Networks Sports Consulting» future leaders

NetWorks Sports Future Leaders: Patrick Henry (@CoachPatHenry)

Angela Taylor — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:02:06 +0000

NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Future Leaders, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!

Today’s NetWorks Sports Future Leader is Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry

“As evidenced on his impressive resume, not only has Patrick had an extremely successful coaching & administrative career in several capacities and at various levels in sports, but he has also had a monumental & long-lasting impact (on and off the court) along the way. Patrick’s meticulous work ethic, unquestionable reliability, and overall commitment to excellence are quite evident to his managers, co-workers, former student-athletes, and peers. He has a very bright future ahead of him. “

— Angela Taylor, President & CEO of NetWorks Sports Consulting

Name: Patrick Henry
College(s): Ohio University (Undergraduate) and Mercer University (Graduate)
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communications and Masters of Education in Holistic Education
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CoachPatrickHenry
Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)

Tell us a little about your background.

I’m a Georgia native, a long time coach who’s married to wonderful wife and expecting our first child.

What type of work experience have you had?

I’ve worked in intercollegiate athletics, primarily in the south and the midwest.

I’ve also had the opportunity to teach Social Sciences and Physical Education at the High School level.

What type of job(s) are you seeking?

I am looking for opportunities that will allow me to both add value to a collegiate program by using my extensive experiences being involved with championship collegiate programs and that will give me the opportunity to have a positive influence on student-athletes.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength would be my strong sense of professionalism. Regardless of the endeavor, whether it’s relationships, personnel development or project management, I approach any undertaking in a first class manner and with a commitment to professionalism.

Tell us about a project that you completed successfully.

The most recent project that I’ve completed has been some freelance work for institutions, providing feedback and consultation regarding recruiting organization, player skill development, and staff management and structure.

What experience (if any) do you have in the sports industry?

My experience in sports industry span an almost twenty year career involvement in men and women’s basketball. My career has ranged from coaching both high school boys and girls basketball while still a high school student, to serving as support staff at the BCS level as undergraduate, to being a on-the-floor coach the last thirteen years moving from a restricted earnings coach to an Associate Head Coach at the NCAA Division I level.

Why do you want to work in the sports industry?
Sports industry, specifically intercollegiate athletics, gives an opportunity to influence young people at a critical age before they begin their lives as independent adults.

I also really enjoy the planning and competitive aspects that being involved in coaching and management provides.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My greatest influences have been my parents. They did a tremendous job of teaching me the importance of valuing both formal education and life experiences.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years, I see myself as a successful head coach of women’s basketball program at a four-year institution, making an impact on young women’s lives and the community where the institution is located and winning championships.

Anything else we should know about you?

I may be the only coach to have worked for 4 National Coaches of the Year, 2 Head Coaches who coached at the professional level and also to have been fortunate to have been part of four conference championship teams at four separate institutions.

I have also coached at the High School, Junior College and NCAA Division I, II and III levels and have coached both men and women.

For more information about Patrick or to request a resume, please send an email to info@networkssports.com

Follow NetWorks Sports on Twitter at @NetWorks_Sports

NetWorks Sports Rising Stars – Shalynn Leonard (@Ballihoo_Sports)

Angela Taylor — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:29:49 +0000

NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Rising Stars, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!

Today’s NetWorks Sports Rising Star is Shalynn Leonard

Shalynn Leonard

“Shalynn is a very talented individual with tremendous experience in marketing and player relations with the NBA. She is someone who is willing to go the extra mile to make sure that all aspects of a project have been taken care of and is interested in continuing to learn & develop her leadership skills. She is passionate about the sports industry and will be a tremendous asset to any organization.“
–Angela Taylor, President & CEO – NetWorks Sports Consulting

Name: Shalynn Leonard

College(s): Norfolk State University (Undergraduate) and Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Manufacturing

Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. A.A. Apparel Manufacturing Managment

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Ballihoo_Sports

Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born and raised in the rainy city of Seattle, WA. I’m a HBCU graduate who had the opportunity to play basketball at the D1 level.

What type of work experience have you had?

My work experience consists of many different fields outside the sports industry. Upon graduation, I had the opportunity to be in the Hertz Management Training Program, after 6 months was then promoted to an Insurance Liaison. I have many years in Sales at both Nike and the NBA specialty stores. As well as experience as an Administrative Assistant at Highline Community College.

What type of job(s) are you seeking?

I’m looking to capitalize on my sports marketing experience in a position where I have an opportunity for growth while adding value to the organization.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength would be my strong interpersonal skills. I have an extraordinary ability to interact professionally and build a rapport with exclusive and global clientele.

Tell us about a project that you completed successfully.

My most recent project that I’ve completed successfully would be the 2011 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, CA. I worked as a Marketing Associate for the Community & Player Program department. I supported the staff in planning player appearances leading up to and during the All Star weekend.

What experience (if any) do you have in the sports industry?

My experience in the sports industry consists of working for the NBA in the Community & Player Program Department. I supported the staff with marketing duties for up coming projects. I assisted in facilitating player appearances for current and former NBA players, worked with internal and external marketing partners and sponsors, as well as contract preparation and negotiation. I also coached girls basketball with my alma mater Rainier Beach High School and Highline Community College.

Why do you want to work in the sports industry?
Working in the sports industry has always been my endeavor. Not only is sports my passion, but having the experience as a student athlete gave me the work ethic and confidence to thrive in this industry.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My biggest influence is God and my family. They believe in me and continue to push me to my purpose. My mother always told me to “Go after my passion and the money will follow,” that statement has always stuck with me to this day.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself as one of the leading women executives within a sports management organization. I will be a mover and a shaker who continues to strive for excellence.

Anything else we should know about you?

I will be pursuing an MBA in Sports Business in the Spring of 2012. In the Summer of 2012, I’ll be coordinating my first annual girls basketball camp in various cities. I also had the chance to attend high school with the NBA likes of Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, and Terrence Williams.

For more information about Shalynn or to request a resume, please send an email to info@networkssports.com

Follow NetWorks Sports on Twitter at @NetWorks_Sports

NetWorks Sports Future Leaders – Chris Hobbs Jr. (@MetroGamesExpo)

Angela Taylor — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:24:39 +0000

NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Rising Stars, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!

Today’s NetWorks Rising Star is Chris Hobbs Jr.

“Chris is quite an impressive young man. After speaking with him, you will instantly recognize that he has a bright future ahead of him. He is a personable individual who is committed to being the best at whatever he sets his mind to and backs that commitment up with an extraordinary work ethic. He is definitely a future leader in the sports industry.“
–Angela Taylor, President – NetWorks Sports Consulting

Name: Chris Hobbs Jr.

College(s): Stanford University (Undergraduate) and Georgia State University (Graduate)

Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Master of Science in Sports Administration – conferred 2012

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MetroGamesExpo

Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)

Tell us a little about your background.

I’m a Stanford graduate from Marietta, GA. I was a two-year letterwinner as a Cardinal football player during my time at Stanford.

What type of work experience have you had?

I have work experience in a few different fields outside of the sports industry. I have worked as a campaign assistant for former GA Governor Roy Barnes as he campaigned for re-election. I’ve completed a customer service internship for Lindner Capital Advisors, a financial advising company. I also have experience as a marketing intern for Radon Service Agreement Corp., designing marketing plans and creating promotional ideas.

What type of job(s) are you seeking?

I am seeking an entry-level position in the sports industry, specifically with a college or professional football team.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength has to be my work ethic. My work ethic, along with my experience in and passion for sports sets me apart from most candidates. I believe my experience as a student-athlete allows me to learn quickly and work efficiently. My passion for sports ignites my work ethic which has brought me success in the past.

Tell us about a project that you completed successfully.

The Metro Fitness Games and Expo is an event that I’m working on. We are planning this event for the Summer 2012. The website for the event is www.metrofitnessgamesandexpo.com. This event provides a competitive outlet for fitness club members similar to the Olympics.

What experience (if any) do you have in the sports industry?

I have experience in a few different areas of the sports industry. I have held a marketing internship in sports radio. I currently work in student-athlete development for a Division I university. I have also worked in athlete management, where I facilitated player recruitment and networked with NFL personnel.

Why do you want to work in the sports industry?
I want to work in the sports industry because sports have played a vital role in my life. My passion and love for everything sports is unparalleled and having the chance to do something I love is a true gift. I believe I have all of the tools to overachieve and accomplish great things in this industry.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My parents have had the biggest influence in my life without a doubt. Not only are they role models, but they motivate and support me to go above and beyond with anything I do.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I would like to be in a top-level management position for a high-performance sports organization. I am well-versed in sports, so that organization may be a college or professional team, a sports agency, or in sports entertainment.

Anything else we should know about you?

I was elected Treasurer of the 2011-2012 GA State Sports Management and Administration Club. I have volunteered at various local schools and helped with many youth football camps.

For more information about Chris or to request a resume, please send an email to info@networkssports.com

NetWorks Rising Star – Vencent Kirkwood

Angela Taylor — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:02:18 +0000

NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Rising Stars, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!

Vencent Kirkwood

Today’s NetWorks Rising Star is Vencent Kirkwood

“Vence is someone who has a great understanding of what it takes to be successful in the sports industry. He possesses strong leadership & communication skills and demonstrates a willingness to take on a plethora of responsibilities to help the organization be successful. At this stage in his career, he has significant work experience that will be beneficial to any company interested in succeeding“
–Angela Taylor, President – NetWorks Sports Consulting

Name: Vencent Kirkwood

College: Wayne State University

Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with Minor in Public Relations. Master of Arts in Sports Administration – conferred June 2011

Twitter: www.twitter.com/VC_Kirkwood

Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)

Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up playing sports in the suburbs of Detroit Michigan. I began my career in athletic administration as a volunteer manager for the Mens basketball team at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

What type of work experience have you had?

My experience working in sports started as a manager for the Wayne State basketball team while in undergraduate school. From there I went on to become a graduate assistant with the Women’s basketball team at Wayne State University while in graduate school. In working with Wayne State Women’s basketball I played a major role in implementing different marketing strategies on improving our fan attendance to a more residential student fan base. Some of my main responsibilities as a graduate assistant included: monitoring study table, classroom checks, and staying current with academic reports from professors. In the summer between my two years in graduate school, I moved to the nation’s capitol and interned as a game presentations intern with the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. While working with the Washington Mystics as a game operations and new media intern, I had the opportunity to work in marketing, promotions, accounting and sales. In Washington, I was responsible for: game day operations, promotional events, and various marketing incentives. In addition, as the intern manager, I was responsible for managing ticket selling competitions and social media projects. Following my experience in Washington, I became the Group Events Seasonal Coordinator for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. While working with the Cavaliers, I was responsible for assisting in the planning, organizing, and execution of various aspects of special events at Quicken Loans Arena. In this role, I provided a high level of customer service to group leaders and members. Each one of these opportunities has taught me incomparable skills to one day be a great manager.

What type of job(s) are you seeking?

I am looking for a career in the field of sports that will be challenging and allow me to piece all of the skills that school, internships, and work experiences have given me and use the skills to help a sports organization reach its’ highest possible potential.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is my personality. I have a deep understanding of people and how to interact with people in a way that makes them feel comfortable. Networking is a skill that I have become very familiar with in college as well as in my adulthood. Networking is not only a key factor in landing a job but once you do land that job networking is what builds relationships with managers, interns, clients, season ticket holders, and even executives at higher levels. The ability to network and have a welcoming personality is a very important strength that must be honed in this great field of athletic administration. I possess that as well as experience in being able to articulate the benefits of an organization to a top athlete who is considering your team or your organization.

Tell us about a project that you completed successfully.

In 2010, I produced and co-directed the “Club 35″ documentary style video for the Wayne State University Athletic Department. The “Club 35” documentary style video highlights some of the most influential female student-athletes to play at Wayne State University. “Club 35″ is a celebration of Women in Athletics for 35 years at Wayne State University.

What experience (if any) do you have in the sports industry?

I have been a manager for the Wayne State University Men’s basketball team. I have experience as a graduate assistant with the Women’s basketball team at Wayne State University. I have experience as a game presentations intern with the Washington Mystics and also experience as a Group Events Seasonal Coordinator for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Aside from those great experiences:

Produced/Co-Directed- “Club 35” documentary style video on the Celebration of Women in Athletics for 35 years at Wayne State University

Coordinator- Wayne State University Basketball annual “Think Pink” event, which recognizes those who have suffered from breast cancer within the community.

Coordinator-Wayne State University’s 1st annual “Sock Drive”, which collects diapers for low-income families in the metro Detroit area.

Why do you want to work in the sports industry?
The best way to describe why I want to work in sports is passion. Passion is simply wanting to surround myself with a sport or an organization and becoming wrapped up in it. It is true, I want to always be around the competitiveness of sports, but it goes beyond watching the game and sitting in the seats. After all the school, internships, work experiences, and networking I have come to know that my passion now stems from getting others into the seats that I once used to want to sit in as a sports fan. The business side of sports is what drives me to continue to pursue a career in sports. I have a desire to help mold and structure an organization to be the best in performance on the field, court, arena as well as best performers in the business aspects of the game.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My grandfather George W Young has had the greatest impact on my life. Although I have never met him I feel as though I have known him all my life. His life accomplishments inspire me everyday to be great.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I would hope to be working in some aspect of sport administration. Not just working in sport but using my skill sets and abilities to have great impact on the lives of those around me and the organization I am a part of.

More specifically, my ultimate goal would be to take steps toward being a general manager/president of a professional sports organization. I believe this job involves everything I have learned in school, from people, and through experiences. Being a general manager/vice president of operations brings all the pieces of a sports organization together whether it be ticket sales and service, community relations, player relations, scouting, on court performance and creating a one of a kind organization. In this role I will be able to have a part in many aspects of the organization offering my knowledge and abilities where needed

Anything else we should know about you?

Throughout undergraduate school and graduate school I have been involved in several groups and organizations that include:

Spiritual Development Chair – Student African American Brotherhood (Wayne State University 2008-2009)

Vice-President – Mercy Faith Temple Youth Department (present)

Chair of Academic Affairs – Black Student Union (Wayne State University Undergrad 2007-2009)

Board Member – College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts Alumni Association (Wayne State University-present)

NABC (National Association of Black Coaches) – member

MBCA (Men’s Basketball Coaches Association) – member

PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) – member

Produced/Co-Directed – “Club 35” documentary style video on the Celebration of Women in Athletics for 35 years at Wayne State University

Coordinator – Wayne State University Basketball annual “Think Pink” which recognizes those who have suffered from breast cancer within the community.

Coordinator – Wayne State University’s 1st annual “Sock Drive” collects diapers for low-income families in the metro Detroit area.

My community service efforts are as follows: Scholars Together Learning Community, Habitat for Humanity, Mercy Faith Temple COGIC, Great Lakes Second Youth Department, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Harper Woods Recreational Center

For more information about Vencent or to request a resume, please send an email to info@networkssports.com