Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) is proud to spotlight alumni who turn their passion for sport into real career opportunities. This week, we highlight Jay Vinson, an inspiring example of how SMWW training—combined with the Concordia University Chicago (CUC) EdD in Sports Leadership—can launch new careers in education, athlete development, and mental performance.

Jay’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, purpose, and the growing demand for leaders who support athletes on and off the field.

How Jay’s Journey Began: A Vision for Athlete Development

When Jay Vinson first enrolled at SMWW in the Athlete Management course and the Name, Image & Likeness course, he wanted to build a stronger foundation in athlete development, leadership, and mental wellness. The SMWW Agent Advisor Program then became the perfect launch point, giving Jay:

• Knowledge of the business and representation side of sports

• Skills to advise and guide athletes at all levels

• Credibility to build his professional brand

• Support from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, Adam Klimek and the SMWW mentorship team

This training helped Jay establish JV Athlete Advisory Services, where he began working directly with athletes on confidence, resilience, emotional development, and leadership—skills today’s competitors need more than ever.

Strengthening Expertise Through CUC’s EdD Sports Leadership Program

While working with athletes, Jay deepened his education by pursuing the EdD in Sports Leadership at Concordia University Chicago. This program allowed him to expand his understanding of:

• Athlete mental wellness

• Leadership identity formation

• Emotional development in sport

• Long-term athlete success

• Effective coaching and communication strategies

SMWW’s industry-focused training and CUC’s advanced academic foundation worked together to sharpen Jay’s expertise, preparing him for opportunities in both sport and higher education.

A Major Milestone: Becoming a University Instructor in Athlete Mental Wellness

Jay’s continued growth led to a major accomplishment—he accepted a faculty position at the University of West Georgia (UWG), where he will begin teaching in Spring 2026.

Even more impressive, Jay developed and proposed the course himself:
Athlete Mental Wellness Management

UWG approved the course based on Jay’s professional experience, research, athlete advocacy, and the foundation established through SMWW and CUC. His new role is a testament to how sports professionals can turn passion and education into meaningful careers.

Jay’s Mission: Helping Athletes Build Confidence, Leadership, and Purpose

Today, Jay is committed to supporting athletes holistically—not just as performers, but as people. His work centers on:

• Mental wellness and emotional health

• Confidence and leadership development

• Identity formation beyond sport

• Coping skills and performance resilience

• Preparation for life after athletics

Jay’s teaching, advisory work, coaching background, and CUC doctoral research blend together to create a powerful, athlete-centered approach that reflects the evolving needs of today’s sports environment.

How SMWW and CUC Helped Power Jay’s Career Transformation

Jay’s success demonstrates how SMWW and CUC provide real career pathways in the sports industry. Together, they helped him:

• Gain hands-on experience in athlete advising

• Build business and leadership skills

• Strengthen his professional credibility

• Deepen his academic and research expertise

• Move into higher education and course development

• Support athletes across high school, collegiate, and professional levels

This combination of training and education created a launchpad that shaped Jay’s future.

A True Example of SMWW’s Mission

SMWW celebrates Jay Vinson as an example of what happens when passion meets preparation. His journey reflects the growing opportunities in athlete mental wellness, sports leadership, coaching, and higher education—fields that continue to expand as the sports world evolves.

Jay proves that the right training, mentorship, and dedication can open doors to careers that truly make an impact.