College of Education and Human Development

Meet Warda: Sport management (B.S.'23)

"The sport management program at WMU is amazing and the faculty are so supportive of its students."

Why did you choose sport management?

I loved how sports impacted my life and wanted to be involved within the sports world after I stopped playing basketball.

Did you or do you play any sports?

I’ve played basketball my whole life up until my 3rd year of college.

Do you have a favorite faculty member at WMU?

My favorite faculty member would be James Lewis in the sport management department. He makes every class fun and keeps our energy up while also teaching us things to help us in the classroom and outside of it. He really supports his students and is passionate about seeing us succeed.

What are your career goals?

My goal is to work with a professional sports organization, particularly the NBA. I aspire to work in marketing and social media for the NBA or one of it’s teams or be on the coaching staff for a NCAA Division I men’s basketball team.

Have you completed any internships for your program yet?

I currently have an internship doing social media and Twitter work for Sports Girls Club. It is an organization with women aspiring to work in the sports industry. I have been creating social media content and live tweeting sporting events and keeping up with stats.

What is your favorite WMU recreational activity to do?

My favorite WMU recreational activities are attending the football and basketball games.

Your best friend is trying to decide where to go to school for sport management and asks you about WMU. What do you say?

The sport management program at WMU is amazing. The faculty are so supportive of its students and gives you multiple opportunities to gain real experience while also being a student. We learn a wide range of topics connected to sports that prepares us for any sport involved career we are looking for. The people in the major become close to each other giving us a sense of community.

What song should we listen to while we read this?

Song Title: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Artist: Marvin Gaye

Sport management at WMU

The sport management program provides the student with the academic preparation and practical training required for success in the sport industry. Specifically, it prepares students for careers in professional sports, college athletics, amateur sports, youth sports or corporate positions with a sport-related component. Job functions in the sport industry include facility management, sport promotion and marketing, sport media, customer or community relations, sport sponsorship, licensing, sport information and sport law, etc.

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News story

Warda Niaz wears her cap and gown while posing for a photo in front of the tree statue near Sangren Hall on Western Michigan University's campus.

Sport management grad ready to hit the court running

Warda Niaz initially thought she'd pursue a career in coaching but pivoted to sports marketing and hasn't looked back. Thanks to the support of expert staff in the sport management program and hands-on learning opportunities, she's ready to hit the ground running in her career.