After a three year absence, the RVA Sports Executive Social returned on September 21 with more than 65 local sports professionals representing 24 organizations. The networking event hosted by the VCU Center for Sport Leadership had not be held since 2019 because of the global pandemic.
"We are thrilled to bring back this invaluable networking event. The Richmond sports community thrives on collaboration and this function allows our local sport leaders to connect and reconnect," said Carrie LeCrom, Executive Director. "Of course, this is also an important professional development event for our graduate students who are learning the value of effective networking."
RVA Sports Executive Social began more than a decade ago with those two goals in mind. It has been the catalyst for countless partnerships between local organizations and created numerous opportunities for the CSL, its alumni and its students.
"Everyone has a busy schedule but it's important to make time to connect with our sports colleagues around Richmond and make sure we are setting a positive example for the next generation of leaders, " said Todd "Parney" Parnell, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The networking event was held 24 hours before the team's first playoff game in 11 years. Still, multiple members of the Squirrels front office participated in the event.
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"The Flying Squirrels value the relationship with the CSL and VCU Athletics. It is a very important part of our past, present and future success which will impact not just Richmond but the entire region."
Almost a third of the sport professionals in attendance were CSL alumni, reaffirming the program's impact in Richmond.
"The CSL Network is growing and it is an honor to be able to come back and meet with current students in the program," said Jaide Hinds-Clarke, a 2021 graduate of the CSL and currently Coordinator of Student-Athlete Leadership Development and Engagement at University of Richmond. "I connected with several students who are clearly passionate, excited, and eager to learn and grown here at the CSL. The program has done so much for me both personally and professionally and I am excited keep up with the journey and success of the current students!"
There are plans to have second "Social" in the Spring to maintain momentum and foster collaboration in the local sport community.
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