Here’s something I’ve learned in five decades of hiring, mentoring, and placing professionals in sports: Your physical (or virtual) presence still matters. In fact, it’s one of the biggest competitive advantages you have.

I’ve seen hundreds of résumés. But it’s the people who show up—who put themselves in the room, on the field, or at the event—who stick in my memory.

In sports, proximity creates opportunity.

Think about it:

• The intern who stays after to help clean up? They get asked back.
• The student who volunteers to run the clock at a D-II basketball game? They meet an assistant coach with pro ties.
• The attendee at a career conference who asks smart questions and introduces themselves to speakers? They leave with three new contacts and a potential interview.

These aren’t hypotheticals. I’ve watched these exact scenarios unfold. You don’t need a VIP badge—you just need to be there, engaged and reliable.

And in today’s world, “showing up” doesn’t always mean in person. Join the Zoom. Ask the question in the chat. Turn your camera on. Follow up with the presenter. Participation builds reputation.

If you’re wondering how to get a foot in the door, ask yourself this: Where are the doors located? Then go stand next to one.

It might be an event, a local volunteer gig, a Zoom call, or a job fair. But if you're visible, you’re memorable. And in this business, being remembered is often what leads to being hired.

Show up early. Stay engaged. Be helpful. Be present. That’s how careers begin.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide

Course Overview:

Unlock the secrets behind building elite hockey talent with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey Player Development & Strategy course, led by renowned NHL executive Mike Smith. With decades of experience as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike brings unparalleled insight into player development, team-building, and modern hockey strategy. This course provides a comprehensive look at how today’s top organizations evaluate, develop, and optimize player performance at every level—from amateur to professional.

Whether you’re a coach, scout, executive, or analyst, this program equips you with the tools to help players reach their full potential and gives you a strategic edge in today’s highly competitive hockey landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundations of Player Development: Understand the stages of player growth and the key attributes that define success at each level of competition.

Strategic Team Building: Learn how top-level executives build rosters through draft strategy, development pipelines, and performance forecasting.

Modern Hockey Systems: Explore how analytics, video, and on-ice tactics combine to create effective game plans and long-term development models.

Player Evaluation Techniques: Discover how professionals assess a player’s ceiling, character, and role fit using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Creating Development Plans: Learn how to design individualized training and development programs to help players maximize their potential.

Why Learn from Mike Smith:

Mike Smith is a respected veteran of NHL front offices with over 35 years of experience, having served as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. A pioneer in the use of hockey analytics and a former Director of Player Personnel, Mike has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent. His extensive experience makes him the ideal mentor for anyone looking to understand what it takes to develop winning hockey players and teams.

Ideal For:

• Hockey coaches and player development professionals

• Scouts and talent evaluators

• Front office executives and hockey operations staff

• Sports analysts focused on performance and strategy

• Individuals pursuing careers in professional or junior hockey

Course Highlights:

Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Mike Smith and SMWW staff, offering direct access to one of hockey’s most strategic minds.

Real-World Scenarios: Work through practical case studies and development strategies used by NHL teams and hockey programs worldwide.

Player Development Tools: Learn to use the same tools and evaluation frameworks used in professional hockey organizations.

Career-Enhancing Certification: Earn a respected credential from SMWW, demonstrating your expertise in hockey player development and strategic planning.

Get Started:

Elevate your career and help shape the future of hockey by enrolling today. For more details and to sign up, visit the SMWW Hockey Player Development & Strategy course.

Course Overview:

Step into the evolving world of football analytics with SMWW’s 8-week online Football Analytics course, led by Aaron Schatz—Chief Analytics Officer of FTN Network and the godfather of DVOA—and Mike Tanier, a sports writer and analytics expert for The Messenger. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and advanced knowledge needed to pursue a career in football analytics, data-driven decision-making, and performance evaluation. Whether you aim to work in the NFL, college football, media, or analytics consulting, this program provides the foundational expertise required to succeed in football’s analytics revolution.

What You’ll Learn:

• Advanced Football Metrics: Master key statistics such as DVOA, EPA, success rate, and other metrics used by professionals to evaluate players and teams.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Develop skills to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and generate actionable insights using real football data.

• Visualization & Reporting: Learn to create compelling visual representations of data to communicate findings effectively to coaches, front offices, and media.

• Football Strategy & Analytics: Understand how analytics influence game planning, roster decisions, and player evaluation in modern football.

• Tools & Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software used for football analytics and data management.

Why Learn from Aaron Schatz & Mike Tanier:

Aaron Schatz is recognized as the godfather of football analytics and the creator of the widely used DVOA metric. As FTN Network’s Chief Analytics Officer, he has shaped how teams and media evaluate performance through data. Aaron provides students with expert knowledge on football analytics models and real-world applications.

Mike Tanier brings expertise as a sports writer and analytics expert at The Messenger, combining deep football knowledge with the ability to translate complex data into accessible insights. His practical experience helps students bridge the gap between data and decision-making.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring football analysts and data scientists

• Coaches and personnel integrating analytics into their workflow

• Sports journalists focusing on football analytics

• Football fans interested in advanced statistics and performance metrics

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Aaron Schatz and Mike Tainer, where you can ask questions and receive personalized feedback.

• Hands-on Projects: Build a portfolio with real-world analytics projects and player evaluations using authentic football data.

• Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to football analytics careers.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW demonstrating your proficiency in football analytics, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Football Analytics course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the modern world of football strategy and decision-making with SMWW’s 8-week online Soccer Analytics course, led by Danielle Prescott—Talent Scout for the English Football Association and former Manchester United scout. This course is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques needed to interpret and apply data in scouting, coaching, player development, and club operations. Whether you're looking to influence on-field performance or front office strategy, this program provides the foundational expertise required to thrive in the data-driven era of global football.

What You’ll Learn:

• Analytics Fundamentals: Understand key statistical models, data metrics, and performance indicators used at the top levels of the sport.

• Scouting with Data: Learn how to combine traditional scouting methods and tools like Impect with modern data analysis to identify and evaluate talent.

• Game Analysis & Tactics: Break down team shape, style of play, and individual impact using real match data.

• Building Dashboards & Reports: Gain experience using tools like Excel, Tableau, R Python, and others to build professional reports and presentations.

• Club Application: Learn how football clubs apply analytics in recruitment, development, game strategy, and performance improvement.

Why Learn from Danielle Prescott:

Danielle Prescott is a respected talent evaluator with a proven track record in both the men’s and women’s game. As a current Talent Scout for the English FA and former scout for Manchester United, she brings first-hand knowledge of how elite clubs use analytics to support player identification, recruitment, and performance decisions. Her experience at the intersection of traditional scouting and cutting-edge analytics provides students with a unique and practical perspective on the global game.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring data analysts in soccer

• Scouts and coaches seeking to add analytical skills

• Front office and football operations professionals

• Students and fans looking to break into soccer with a data-driven approach

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Danielle Prescott, where you can ask questions and receive expert feedback on your work.

• Hands-On Projects: Build soccer-specific dashboards and scouting reports using real data and case studies from top leagues.

• Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored for roles in soccer analytics and club operations.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your soccer analytics expertise—respected throughout the global football industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into the world of soccer analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Analytics course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the cutting-edge world of hockey performance analysis with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey Video Performance with Catapult course, taught by Eddie Bishop, Customer Success Specialist at Catapult Sports. This course provides a hands-on introduction to video breakdown and performance analysis using industry-standard tools and workflows trusted by NHL, junior, and collegiate teams. Learn how to capture, analyze, and present video to improve player development, support coaching strategies, and gain a competitive edge.

Whether you’re an aspiring video coach, data analyst, or hockey operations professional, this course delivers the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the modern game.

What You’ll Learn:

Video Analysis Fundamentals: Learn the key techniques behind breaking down hockey film, tagging clips, and organizing video for player and team evaluation.

Catapult Vision Training: Get hands-on experience with Catapult Vision, the preferred video analysis platform used by teams across the NHL and beyond.

Performance Breakdown Techniques: Understand how to analyze offensive and defensive systems, player habits, special teams, and key tactical trends.

Workflow Integration: Discover how video fits into a coaching staff’s day-to-day operations and long-term development strategies.

Presentation & Reporting: Learn how to deliver insights through clean, professional reports and video packages that support coaching and scouting decisions.

Why Learn from Eddie Bishop:

Eddie Bishop is a Customer Success Specialist with Catapult Sports, the global leader in athlete performance technology. With a deep understanding of Catapult’s Vision platform and extensive experience supporting hockey teams at all levels, Eddie provides expert instruction on how to effectively integrate video and data into hockey operations. His insights into both the technical and practical side of video coaching make him an invaluable resource for anyone entering this side of the game.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring hockey video coaches and analysts

• Team staff seeking to integrate video into player development

• Scouts and performance specialists

• Coaching staff at the junior, collegiate, or professional level

• Individuals pursuing careers in hockey operations or technology

Course Highlights:

Hands-On Training: Work directly in the Catapult Vision system with guided instruction and real hockey footage.

Live Mentorship: Join weekly live Zoom sessions with Eddie Bishop and SMWW staff, allowing you to ask questions and gain expert feedback.

Real-World Application: Create your own performance breakdowns, scouting edits, and team reports as used in professional hockey environments.

Professional Certification: Earn a resume-boosting certificate from SMWW and Catapult, demonstrating your skills in digital video analysis and hockey performance.

Get Started:

Take the first step toward a high-tech career in hockey by enrolling today. For more information and to sign up, visit the SMWW Hockey Video Performance with Catapult course.

Course Overview:

Step into the data-driven world of football with SMWW’s 8-week online Proficiency in PFF Premium course, led by Steve Palazzolo—host of Check the Mic on The 33rd Team and one of the most respected voices in football analytics. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience needed to use Pro Football Focus (PFF) Premium data effectively in football scouting, analysis, coaching, and front office decision-making. Whether you're an aspiring analyst, coach, scout, or executive, this course provides the tools and strategies needed to turn elite-level data into actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

• Mastering PFF Premium: Learn how to navigate and extract actionable insights from PFF’s Premium Stats, including grades, advanced metrics, and situational data.

• Film & Data Integration: Understand how to pair PFF data with film study to make more informed player evaluations.

• Team & Player Analysis: Gain the skills to break down team performance, offensive/defensive schemes, and individual player impact using data-driven methods.

• Scouting & Draft Preparation: Use PFF Premium tools to prepare mock drafts, compare prospects, and assess positional value.

• Football Decision-Making: Learn how data influences game planning, roster construction, and front office strategy across all levels of football.

Why Learn from Steve Palazzolo:

Steve Palazzolo is a prominent football analyst and long-time PFF contributor with a deep background in scouting, analytics, and media. As the host of Check the Mic on The 33rd Team and a former minor league pitcher turned football analytics leader, Steve offers a unique perspective on how to use data to shape football narratives, strategy, and performance evaluation. His insight into PFF Premium tools makes him the ideal mentor for aspiring football analysts and decision-makers.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring football analysts and data specialists

• Coaches and scouts looking to integrate analytics into their workflow

• Media professionals covering football through a data-informed lens

• Sports management students and professionals pursuing front office careers

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Steve Palazzolo, where you can ask questions and get real-time feedback on your analysis.

• Hands-On Data Projects: Apply what you learn with guided assignments using actual PFF Premium tools and datasets.

• Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to careers in analytics, coaching, and football operations.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your proficiency with PFF Premium and your ability to apply football analytics in real-world scenarios.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into football analytics with the power of PFF Premium. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Proficiency in PFF Premium course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the world of soccer representation with SMWW’s 8-week online Soccer Agent course, led by Maikel Tsuji—a FIFA-certified agent and SMWW’s Director of Soccer Operations. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to represent professional soccer players globally. Whether you're aiming to represent clients in leagues like the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS, or women's leagues, this program provides the foundational expertise needed to launch your career as a soccer agent.

What You’ll Learn:

• FIFA Regulations & Ethics: Gain a comprehensive understanding of FIFA's regulations and ethical standards for player representation.

• Client Recruitment & Promotion: Learn effective strategies for identifying, recruiting, and promoting soccer talent across various leagues and countries.

• Contract Negotiation: Develop skills to negotiate contracts that align with your clients' best interests.

• Global Networking: Build a network with industry professionals and clubs worldwide to enhance your clients' opportunities.

• Career Development: Receive guidance on establishing and growing your career as a soccer agent.

Why Learn from Maikel Tsuji:

Maikel Tsuji brings a wealth of experience as a former professional soccer player and a certified FIFA agent. With a background in representing athletes across various sports, including soccer, Maikel offers real-world insights into the intricacies of player representation and the sports industry. 

Ideal For:

• Aspiring soccer agents seeking certification

• Individuals interested in global soccer representation

• Professionals aiming to transition into the sports agency field

• Those looking to understand FIFA regulations and ethical standards

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Maikel Tsuji, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

• Resume Enhancement: Participate in a resume redesign service to optimize your CV for the sports industry.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in soccer agency, respected across the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey in soccer representation today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Soccer Agent course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the world of modern baseball analysis with SMWW’s 8-week online Baseball Analytics course, led by Ari Kaplan—an MLB analytics pioneer, Formula 1 analyst, and Head of Evangelism at Databricks. Recently honored as “Data and AI Leader of the Year,” Ari brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of baseball, data science, and front office strategy. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and industry-relevant knowledge needed to pursue a career in baseball analytics, front office operations, and player evaluation. Whether you aspire to work in MLB, Minor League Baseball, college programs, or baseball media, this program offers the tools and mentorship to get you there.

What You’ll Learn:

• Baseball Analytics Fundamentals: Understand how analytics are used to evaluate players, build rosters, and develop winning strategies.

• Sabermetrics & Statistical Models: Dive deep into sabermetrics, data-driven scouting, and the advanced metrics that drive front office decision-making.

• Data Tools & Software: Gain exposure to the analytics platforms and tools used by professional teams—including those tied to player tracking, visualization, and modeling.

• Player Performance & Roster Evaluation: Learn how to assess player value, compare performance across leagues, and forecast future production using modern data science.

• Front Office Integration: Explore how analytics departments collaborate with coaches, scouts, and executives to influence game-day and long-term decisions.

Why Learn from Ari Kaplan:

Ari Kaplan has been a trailblazer in baseball analytics for over 25 years, working with over half of all MLB organizations. As a consultant, advisor, and innovator, he has helped shape how data is used in player evaluation and front office decisions. Currently serving as Head of Evangelism at Databricks and a Formula 1 analyst, Ari brings a unique cross-sport perspective and world-class expertise in analytics, AI, and sports technology.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring baseball analysts and data scientists

• Coaches and scouts looking to adopt data-driven strategies

• Sports management professionals entering baseball operations

• Fans passionate about analytics, sabermetrics, and player evaluation

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Ari Kaplan, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback on your work.

• Hands-On Projects: Work on real-world baseball analytics projects using MLB-style data and tools.

• Resume Enhancement: Access a resume redesign service tailored to careers in baseball analytics and sports data.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your proficiency in baseball analytics, recognized by teams and employers across the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into baseball analytics today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Baseball Analytics course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the front office of professional basketball with SMWW’s 8-week online Basketball GM & Scouting course, led by Rick Sund—a 40-year NBA executive and former GM and executive with the Seattle Sonics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks—and Carl Berman, Managing Partner at Netscouts Basketball. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and insider knowledge needed to pursue a career in basketball scouting, player personnel, and general management. Whether you're aiming to work in the NBA, G League, college basketball, or internationally, this program provides the foundational expertise required to break into the basketball operations side of the game.

What You’ll Learn:

• Scouting Fundamentals: Understand how to evaluate players at every position using NBA-caliber grading systems and techniques.

• Player Evaluation Tools: Learn how to analyze game film, write detailed scouting reports, and assess intangibles like character, basketball IQ, and work ethic.

• Roster Construction & Salary Cap: Gain insight into how general managers build rosters and navigate the complexities of the NBA salary cap and contracts.

• Draft Strategy & Process: Explore the full NBA Draft process—from player evaluation and draft boards to decision-making and strategy in the war room.

• Basketball Operations Structure: Learn how front offices are organized and operated, including collaboration between coaches, scouts, and personnel departments.

Why Learn from Rick Sund & Carl Berman:

Rick Sund brings over 40 years of experience as an NBA executive, having served as General Manager and executive for multiple NBA franchises, including the Seattle Sonics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks. Rick offers unparalleled insights into the inner workings of NBA front offices, talent evaluation, and team building at the highest level.

Carl Berman is the Managing Partner of Netscouts Basketball, with extensive experience in basketball scouting and player evaluation. Carl provides students with professional scouting techniques, draft preparation strategies, and firsthand knowledge of the basketball scouting industry.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring general managers and pro/college basketball scouts

• Coaches and players transitioning to front office roles

• Sports management professionals interested in basketball operations

• Basketball enthusiasts ready to pursue a career in the sport

Course Highlights:

• Live Mentorship: Engage in weekly live Zoom sessions with Rick Sund and Carl Berman, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

• Scouting Portfolio: Create a portfolio of scouting reports and player evaluations based on real game film and NBA grading practices.

• Resume Enhancement: Participate in a resume redesign service to tailor your experience for basketball industry careers.

• SMWW Certification: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in basketball operations and scouting, respected throughout the sports industry.

Get Started:

Begin your journey into the business of basketball today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Basketball GM & Scouting course page.

Course Overview:

Step into the front office and learn what it takes to build a championship hockey team with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey GM & Scouting course. Taught by hockey leaders Doug MacLean (former NHL GM, President, and Head Coach), Mike Oke (GM & VP of Operations for the Peterborough Petes), and Dino Caputo (Regional Scout for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL), this course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the business and strategy of hockey team management and player evaluation. Whether you’re pursuing a role in scouting, coaching, or front office operations, this course will give you the tools and insider knowledge to take your hockey career to the next level.

What You’ll Learn:

General Manager Responsibilities: Understand the duties of a GM, from player personnel decisions to managing budgets, team building, and organizational culture.

Scouting and Talent Evaluation: Learn how to scout players at various levels, assess their potential, and contribute to the drafting and recruitment process.

Hockey Operations & Team Structure: Explore how successful hockey organizations are structured, and how each department—from scouting to coaching—contributes to team success.

Draft Preparation & Player Development: Discover the process of preparing for junior and professional drafts, and how to nurture talent post-selection.

Team Building Strategies: Examine real-world case studies to understand what separates average teams from championship contenders.

Why Learn from Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dino Caputo:

Doug MacLean brings a wealth of NHL experience as the former President and General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Head Coach of the Florida Panthers, who he led to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final. His executive insights and media presence make him a respected authority in the hockey world.

Mike Oke serves as the General Manager and VP of Operations for the Peterborough Petes, bringing a practical, day-to-day perspective on managing a junior hockey franchise and developing players.

Dino Caputo scouts elite junior talent for the BCHL’s Penticton Vees and offers real-world expertise in identifying and developing young prospects for higher levels of play.

Ideal For:

• Aspiring General Managers and front office executives

• Amateur and professional scouts

• Hockey coaches seeking a broader operational understanding

• Player development and personnel professionals

• Individuals pursuing careers in hockey operations or analytics

Course Highlights:

Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dino Caputo, where you can ask questions and receive direct feedback.

Scouting Portfolio Development: Build your own scouting portfolio using actual game film, evaluations, and templates used by professional scouts.

Front Office Simulation: Experience real-life GM responsibilities through exercises in roster management, trade evaluation, and cap planning.

Career Credential: Earn a certificate from SMWW that demonstrates your knowledge in hockey operations, scouting, and team management—respected across the hockey industry.

Get Started:

Start building your career in professional hockey management today. For more details and to enroll, visit the SMWW Hockey GM & Scouting course.