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

Course Overview:

Step into the cutting edge of basketball analysis with SMWW’s Basketball Video & Performance Analysis Course, taught in partnership with Synergy Sports and led by James Kerti, founder of HoopsThink, SMWW alum, and professional basketball scout. This course equips you with the skills to analyze player and team performance using the same video technology trusted by the NBA, WNBA, G-League, NCAA, and top international leagues. Learn how to break down film, create detailed scouting edits, and use Synergy’s advanced tools to evaluate talent and strategy like a pro.

What You’ll Learn:

• Synergy Sports Platform: Gain hands-on experience with Synergy Sports, the industry’s leading video breakdown and analytics platform used by basketball organizations worldwide.
• Film Editing and Game Breakdown: Learn how to isolate key plays, tag actions, and create customized video edits that highlight player tendencies, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Scouting Reports and Player Evaluation: Develop your ability to produce scouting edits that support decision-making for coaches, scouts, and front office executives.
• Team Strategy and Game Analysis: Understand how to use video analysis to identify offensive and defensive schemes, opponent tendencies, and game-planning insights.
• Career Preparation: Learn how to leverage video analysis skills to pursue careers in basketball operations, scouting, analytics, and coaching.

Why Learn from James Kerti:

James Kerti brings a unique perspective to the course as a professional basketball scout, SMWW alum, and the founder of HoopsThink. With a focus on player development and evaluation, James has worked closely with players, agents, and team executives to assess talent across all levels of basketball. His insider knowledge and teaching style make complex video editing and scouting concepts accessible to aspiring professionals. Through his leadership, students learn what it takes to break into basketball operations and succeed in an evolving, data-driven industry.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring basketball scouts and analysts

• Coaches looking to enhance video breakdown skills

• Basketball operations and front office hopefuls

• Students aiming for a career in professional basketball

• Fans seeking a deeper understanding of the game

Course Highlights:

• Live Instruction: Join weekly live Zoom chats with James Kerti and Synergy staff, featuring personalized feedback and interactive discussions.
• Hands-On Synergy Training: Get direct access to Synergy’s video platform to complete assignments and practice editing with real basketball footage.
• Professional Portfolio Development: Build a library of video edits and scouting projects to share with prospective employers and basketball programs.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, alumni, and professionals working in basketball through SMWW’s extensive global network.
• Path to Employment: Gain insider tips on how to land roles in coaching, scouting, and basketball operations using your new skills in video and performance analysis.

Get Started:

Take the next step toward a career in professional basketball. For more information and to enroll, visit the SMWW Basketball Video Performance Analysis with Synergy Sports Course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the fast-paced world of global football with SMWW’s Soccer Management & Scouting Course, led by two accomplished professionals: Gordon Klestan, Vice President of Soccer Operations at LA Galaxy, and Vassili Cremanzidis, Head Sporting Strategist for the San Jose Earthquakes. With years of experience across MLS and international soccer, they bring real-world insight into player evaluation, team operations, and front office strategy. This course provides aspiring professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how to scout, analyze, and manage talent at the highest levels of the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• Player Evaluation and Scouting: Master the core skills of identifying, analyzing, and reporting on soccer talent using both traditional methods and modern tools.

• Match Analysis: Learn how to break down game film, recognize patterns of play, and assess team performance through tactical and technical lenses.

• Team Building Strategies: Understand the inner workings of club operations, including roster construction, scouting networks, and how clubs identify players who fit their playing philosophy.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Explore how modern analytics are used in scouting and player recruitment, and how data complements traditional eye-test scouting.

• Global Scouting Networks: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how international player markets are monitored and how clubs navigate transfer windows, agents, and player movement.

• Understanding the Soccer Ecosystem: Dive into the structure of global soccer, including leagues, governing bodies, and how management decisions affect club success both on and off the field.

Why Learn from Gordon Kljestan and Vassili Cremanzidis:

Gordon Klestan brings extensive experience from his leadership role at LA Galaxy, where he oversees player personnel decisions, scouting initiatives, and soccer operations. His career path—from player to executive—gives students valuable perspective on how clubs operate internally and the traits they value in players and staff alike. With deep ties across MLS and international soccer, Kljestan delivers relevant, up-to-date knowledge from inside the front office.

Vassili Cremanzidis offers unmatched expertise in modern scouting and sporting strategy. As Head Sporting Strategist for the San Jose Earthquakes, he integrates analytics, performance data, and tactical insights to support decision-making at all levels of club operations. His approach reflects the evolving role of data and analytics in soccer and provides students with a future-forward view of the sport.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring soccer scouts and analysts

• Individuals seeking front office roles in professional soccer

• Coaches and players looking to transition into management

• Fans passionate about the strategy and business of the game

• Students exploring global soccer careers

Course Highlights:

• Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Gordon Kljestan and Vassili Cremanzidis, including Q&A and career guidance.

• Practical Assignments: Conduct match analysis, write scouting reports, and evaluate players using both video and data-driven methods.

• Industry Networking: Connect with soccer executives, scouts, and SMWW alumni working at clubs around the world.

• Career Insights: Learn how to break into the industry, build a professional network, and position yourself for roles in scouting or club operations.

• Real-World Learning: Understand how clubs assess players and make key decisions that shape rosters and team performance.

Get Started:

Begin your path toward a career in professional soccer management and scouting. For more information and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Management and Scouting Course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the high-stakes world of baseball front offices with SMWW’s Baseball GM & Scouting Course, taught by two industry veterans: Dan Evans, former General Manager of the LA Dodgers and SABR Board President, and Hank Jones, a 40-year LA Dodgers scout. Learn from the experts who have shaped MLB rosters and have a deep understanding of scouting, team building, and leadership. This course provides a comprehensive look at the responsibilities and strategies involved in becoming a Major League Baseball General Manager and Scout.

What You’ll Learn:

• Scouting and Talent Evaluation: Learn how to identify and evaluate players at every level, from high school and college prospects to international talent.

• Player Development: Gain an understanding of how MLB teams develop talent through the minors and what scouts look for in potential major league stars.

• Building a Winning Team: Discover the ins and outs of constructing a competitive roster, from trades and free agent signings to budget management.

• Advanced Analytics: Dive into the statistical analysis that shapes decision-making in scouting and front-office roles. Understand advanced metrics and how they influence team-building strategies.

• Negotiation and Contracts: Get an overview of how contracts and negotiations work in baseball, including player signings, team options, and arbitration.

• Leadership and Team Management: Learn how MLB GMs and scouts collaborate with coaches, managers, and ownership to develop cohesive team strategies and maintain a successful organization.

Why Learn from Dan Evans and Hank Jones:

Dan Evans brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, having served as General Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a pivotal role in player acquisitions and roster management. With years of experience leading a major league team, Evans has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in building a competitive baseball team. He is also the President of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), a role that gives him an in-depth perspective on the evolution of baseball analytics and talent evaluation.

Hank Jones offers unparalleled expertise in scouting, having spent over four decades with the LA Dodgers as a scout. His extensive career in talent evaluation spans across amateur, professional, and international players, providing students with a deep understanding of what it takes to identify future major league stars. Jones' insights into scouting are invaluable, especially when it comes to assessing raw talent and understanding how players develop over time. His experience has made him a respected figure in the world of baseball scouting, and his advice is crucial for anyone looking to break into or advance in the field.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring MLB General Managers

• Current scouts seeking to refine their skills

• Sports professionals aiming for front office careers

• Baseball enthusiasts wanting to break into the industry

• Students looking to understand the business side of baseball

Course Highlights:

• Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Dan Evans and Hank Jones, with opportunities for personalized guidance and Q&A.

• Practical Assignments: Apply what you’ve learned through real-world case studies and talent evaluations, and refine your scouting and decision-making skills.

• Industry Networking: Build valuable connections with scouts, front-office personnel, and other industry professionals during the course.

• Career Insights: Gain practical advice on how to navigate a career in baseball management, from landing your first scouting job to advancing in the GM ranks.

• Comprehensive Learning: Learn both traditional scouting techniques and how analytics are changing the landscape of MLB operations and roster building.

Get Started:

Start your journey towards becoming a Major League Baseball General Manager or Scout today. For more information and to enroll, visit the SMWW Baseball GM & Scouting Course page.

By Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Each year, I interview more than 2,000 aspiring sports professionals—students, athletes, coaches, and future front office leaders. Whether I’m on a Zoom call, at a conference, or chatting during a game, I almost always begin the same way:

“What high school did you go to?”

It may sound simple, but it’s powerful. It creates connection. It grounds us. And in an industry built on relationships, that first impression matters.

But what comes next? That’s where the real preparation begins.

Enter: The Two-Minute Drill
I use the “two-minute drill” to help professionals articulate who they are and where they’re going—clearly, confidently, and with purpose. It’s one of the most important skills you can develop.

What makes a strong two-minute drill?

1. Keep it focused. It’s not your whole résumé—it’s your highlight reel. What are the 2–3 key experiences that define you right now?

2. Adapt it. Who are you talking to? Why does your story matter to them? Make your answer feel relevant to the moment.

3. Practice it. The best introductions feel natural, not memorized. That only comes with practice and refinement.

A great two-minute drill doesn’t just share information. It builds trust, opens doors, and leaves people wanting to hear more.

In sports—as in life—you don’t always get unlimited time. You get moments. Make them count.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide

Course Overview:

Step into the dynamic world of soccer agency with SMWW’s FIFA Agent Prep Course, led by Maikel Tsuji—SMWW Soccer Agency Director, FIFA Certified Agent, and former professional soccer player. With firsthand experience navigating the complexities of player representation and contract negotiation, Tsuji brings practical insights designed to prepare you for a successful career as a FIFA-licensed agent. This course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and certification readiness to operate effectively within the global soccer industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• FIFA Regulations and Licensing: Understand the licensing process and FIFA regulations governing player agents and intermediaries worldwide.

• Player Representation Fundamentals: Learn the roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards expected of licensed agents representing professional players.

• Contract Negotiations: Gain expertise in structuring and negotiating player contracts, transfers, and endorsements.

• Career Management: Explore strategies for managing players’ careers, including marketing, brand building, and long-term planning.

• Legal and Financial Aspects: Dive into the legal frameworks and financial considerations critical to successful soccer agency.

Why Learn from Maikel Tsuji:

Maikel Tsuji combines his experience as a former professional soccer player with his role as a FIFA Certified Agent and SMWW Soccer Agency Director. He has successfully represented players across multiple leagues and understands the challenges agents face in today’s global marketplace. His practical approach offers students a comprehensive view of the agent profession from both the field and business perspectives.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring FIFA licensed soccer agents

• Current sports agents seeking FIFA certification

• Soccer professionals interested in player management and representation

• Students and fans aiming to break into soccer agency

Course Highlights:

• Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Maikel Tsuji, with opportunities for personalized guidance and Q&A.

• Practical Assignments: Engage with real-world scenarios to apply agency principles and develop negotiation skills.

• Industry Networking: Connect with agents, players, and industry insiders to build your professional network.

• Certification Preparation: Receive comprehensive preparation to successfully pass the FIFA agent licensing exam.

Get Started:

Begin your path to becoming a licensed FIFA agent today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW FIFA Agent Prep Course page.