Holly Lind BS '18, Sport Management

I chose UCCS because of the Sport Management program. I was previously committed to run track for a school in Minnesota but found UCCS through a college fair in Minneapolis. The location and program was exactly what I was looking for a college experience and I applied that night.

I chose the Sport Management program because of the Olympic and international sport influence in Colorado Springs. Ever since I was four years old, I had a passion for Olympics. I remember watching the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and being fascinated by the competition. I was also involved with the Junior Olympic Archery Development Team for five years. Both of these experiences lead me to know that the Sport Management would assist me in starting my own path to a career in the Olympic field. I knew the program had connections with National Governing Bodies and had students involved in the Olympic Movement. The opportunity was something I couldn't pass up.

My favorite thing about the College of Business is the standards that are required. The AACSB accreditation as well as the professionalism opportunities help to set students up to excel in the business field no matter what emphasis they are pursuing. It is more than just going to class, there's the ability to expand your experiences as well as improve your network and get ahead of other applicants in your field.

I am in the business fraternity on campus. I recently had four jobs which took up a lot of my time. I work at the Olympic Training Center in the operations department, the UCCS Recreation Center as a Building Manager and also as a facilities program assistant. I recently finished an internship with National Strength and Conditioning in their foundation department.

I hope to work in Olympic Movement or with an international sport organization. I have enjoyed my time in the operations department with the Olympic Training Center and want to do something similar once I graduate. Getting to work directly with athletes, coaches, and officials on a daily basis was very rewarding and it gave me a different perspective of what goes into sports on every level, from elite and Olympic to community and youth programs. I am also hoping to pursue a masters degree in business analytics and operational management.

UCCS opened doors to the Olympic Movement. The Sport Management program posted a volunteer opportunity at the Olympic Sport House and that was all it took! I was able to make connections with multiple National Governing Bodies, build my resume, and form some great relationships. I was able to cultivate my own path by working up the ladder to increased responsibilities and unique opportunities at the Olympic Training Center. My connections at the Sport House even led me to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de janeiro, Brazil! I was given staff credentials to go to restricted access areas such as the USA House and extra tickets to Olympic events!

When I’m not working, I like to hike and enjoy the outdoors. I still shoot archery and will go back to shooting competitively when I graduate in May! Other than that, I do a lot of traveling both domestically and internationally (and watching Netflix). 

My favorite thing about Colorado Springs is the weather for sure! Growing up in Minnesota we’d have snow and cold for weeks on end. Here, it is sunny pretty much all of the time and super warm, in my opinion.

If someone is considering UCCS, I would tell them about the unique opportunities UCCS has to offer. UCCS worked with me to graduate in only three years, which, as an out of state student, was a big deal.  I am also consistently told how impressive my resume is when compared to other people my age. The professional growth and amazing opportunities I have gained in three years is something I wouldn’t have found anywhere else.