An innovative collaboration between the academic, athletic and student life divisions of California Lutheran University has created dream professional opportunities for all three of last year's CLU athletic department Sports Management Graduate Assistants, Faith Wayman, Louis Ascencio and Josh Cruz.

As a part of Cal Lutheran's nationally-renowned Sports Management Master's Degree program, the university began a one-year graduate assistantship program that provides housing and limited tuition remission for applicants who secure a GA position within the Cal Lutheran athletic department. The GAs work side-by-side with CLU athletic administrators and learn the craft of intercollegiate athletics throughout the academic year.

All three of last year's GAs have successfully obtained full-time employment in intercollegiate athletics. "This GA program is the apex of experiential learning. The 100% job placement rate is evidence of the GA program's effectiveness," said Cal Lutheran Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Dr. Howard Davis. "My colleagues, Provost Dr. Leanne Neilsen and Vice President of Student Life Dr. Melinda Roper are to be commended for envisioning the program's potential."

"The department's main goal for this program was to prepare our GAs for work in intercollegiate athletics by giving them broad and deep experience in sports information, business operations, intramurals, fitness center operations, and game management," said Davis. "We were fortunate to have such high-quality candidates in our first year of the program. Cal Lutheran Athletics is fortunate to have played a part in their journeys." 

Throughout the year, the GAs attended weekly coach and support staff meetings to receive an inside perspective on the happenings of the athletic programs and how decisions are made. They also met regularly with all of the athletic administrators.

Faith Wayman was named a Sports Information Director at Eastern Oregon University. Wayman came to CLU after earning a degree in Kinesiology: Coaching and Athletic Administration from Bushnell. Her GA work emphasis at Cal Lutheran was in sports information.

"Faith was an essential part of CLU's athletic department. The work that she put in had direct and immense effects on the successes of the department," said CLU Sports Information Director Kieran Cantwell. "Faith was a pleasure to work with, and Eastern Oregon is in great hands now. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes throughout her career."

"Pursuing a master's degree while working in the CLU athletic department was easily one of the best decisions I could have made for my professional development," said Wayman. "The hands-on experience I gained was invaluable, as it provided me with practical skills, meaningful mentorship, and so many opportunities to learn and grow beyond the classroom."

"More than just an education, it was an experience that was both impactful and enjoyable, and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without it," said Wayman.

Louis Asencio was hired at the SCIAC-colleague campus of California Institute of Technology in Athletic Operations. As a GA, Louis worked broadly across the department in game management, business operations, sports information and closely with the track and cross country programs.

"It was an honor to mentor Louis and watch him grow from a soft-spoken student in his initial interview to a true professional by the end of the program. Louis was always eager to learn or lend a helping hand in any area of the business, which made him an asset to our team," said Operations Coordinator & Business Analyst Elizabeth Brooks.

"Pursuing my Master's in Sports Management at CLU while serving as a Graduate Assistant in the athletic department prepared me for my future through daily intercollegiate experience and learning," said Ascencio. "CLU Athletics is full of energy and excitement, thanks to an incredible staff and engaged student body.  Working with administration and coaches as a GA and even participation in staff meetings gave me valuable insight into collegiate athletics from an inside perspective."  

Joshua Cruz, a double-CLU graduate with a BA and an MA, was hired at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) as Athletic Business Office Coordinator. His CLU internship focus was intercollegiate athletics business operations. Cruz also superbly managed the university's intramural program and the Forrest Fitness Center.

"The opportunity to lead projects and work closely with leadership, coaches, and student athletes as a GA has been instrumental in launching my athletics career and securing a Division-I job offer," said Cruz.

"We knew we wanted Josh as part of our first Graduate Assistant program from the moment he interviewed. He certainly exceeded our expectations in all areas of the business," said Brooks.

In the second year of the program, four candidates, Melissa Alvarez, Faith Culpepper, Livy Edwards, and Isabella Fitz-Gerald, were selected for the program.

"Initially, we thought we had a bit of beginner's luck with the elite quality of our first GA class. However, this class gives us equal excitement and enthusiasm for their potential," said Davis. "They are already contributing in huge ways."