By Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President & Founder of SMWW

In my 50-plus years in the sports business, I’ve helped thousands of people take their first steps into this industry. Some make a strong impression and build lasting careers. Others get in their own way without realizing it.

Today, I want to share a few simple dos and don’ts. They may sound basic, but I’ve watched these small actions make or break careers.

DO: Show up early and stay engaged

Be the first one there and the last one to leave. I cannot count how many doors have opened because someone stayed behind to help clean up or asked a thoughtful question when the room was almost empty.

DON’T: Think passion is enough

Loving sports is a great start, but it is not a qualification. Everyone in this business loves the game. What separates you is your willingness to work hard, stay humble, and be useful.

DO: Follow through

If you say you’ll send an email, send it. If you say you’re available, show up. Your word builds your reputation. In sports, that reputation follows you.

DON’T: Ghost people

If someone gives you their time, whether or not it leads to a job, respond. Thank them. Stay connected. I have seen people get hired years later simply because they stayed respectful and consistent.

DO: Be curious

Ask questions. Learn from everyone. Curiosity shows maturity, and maturity builds trust. When you stop learning, you stop growing.

DON’T: Act entitled

No job is beneath you. I have seen future general managers start by taping ankles, driving players, or moving cones. What matters is how you carry yourself in the smallest roles.

DO: Add value wherever you can

If you want to be hired, ask how you can help. Solve a problem. Bring energy. Offer ideas. Teams hire people who make their lives easier, not harder.

These may seem simple, but the fundamentals never go out of style. Whether you are applying for your first internship or hoping to move into a front office role, these habits will set you apart.

Be dependable. Be coachable. Show up with purpose and do what you say you will do.

That is how you get noticed. That is how you earn your shot.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide

For anyone who's ever wondered how to break into the elusive world of NBA front offices, Forbes just published an answer—and it includes Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) front and center.

In the article titled “Front Office Blueprint: How to Build a Career in the NBA,” Forbes contributor Mena Mirhom explores what it actually takes to land roles behind the scenes in pro basketball. And in doing so, he spotlights the growing influence of SMWW as one of the industry’s most accessible and practical launchpads.

This isn’t just a media mention. It’s validation of what SMWW students have known for years: you don’t need to be drafted to make a career in the NBA.

A Pathway for Nontraditional Candidates

In the Forbes piece, SMWW is recognized for helping everyday people—including those with no prior sports experience—transition into meaningful careers across scouting, analytics, player development, and team operations.

Rather than requiring students to relocate, quit their jobs, or start over with unpaid internships, SMWW offers:

• Online, mentor-led courses in front office functions

• Real-time learning with seasoned NBA professionals

• Opportunities to build scouting reports and analytic case studies

• Resume-enhancing certificates and post-course support

It’s a formula designed not for insiders—but for hard-working people who are ready to earn their way in.

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook’s Vision Highlighted

At the core of the Forbes feature is SMWW’s founder, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook. He shares the organization’s mission: bridging the gap between sports career ambition and actual employment opportunities.

According to Dr. Lashbrook in the interview:

“Everyone wants to work in sports, but the path isn’t clear. We make it clear.”

That clarity shows up in SMWW’s structure. Whether someone wants to become a certified NBA agent, a basketball data analyst, or a college athletic director, the roadmap is there—and it starts with gaining the language, tools, and credibility that hiring managers expect.

The Front Office Isn’t Just for Ex-Players

Forbes also notes something that’s becoming increasingly true in the NBA: front office jobs are now built for minds, not just minutes played.

With roles in analytics, scouting, collective bargaining, cap strategy, and player development becoming more specialized, teams are looking for talent with specific skill sets—something SMWW courses are designed to teach.

Courses like:

• Basketball GM & Scouting

• Basketball Analytics

• Digital Video Editing & Analytics

• Basketball Player Development

• Sports Revenue Management & Ticketing

All taught by professionals with decades of league experience—are helping bridge the knowledge gap between dream and hire.

Proof Through Alumni

The article cites the success of several SMWW alumni who’ve landed roles in the NBA and professional basketball around the world. From regional scouts and analytics coordinators to assistant coaches and digital content managers, these stories underscore SMWW’s role as an incubator for sports business professionals.

This community—now more than 50,000 strong—isn’t just enrolled in classes. They’re publishing work, collaborating with peers, attending industry conferences, and building professional portfolios that matter.

From Education to Action

The Forbes article concludes by emphasizing what many aspiring sports professionals overlook: it’s not just about what you learn—it’s about who you learn from, and what you do with it.

And that’s where SMWW stands out.

With post-course career services like:

• Resume Redesign Service

• Scouting Services Portfolio Publishing

• SMWW Agent Advisor Mentorship

• Career Conferences and Virtual Networking Events

• Advanced Certificates in Front Office Operations

SMWW provides the follow-through most online courses lack.

Your Front Office Future Starts Here

Being featured in Forbes isn’t just a proud moment for SMWW—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who's been waiting for the “right time” to start a career in sports.

The industry is evolving. Teams are hiring differently. And the pathway is no longer limited to insiders and former athletes.

If you’re ready to take action, SMWW can help you do it—step by step, skill by skill, connection by connection.

Explore the course catalog, learn directly from professionals in the NBA, and see where your own front office blueprint can lead.

Read the full Forbes article here:
Front Office Blueprint: How To Build A Career In The NBA

Explore SMWW courses:
www.SMWW.com

If you’ve ever dreamed about working in sports—but assumed it’s too late because you’re tied to a full-time job—you’re not alone.

At Sports Management Worldwide, we work with professionals from all walks of life: teachers, engineers, retail managers, service members, recent grads, and corporate executives. Most of them are working full-time jobs, raising families, or navigating career transitions.

The good news? You don’t need to quit your job to pursue a career in sports.
You just need a roadmap built for your life.

We Designed SMWW for Busy People—Just Like You

Each SMWW course runs just eight weeks. It’s completely online and built to fit around your workday.

•  Weekly live video chats (all recorded if you can’t attend live)
• Self-paced assignments
• Mentorship from industry insiders
• Real-world projects that build your résumé

Whether you’re answering emails at your desk or working overtime shifts, you can still move toward your sports career goal—without disrupting your current income or routine.

Build Experience, Not Just Knowledge

A degree or certificate is great—but what gets noticed are the projects you’ve done. That’s why every SMWW course includes career-building deliverables:

• Scouting reports you can publish under your name

• Player evaluations or draft strategies

• Analytics case studies

• Recorded demo reels and media clips

• Sports business plans and sponsorship pitches

You’ll leave each course with actual proof of what you know—and a clearer picture of where you want to go.

Career Support That Doesn’t End at the Final Week

After your course ends, the doors don’t close. In fact, that’s often where momentum builds.

Through SMWW-exclusive programs like:

• SMWW Scouting Services – Build a scouting portfolio that teams, media, and agents can view.

• Agent Advisor Program – Co-represent athletes under mentorship and earn commissions.

• Sports Career Conferences – Attend events to network and learn from the pros.

We help you stay engaged in the industry while you continue working your current job.

Flexible Pathways to Degrees, Too

Looking for a graduate degree that understands your full-time schedule? SMWW partners with Concordia University Chicago to offer online master’s and doctoral degrees, including:

• M.A. in Sports Leadership

• MBA in Sports Management

• Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Sports Leadership

Stack your SMWW training with academic credentials to open doors in collegiate athletics, sports administration, leadership, and beyond.

No Experience? That’s Our Specialty

Most people assume they need years of internships or insider contacts to work in sports. SMWW proves otherwise.

We’ve helped thousands of people enter the industry without traditional experience—just a passion for the game and the drive to follow through. Our alumni work in roles across:

• NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and NCAA

• Sports agencies and media companies

• International organizations in soccer, cricket, rugby, and esports

• Front office operations, analytics, coaching, and more

It’s Not About Having Time. It’s About Having a System.

Let’s face it—life is busy. But the truth is, most people don’t need more time… they need a better way to use it.

With SMWW, you don’t have to choose between your paycheck and your dream job. You can work full-time and build your next chapter in sports—at your own pace, with real support, and clear milestones.

It Starts with One Course

You don’t need to overhaul your life to take the first step. Just commit to one course. Learn the language. Start the process. Gain confidence. And let your momentum build from there.

SMWW is here to help you get your foot in the door—without stepping away from everything else you’ve built.

This is your next move. Let’s make it count.

Breaking into the sports business might seem impossible without a résumé full of team internships or insider connections. But at Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), we know that passion, dedication, and the right training can be just as valuable as experience.

Whether you’re switching careers, re-entering the workforce, or pursuing your dream job for the first time, SMWW provides a clear and supported path into the sports industry—with guidance from professionals who’ve already made it.

Here’s how we help students transition confidently into sports, no matter their background.

Learn From the People Who Do the Hiring

Every SMWW course is taught by professionals currently working in sports: general managers, agents, scouts, analysts, media producers, and executives across all levels—from major leagues to college athletics.

That means when you take a course like:

• Baseball GM & Scouting with former MLB GMs

• Soccer Management & Scouting with VPs of Soccer Operations

• Sports Broadcasting with veteran TV and radio hosts

• Basketball Analytics with front office experts

• Athlete Management (Sports Agent) with certified agents

…you’re not just learning theory—you’re learning directly from the decision-makers in the field.

No Experience? We’ll Help You Build It

We don’t expect you to come in with a background in sports. In fact, many of our students are career changers—from teachers and military veterans to salespeople, finance professionals, and recent college grads.

Our courses are designed to:

• Teach you the language and structure of the sports industry

• Give you practical assignments you can showcase to employers

• Build your confidence through real-world examples, live discussions, and mentorship

• Provide step-by-step career guidance long after the course ends

You won’t just study the sports business—you’ll participate in it from day one.

Portfolio-Building Opportunities That Open Doors

What sets SMWW apart is what happens after the course:

• SMWW Scouting Services – Graduate from a GM & Scouting or Analytics course? You can publish scouting reports under your name, build a public portfolio, and get noticed by agents, teams, and sports media.

• Agent Advisor Program – Interested in athlete representation? You can co-represent clients, build your recruiting skills, and start earning commissions under the mentorship of our agency.

• Sports Career Conferences – Attend in-person and virtual events where you connect directly with team executives, agents, and sports professionals who are actively hiring.

These programs turn your classroom work into visible, real-world experience.

A Global Network That Has Your Back

SMWW isn’t just a training platform—it’s a growing network of more than 50,000 alumni across 160+ countries. Our graduates work in roles with the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA, Premier League, and international organizations in emerging sports like rugby, cricket, and esports.

Whether you’re pursuing opportunities in player development, analytics, front office operations, media, sponsorship, or coaching—you’re never doing it alone.

Flexible Options That Fit Your Career Goals

All SMWW courses are 8 weeks long, online, and live-mentored—designed for busy professionals. If you’re looking to advance even further, we also offer graduate degree pathways through Concordia University Chicago, with options like:

• M.A. in Sports Leadership

• MBA in Sports Management

• Ed.D. in Sports Leadership

• Ph.D in Sports Leadership

This combination of practical and academic training gives you a competitive edge across collegiate, pro, and global sports markets.

Success Without Experience Is Possible—We See It Every Day

Whether you want to become a scout, agent, broadcaster, data analyst, coach, or front office executive, SMWW has helped thousands of people get their start. Many came in without any prior sports experience—just a passion and a goal.

With the right education, mentorship, and support system, you can build the skills and connections that lead to real jobs in sports.

Ready to Make the Transition?

Start with one course.
Build your portfolio.
Join the network.
And take your first real step into the sports industry.

SMWW is here to help you move from ambition to action—no matter where you’re starting from.

Your Sports Career Doesn’t End With Graduation—It Starts Here.

If you’ve completed an SMWW course, you’re already part of something bigger. You’ve learned directly from industry professionals who walk the talk, and you’ve begun building the skills and network that hiring managers actually value. But here’s the truth: finishing the course is just the beginning. The sports industry runs on relationships, strategy, and confidence—and that’s where the SMWW Alumni ecosystem takes you the rest of the way. With 50,000+ alumni across 164 countries and 40+ career-focused courses, you’re stepping into a global community that hires, mentors, and opens doors. 

So—what roles do SMWW alumni actually land?

Across leagues, levels, and continents, our graduates work in roles such as:

• Sports Agents & Athlete Representatives (often starting through the SMWW Agent Advisor Program)

• Scouts & Player Personnel (many join SMWW Scouting Services to publish reports, collaborate with agents, and build a visible portfolio)

• Analytics & Data Science (team and agency-side performance, recruitment, cap/contract, and business analytics)

• Front Office & Operations (GM, cap/roster management, compliance, game & event operations)

• Broadcasting, Content & Sports Media (play-by-play, on-air talent, production, social/digital strategy)

• Sponsorship, Partnerships & Brand Strategy

• Collegiate Athletics & Administration (compliance, ticket ops, fundraising, academic advising—boosted through our CUC graduate degrees)

• Esports, Rugby, Soccer & Emerging Sports (global opportunities across fast-growing verticals)

Alumni have earned roles with organizations like the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, University of Texas Athletics, and more—plus agencies, scouting platforms, and analytics companies worldwide. 

The Courses That Point Directly to Jobs

SMWW’s 8-week, live-mentored, online courses are intentionally built to map to real roles—taught by the people already doing those jobs. Whether it’s Football GM & Scouting (with former NFL GMs and scouts), Basketball GM & Scouting, Soccer Management & Scouting, Sports Broadcasting, Hockey Analytics, or Athlete Management (Sports Agent), every syllabus is designed to give you the tools, frameworks, and vocabulary teams and agencies expect. 

What that means for you: you don’t just “study” sports—you practice it, present it, and publish it, under the guidance of executives, scouts, analysts, and agents who have already succeeded at the highest levels. 

Agent Track: From the Classroom to the Client List

Finish one of SMWW’s agent courses (e.g., Athlete Management, Basketball Agent, Soccer Agent) and you can apply to the SMWW Agent Advisor Program—a structured mentorship where you co-represent SMWW Agency clients, learn recruiting, build relationships, and share in commissions as you successfully bring in talent. It’s the bridge between “I want to be an agent” and actually building a book of business. 

Scouting Track: Publish, Get Seen, Get Hired

Graduate from an SMWW GM & Scouting, Analytics, or Digital Video Editing course and you’re invited to join SMWW Scouting Services—a matchmaking platform where you:

• Publish scouting reports under your own name

• Get discovered by agents, teams, and decision-makers

• Collaborate with SMWW agents and Agent Advisors

• Build a public portfolio that proves you can evaluate talent

This is how you turn classroom reps into a visible résumé line—and real-world opportunities. 

Beyond Pro Sports: Degrees that Propel Collegiate Careers

There’s more than one way to “work in sports.” Through SMWW’s long-standing partnership with Concordia University Chicago (CUC), alumni can stack their practical SMWW training with graduate degrees like the M.A. in Sports Leadership, MBA in Sports Management, and Doctorate in Leadership: Sports Leadership—programs that significantly expand your career options across collegiate athletics, administration, compliance, ticketing, fundraising, academic advising, event management, and more. 

The SMWW Alumni Advantage (and Your Next Steps)

1) Attend an SMWW Career Conference
Get in the same room (and on the same Zoom) with the executives who hire. Walk away with new connections, specific feedback, and real leads. 

2) Use the Resume Redesign Service
You’ve earned new skills, credentials, and references—don’t let them hide on a generic résumé. We’ll help you optimize for sports hiring managers and applicant tracking systems so you get seen.

3) Take the Alumni-Only Sports Career Strategies Course
Where to find jobs, how to prep for interviews, how to network with purpose, and how to leverage your SMWW network the right way. 

4) Start Informational Interviews—Now
We’ll show you how to reach out, what to ask, and how to convert a 10-minute Zoom into a long-term relationship (and eventually, an opportunity).

5) Keep Learning, Keep Publishing
Post scouting reports. Share analytics work. Clip your broadcast reels. The more visible, specific, and searchable your work is, the faster you stand out.

Real Success Stories, Real Careers

From NFL-certified agents to NBA scouts, Rugby administrators, college coaches, and front office staff across the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, NCAA, and global soccer—SMWW alumni stories prove the pathway works when you combine education, mentorship, and relentless networking.

Ready to Be the Next SMWW Success Story?

The path is clear:

• Learn from industry experts.

• Network with the right people.

• Market yourself effectively.

• Leverage the SMWW Alumni Network, Agent Advisor Program, and Scouting Services.

• Supercharge your résumé with a CUC graduate degree.

Your dream role in sports—agent, scout, analyst, broadcaster, operations leader, or collegiate administrator—is closer than you think. We’re here to help you chase it, land it, and thrive in it.

Your Sports Career Doesn’t End With Graduation—It Starts Here

If you’ve completed an SMWW course, you’re already part of something bigger. You’ve gained insider knowledge, learned from industry professionals who walk the talk, and taken that first important step toward your dream job in sports.

But here’s the truth: finishing the course is just the beginning. The sports industry is powered by relationships, strategy, and confidence—and that’s where the SMWW Alumni Network steps in.

The SMWW Alumni Advantage

With over 50,000 alumni across 164 countries, SMWW isn’t just a school—it’s a global network. Our graduates are scouts, agents, analysts, media professionals, executives, and innovators in every corner of the sports world. As an alum, you’re instantly connected to this powerhouse community.

But what happens next?

Take Your Career to the Next Level

1. SMWW Career Conferences
Imagine spending a weekend learning directly from executives at the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and top agencies—all while networking face-to-face with decision-makers who hire. That’s the SMWW Career Conference experience.
Our Career Conferences put you in the room with professionals who can change your career trajectory. Attendees walk away with new contacts, real opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose.

2. Resume Redesign Service
You’ve learned the skills. Now it’s time to market them. A generic resume won’t cut it in the competitive sports world.
Our Resume Redesign Service helps you:

• Showcase your SMWW training and credentials

• Highlight the new skills and experiences you’ve earned

• Optimize your resume to get noticed by sports hiring managers online

Even the best candidate can get overlooked without the right presentation. We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

3. Alumni-Only Sports Career Strategies Course
What happens when you land an interview with your dream team? Do you know how to stand out?
Our Sports Career Strategies Course is exclusively for alumni and focuses on:

• Interview preparation

• Where and how to find sports jobs

• Networking strategies that open doors

• Leveraging your SMWW connections

Why Networking is Your Game-Changer

Every sports professional will tell you the same thing: It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.
SMWW teaches you how to conduct informational interviews, approach professionals, and build relationships that lead to real opportunities.

Through Dr. Lashbrook’s worldwide chat and alumni events, you’re connected to a Rolodex of industry leaders who have been where you want to go.

Learn From Industry Experts Who’ve Walked the Walk

One of the biggest advantages of SMWW is the opportunity to learn directly from sports professionals who are already thriving in the industry. Our instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re scouts, agents, analysts, general managers, and executives who have been there and know what it takes to succeed.

When you take an SMWW course, you’re not just reading a textbook—you’re getting insider advice, real-world examples, and mentorship from people who are living your dream job. These experts bring the sports industry to life, sharing the strategies, stories, and connections that textbooks can’t offer.

The benefit? You gain actionable skills, a direct line to professionals, and the credibility of having been taught by some of the best minds in sports.

SMWW: 20+ Years of Building Sports Careers

For over two decades, SMWW has been the bridge between passion and profession. With alumni in every imaginable sports role—from player agents to esports managers—we’ve proven that the right education, mentorship, and connections make all the difference.

Your next step isn’t a mystery. It’s about using the tools, resources, and relationships SMWW provides to get where you want to go.

Real Success Stories, Real Careers

At SMWW, we don’t just teach sports management—we create career breakthroughs. Our alumni have gone on to work for teams, leagues, agencies, and sports organizations around the globe, from the NFL and NBA to Premier League soccer clubs and major esports organizations.

The testimonials speak for themselves: students share how SMWW gave them the confidence, skills, and network to turn a lifelong passion into a career. Whether it’s becoming a certified agent, landing a role in sports analytics, or breaking into sports media, SMWW’s programs have helped thousands of graduates achieve their dreams.

We’re proud to see our alumni thriving in the industry—and we’re committed to making you our next success story.

Are You Ready to Be the Next SMWW Success Story?

The path is clear:

• Learn from the best.

• Network with the right people.

• Market yourself effectively.

• Stay connected to the SMWW community.

Your dream job in sports is closer than you think. We’re here to help you chase it, land it, and thrive in it.

Learn more about our alumni benefits, conferences, and resume redesign service at SMWW.com.

At Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), we take pride in developing the next generation of sports professionals through hands-on experience, education, and real-world exposure. One of our standout programs is the SMWW Scouts Program, which equips aspiring and experienced scouts with the tools, training, and professional visibility needed to thrive in the industry.

We were proud to see Azeez Bello, an SMWW-trained scout, represent the program at the InTouch Football/Soccer Combine in Toronto, which took place July 12–13. The InTouch Combine brought together elite-level talent from across North America and beyond, offering players the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of clubs, agents, and scouts. Azeez’s participation at the event reflected his dedication to the craft of scouting and highlighted SMWW’s growing presence in the global football scouting landscape.

The SMWW Scouts Program: Launching Careers with Impact

The SMWW Scouts Program is designed to help individuals launch or elevate their careers in scouting across various sports. Through expert-led training, mentorship, and access to real events, scouts are given a solid foundation in talent evaluation, game analysis, and player development.

One of the unique features of the program is the SMWWscout.com online portfolio, where each scout has a personal profile to showcase their scouting reports, event participation, certifications, and insights. This platform allows teams, agents, and decision-makers to easily review and connect with emerging scouting talent—bridging the gap between training and real opportunity.

Azeez Bello: A Scout on the Rise

Azeez Bello exemplifies what it means to be a committed and evolving professional in the world of football scouting. With a passion for the game and a sharp eye for talent, Azeez has used the resources provided by SMWW to refine his skills and build his credibility in the field. His involvement at the InTouch Football/Soccer Combine is a testament to his growing reputation and the trust he is building within the scouting community.

You can view Azeez’s profile and learn more about his background and experience here: Azeez Bello – SMWW Scout Profile

Join the Global Network of SMWW Scouts

Whether you're just beginning your journey in scouting or looking to take your existing knowledge to the next level, the SMWW Scouts Program provides the resources, community, and exposure to help you succeed. From access to combines and tournaments to the visibility provided by an online portfolio, SMWW supports scouts every step of the way.

To learn more about becoming an SMWW scout or to find a scout in your area, visit: www.SMWWScout.com

If your child has ever said, “I want to work in sports,” you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of young people dream of turning their passion for sports into a career. What is surprising, though, is how many well-meaning parents still try to steer their kids away from that dream.

Maybe you’ve heard this before:

• “Sports is fun, but it’s not a real career.”
• “Jobs are too competitive.”
• “You’ll never make enough money.”

Here’s the truth:
The sports industry is one of the most lucrative, fastest-growing, and passion-driven fields in the world. And for those who are trained, connected, and prepared—it is a real, rewarding, and impactful career.

The Global Sports Industry Is Booming

The sports business is now a $1.3 trillion global industry. From professional teams and agencies to analytics, media, esports, and sponsorships, it rivals industries like automotive, tech, and entertainment. Jobs range from player development to marketing, from data science to digital broadcasting. There’s room for strategists, creatives, business minds, and innovators alike.

People in Sports Love What They Do

Talk to anyone working in the industry—from a scout to a team exec to a media analyst—and you’ll hear the same thing:

“I can’t believe I get paid to do this.”

Sports professionals don’t just make a living—they make a difference. They bring joy to millions, build communities, and influence culture. And the best part? They wake up excited to go to work.

But It Doesn’t Happen by Accident

It’s true—jobs in sports can be competitive. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. It means they require preparation, mentorship, and a plan.

That’s where Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) comes in.

At SMWW, we help people:

• Gain real-world skills that teams and organizations are hiring for
• Learn from mentors who are already working in the industry
• Attend career conferences to build professional networks
• Stand out from the crowd with insider knowledge and confidence

Whether your child wants to be an agent, analyst, coach, scout, media producer, or front office exec, SMWW gives them the tools and support to chase that dream with purpose.

Passion Needs Nurturing, Not Dismissing

A career you love doesn’t just fall into your lap. It takes self-education, effort, and community. Just like becoming a great athlete requires practice and coaching, building a dream job in sports takes the right training and connections.

By taking SMWW courses and showing up at our conferences, students prove they’re serious. And serious students? Get hired.

Parents, Your Support Matters

When parents believe in their child’s dream, it makes all the difference. You don’t have to understand every team, league, or role—just know that this industry is real, it’s growing, and it’s worth it.

Your encouragement today could be the reason your child lands a job they’ll love for a lifetime.

Learn more at www.SMWW.com and see how passion can become a profession.

Concerned parent? Need encouragement and advice? Call Dr. Lashbrook at Talk to Doc.

June 2025 – Orlando, FL

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, founder and president of Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), was recently honored at the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) 50-year celebration during the 2025 NACDA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

As a Past President of N4A, Dr. Lashbrook joined colleagues spanning five decades of leadership and service in the academic support and student-athlete development space. The moment was more than a ceremony—it was a powerful reunion of trailblazers who helped shape the modern student-athlete experience.

“It was a humbling honor to be recognized alongside the very people who helped me launch my career—people I’ve admired for more than 50 years,” said Dr. Lashbrook. “To stand on that stage again, among friends and mentors, was a reminder that relationships in sports last a lifetime—and they are still shaping the next generation.”

Dr. Lashbrook’s deep roots in collegiate athletics and academic advising laid the foundation for his transition into the NFL agent business, a move supported by key figures he reconnected with during the event:

Dr. Lashbrook met Kim Durand—now Deputy Athletic Director of Student Services and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Washington—early in his career as an agent.

“Kim broke glass ceilings and set the standard for leadership and integrity in college athletics,” said Dr. Lashbrook. “I’m proud to say I had the chance to mentor her early in her journey—and now, she’s mentoring the next generation.”

Steve Milburn made the pivotal introduction to future NFL client Ralph Dawkins, which led to representing Brian Dawkins—now a Hall of Famer and a name etched in football history.

Tom Mosby, a longtime academic advisor, connected with and inspired Lynn with the Agent Advisor program. 

Dr. Andy Nixon and Dr. Gerald Gurney, academic colleagues and early advocates for athlete rights, championed causes decades before NIL became mainstream. Andy's insights on the importance of university partnerships were a major influence on Lynn.

Each of these relationships—and hundreds more—are part of what makes Dr. Lashbrook’s career so unique, including representing Mark Fields, the 13th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft. His ability to stay connected, serve others, and evolve with the industry has not only shaped sports business, but also inspired thousands through SMWW’s courses and mentorship programs.

Why This Matters
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and its affiliate, N4A, are leading associations that support collegiate athletics administrators across academic services, compliance, development, and athlete welfare. Being honored by these groups signals national recognition from the highest levels of college sports.

Dr. Lashbrook’s career journey—from academic advisor to NFL agent to SMWW founder—is a case study in the power of networking, mentorship, and staying ahead of industry shifts.

“One of the things I tell all SMWW students: when you take one of our courses, you become part of the SMWW family—and my lifelong rolodex becomes part of your network,” said Lashbrook. “This honor is not just about the past, but about building the future of sports.”

Want to break into sports like Dr. Lashbrook?
Explore our Sports Agent Course or Athlete Development Programs and start your journey today.

By Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

I’ve worked with some of the most talented people in sports—and I can tell you, technical skills will only get you so far.

What separates good from great in this industry is emotional intelligence.

EQ isn’t just “being nice.” It’s about self-awareness, adaptability, communication, and empathy—especially when the pressure’s on. And in sports, the pressure is always on.

Why does EQ matter?
1. People remember how you made them feel. Whether you’re interviewing, working with a coach, or leading a team—people remember if you listened, supported, and respected them.

2. Sports is unpredictable. Game plans change. Leadership changes. Seasons end unexpectedly. High-EQ professionals adapt fast and stay grounded.

3. Influence beats ego. The best in this business know how to lead without a title. They earn trust by being consistent, coachable, and team-first.

You can teach scouting. You can teach contract law. But you can’t teach someone to care. And I’ve always believed that how you do the job is just as important as what you do.

So build your toolbox. Learn your craft. But also—learn yourself. Because that’s the edge that lasts.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide