Rachel Coleman A graduate of Pennsville High School, Rachel is currently a senior and on the Dean’s List at University of Delaware majoring in Sports Management with minors in Business Administration and Coaching.   As a freshman, Rachel was a member of the Rider University Varsity Softball team and received the “Scholar Athlete award.” Rachel transferred to the University of Delaware her sophomore year to pursue a major in Sports Management.  Rachel’s shoulder injury did not spoil her passion for the game. She began her coaching career in 2010 coaching Tuff-N-Tuffer, a Junior Olympic Gold Team located in Quakertown, PA and served as the Head Coach for the Newark High School JV Softball team in her junior year as part of coaching internship.  Rachel frequently returns to her hometown and does volunteer work for both the little league and midget football programs.  “I love to see and help the young players who have that spark in their eye for the game.  I also enjoy working with my Dad, the Head Grounds Keeper, at the midget football field.  I am a competitor.  I love to play Softball and am grateful for everything the game has taught me.”

Last summer, Rachel was selected to be a marketing intern for the Philadelphia Eagles.  She will continue this internship for the 2012 season.  Rachel will also be working as an intern this fall for the Football Operations Officer at the University of Delaware.

In the spring of 2013, Rachel will be relocating to Georgia to become an intern for the Kennesaw State University Sports Facilities Management Department and will also be a volunteer assistant coach for the Kennesaw State Owls Softball team.  Kennesaw has approved a plan to start its first ever football program in 2014. “This is an exciting opportunity for me.  I am looking forward to being a part of the facilities management department of a school that is making history by fielding their first ever football team. “

Rachel plans to attend graduate school after her undergraduate graduation to obtain a Master’s Degree in Sports Facility Management

Philip Costa
I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be named as a recipient of the Stadium Managers Association Scholarship.  As a graduate student with the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at UCF, this scholarship serves as a great aid to finish my master’s degrees. 

However, the Foundation has made this opportunity more than a simple financial scholarship; being able to take part in SMA as an ex-officio member and continue to learn and network with industry professionals is an amazing opportunity. As I prepare to graduate within the next year, I look forward to utilizing the knowledge and resources provided by SMA to propel myself into a position in the Event and Facility industry.

Scott  Yogodzinski
I would like to thank the Board of Directors of the Stadium Managers Association for their generosity in funding this scholarship, and I am honored to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award.  I look forward to working with the organization this year and attending the SMA annual seminar this winter.

I am currently pursuing a masters degree in Sport & Athletic Administration at Gonzaga University and will graduate next spring.  I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Management & Information Technology with a Minor in Mathematics from Montana Tech in May 2011.

When I started graduate school I quickly realized the need to set goals to gain industry specific experience.  I quickly accepted an internship working in Stadium and Facility Management for the City of Spokane, Washington.  Through hard work and commitment I earned the privilege of being the Head Event Supervisor at a 30,000 seat stadium.  This experience led to my current position with the Spokane Shock Arena Football League team, where I work in the front office of a professional sports franchise.  In addition, this summer I will work as the Matrix Operator in the press box for the Spokane Indians, a minor league baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers.

The SMA Foundation Scholarship provides me with tremendous financial assistance heading into my final year of graduate school.  I am deeply grateful for all of the lessons and opportunities my past activities have provided, and I know they will help me reach my ultimate goal of being an active, community based business leader in the field of sport management.  One day I hope to be able to mentor and give back to others that are just starting their careers in the sport industry; just like so many individuals and organizations, including the Stadium Managers Association, have already done for me.  No matter where life takes me, I will bring the same kind of dedication, leadership, and willingness to learn that I bring to everything I do.

 Daniel R. Mullens
Chowan University
Undergraduate (Junior)

"I would like to express a special thank you to all of you that are a part of the Stadium Managers Association. There was a time not long ago when I was unsure if I would be able to continue my education due to funds and resources. However, in this time of need it was you of the Stadium Managers Association that stepped in and made it possible for me to continue attending Chowan University by accepting me to be a part of your association. With this acceptance, you supplied me with an amazing scholarship to make my education possible. This gift has touched my heart in such a way that words cannot suffice as to the appreciation that I have for the scholarship that has been so graciously extended to me from the Stadium Managers Association. This has truly been an answer to prayer as God has supplied my every need through you and for that I thank you!
Upon graduation from Chowan University in the spring of 2013, I will be looking for employment. I pray that God will make it available for this employment to be somewhere with the Stadium Mangers Association so that I can do my part to give back to this great association and the great work that it does."

 LaShae Ingram
San Jose State University
Undergraduate (Senior)

"As a graduating senior, I appreciate the scholarship award the SMA Foundation granted me this year as well as the applied knowledge I have learned thus far. It has been a pleasure being part of the SMA Foundation board of directors as the ex-officio member and I look forward to working with them for the rest of my term as well as meeting them at the 2012 SMA Annual Seminar.

Being one of the two scholarship recipients as well as being part of the board has brought up the opportunity to be one of several interns for the seminar. I am genuinely hopeful in the opportunities that will come my way heading into my near future as I seek employment in event and facility administration or management as well as achieving a Masters degree."