it’s true that internships and connections play a key role in landing sports jobs, that’s not unique to this major. Business, communication and education students also need internships and hands-on experience to build résumés and stand out to employers.

Instead of viewing this as a burden, I see it as one of the program’s biggest strengths. Sports management programs often help students secure internships and connect them with faculty and alumni who have real-world industry experience. These relationships aren’t just about who you know—they’re about learning directly from professionals and gaining the kind of practical experience employers want.

Another point Lewis raised was that other majors, like business or communications, can also lead to sports careers. While that’s true, those programs often lack the specialized focus sports management provides. Courses on sports communication, sports marketing and sports ethics teach the specific skills the industry demands. The major blends aspects of several disciplines into one comprehensive program, making it ideal for students who want targeted preparation for this field.

What makes the major even more appealing is its versatility. The leadership, problem-solving and organizational skills students gain are transferable to many careers, from corporate management and nonprofit work to entrepreneurship. Like any degree, it requires initiative and dedication—a reality that mirrors today’s job market. The more you put into it, the more opportunities you create.

In the end, while I understand why Lewis chose a different path, sports management is far from a narrow or risky choice. It equips students with practical skills, industry knowledge and a strong foundation for careers both in and beyond sports. Whether you dream of running a stadium, managing a team or writing a sports column in your hometown newspaper, this major provides the tools to turn passion and hard work into a meaningful career — and that’s an opportunity worth pursuing