Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of sports professionals. In particular, the Alumni Mentorships Program (AMP) at USF played an integral role in Aayush Shah’s ‘24 career development. A lifelong cricket devotee, Shah worked for ESPN in India before pursuing his MS in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco. Now, as the Marketing Coordinator for the Major League Cricket (MLC) team the Seattle Orcas, his story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of mentorship.
A Leap of Faith and the Role of Mentorship
When Shah arrived in the U.S., he faced the daunting challenge of building a network in a new country. His initial hesitation about reaching out to professionals faded as he learned the value of leveraging connections and building professional relationships. Encouraged by his professors and peers, he stepped out of his comfort zone and began networking with American sport professionals. One of the pivotal moments in his journey came when he was matched with USF alum, industry veteran, and CEO of the Seattle Orcas, Hemant Dua ‘05, through the Alumni Mentor Program.
“Before coming to USF, I never thought I’d get a response from someone as high up as a CEO,” Shah admitted. “But the program helped me realize that people genuinely want to help. You just have to ask.”
Though Shah had previously contacted Dua about a job opportunity with MLC, at the time, he lacked the necessary experience for the position. Through AMP, Shah was given a chance to reconnect and begin building a professional relationship with Dua. Their second interaction was more meaningful. Dua saw potential in Shah, challenging him to create a marketing pitch for the Orcas. While he didn’t guarantee a job, Dua promised to pass Shah’s pitch along to the Orcas’ Director of Marketing.
Shah seized the opportunity. He spent days refining his pitch, seeking feedback from professors, peers, and industry experts. There were times he had to scrap everything and start over, but he remained committed. His hard work paid off—the Orcas’ marketing team was impressed, and he was offered a contract position.
The Impact of Mentorship
Dua shed light on the importance of mentorship, personal development, and determination aspiring sports professionals need to succeed. In his interactions with Shah, Dua recognized his hunger to understand the industry and provided both professional and personal guidance. For Dua, the goal of being a mentor in AMP extends beyond just cricket—it’s about developing his mentee into a well-rounded professional, regardless of the industry he ultimately pursues.
Dua emphasizes that successful mentorship is, first, driven by the student’s willingness to learn and invest in the relationship. Mentees, like Shah, need to be proactive- recognizing that mentorship isn’t just a stepping stone to a job but an opportunity to gain insights, understand career paths, and grow professionally. Students should come prepared, research their mentors, and engage in meaningful conversations about their mentor’s journey. Building a strong connection requires effort, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn.
Second, successful mentorship does not necessarily depend on a background in a singular sport; rather, the true value lies in a mentor’s ability to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights with their mentee. Seasoned sports industry professionals know that work behind the scenes is incredibly demanding, so helping mentee’s build resilience can lead to career longevity.
The Global Sports Market and Career Opportunities
Reflecting on the global sports market, Dua points out that Sport Management students at USF have a competitive edge over others because of their experience in the U.S.’s developed sports ecosystem. He encourages Sport Management students to explore opportunities outside the U.S., where sports markets are rapidly growing. The Middle East and Asia, for instance, are investing heavily in sports, from Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf, Formula 1 investments, and new cricket leagues. Gaining international experience not only enhances job prospects but also builds cultural sensitivity and resilience in high-pressure environments. After a few years abroad, professionals often find themselves in higher demand, especially in international federations.
The Future of Cricket in the U.S.
As for the Seattle Orcas, their mission goes beyond building a successful cricket team. They are focused on growing the sport in the U.S. through grassroots campaigns, sponsorships, and digital outreach, which Shah will have first-hand experience in implementing. With baseball’s popularity declining, Dua recognizes an opportunity to introduce cricket to American audiences in an exciting new way. Unlike the traditional multi-day format, the T20 format is a three-hour event, making the game more accessible and engaging to new audiences. The construction of a new stadium in Seattle also aims to create a lasting impact for both players and fans, ensuring the sustainability of cricket in the region.
Reflecting on his journey, Shah advises future students aspiring to work in sports to begin networking early and leverage university resources, “USF provided so many opportunities, from mentorship to industry connections,” he shares.
With his role at the Seattle Orcas, Shah is now living his dream of working in professional cricket. His experience underscores the importance of having mentors who guide and support young professionals. He credits Dua and the Sport Management program for helping him navigate the complexities of breaking into the U.S. sports industry. Shah’s journey demonstrates how persistence, mentorship, and strategic networking can open doors. His story is a testament to the power of the Alumni Mentor Program and the limitless opportunities available to those willing to put in the work.
To learn more about the Alumni Mentor Program, visit https://www.usfca.edu/alumni/get-involved or contact Dr. Ashley Sloper, ajsloper@usfca.edu.