A Conversation with Joel Mandelbaum
SYRACUSE N.Y. — There’s no straight answer to reaching your goals.
Joel Mandelbaum, a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Digital Journalism in ’87, returns to Newhouse and talks to students about his trajectory in the sports industry and how he got started in the sports television.
Working in the industry for almost 4 decades now, Mandelbaum shared some of his unique stories and how he started in the industry and where he is now. He began his career earning $6.50/hr as a page at NBC Sports, delivering mail to producers and directors and answering phone calls in the offices. He refers to that as the start of his career stating, “getting that face time is really key in any career you do..scratch and claw for FaceTime because it matters.”
He spoke to his openness to take positions that did don’t always align with his end goal, because you never now what door it will open for you or where you’re going to go.
Mandelbaum started his career NBC where he had production assignments for Wimbledon, NFL Football games and the Summer Olympics. He’s also worked with TBS and TNT with both regular season and NHL playoff games. In 1991, he joined MSG Networks working as the director of studio broadcasts for both the New York Rangers Hockey and New York Knicks Basketball teams. In 2017, he took over as the director for MSG’s broadcast coverage for the New York Islanders and has been with them ever since.
Mandelbaum touched on a key aspect of a competitive sports industry; that there’s no cookie cutter route to the top. “In this field it doesn’t work that way. You’ve got to scratch and claw for every piece of experience you can get…” He goes on to say, “…hear everything people are trying to advise you on, and listen to what you think is important and take that with you.”
Mandelbaum shared a story of a conversation with his dad that resonated with him and said, “Never give up your dream.” He urged students to stay patient in this industry and give yourself time to get to where you want to be.
Welcome Back Joel Mandelbaum ’87 to the SMC
Friday September 12th, 2 p.m., Newhouse 3, Room 432 (I-3 Center)
Please join then Newhouse Sports Media Center as we welcome back Joel Mandelbaum ’87 to campus. Joel Mandelbaum has been working in the sports television production business for close to four decades. He has covered a wide range of sports: from hockey to basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis and track. Mandelbaum has experience working both “live events” and “studio shows” for the Madison Square Garden Networks since 1991 and has served as the Director for MSG Network’s broadcast coverage of New York Islanders Hockey since 2017. Welcome home Joel Mandelbaum for a conversation with Adrianna Leone!
For accommodations or media requests, please email msmith@syr.edu
A Conversation with ESPN Producer Doug Whitehorn ’10 Visits the SMC
Wednesday September 10th, 5pm, Newhouse 3, Room 432
Please join then Newhouse Sports Media Center as we welcome back ESPN Producer Doug Whitehorn ’10 to speak. Doug is a producer in ESPN event production department. Whitehorn has worked 4 NBA Finals, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, and been a part of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, Basketball, College Football teams. We welcome Doug Whitehorn for a conversation with Rhianna Abeel.
For accommodations or media requests, please email msmith@syr.edu
A Conversation With Bill Spaulding
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bill Spaulding, a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast and Digital Journalism in ’13, returned to Syracuse to share his journey as a versatile play-by-play broadcaster.
On September 5th at 4p.m., Spaulding shared his insight and experience working with NBC Olympics, ESPN, The New Jersey Devils on MSG, USA Track & Field, Boston College, Harvard University and Northeastern University. Having a collection of experiences, Spaulding admitted that to get to where he is in his career now, required a focus on being versatile and possessing a well-rounded knowledge in multiple sports.
Since his first Olympic assignment in 2016 at age 24, Spaulding has covered an impressive span of sports for NBC, including judo, fencing, competitive swimming, track and field, ski jumping and many more. Spaulding’s first covered Olympic event, Judo, started as a crash course. “I knew very little and ended up watching tons of YouTube videos to learn the rules,” Spaulding said, explaining how adaptability became his competitive edge in the industry. “There are a lot less people trying to call fencing or judo… You want to be someone with the reputation of saying yes.”
Spaulding touched on the key differences between working for a team and national broadcast. He described the differences as a team allows for a closer connection with fans and players, whereas a national broadcast demands bridging the gaps for the casual viewers. To work for a national broadcast like NBC, is understanding that the audience is not filled with team ‘sports nerds.’ There is a different story to be told for a national broadcast. Spaulding says, “At the end of the day your job is to tell the story of the who, what, when and where. A sports analyst answers the why.”
Spaulding’s advice to students was clear. Do extensive research, overprepare for games, say yes often, and build meaningful connections within the industry. “Don’t just diversify what you call but in who you connect with.”
Play-by-Play Pro Bill Spaulding ’13 Visits the SMC
Voice of the Orange, Matt Park ’97, hosts a conversation with MSG’s Bill Spaulding
Friday September 5th, 4pm, Newhouse 1, 102
Please join then Newhouse Sports Media Center for our first speaker event of the Fall! We welcome home Play-by-Play veteran Bill Spaulding for a conversation with Matt Park.
For accommodations or media requests, please email nhsports@syr.edu
Ascending Sports Broadcaster Noah Eagle ’19 Returns to Alma Mater
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Six years after graduating, sports broadcaster Noah Eagle ’19 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Friday, May 2, to share how he went from calling Syracuse games to covering Super Bowls, the Olympics, and the NFL’s debut on Netflix.
Eagle has been a rising star in the sports broadcasting industry since graduating from Newhouse. While at Syracuse, he broadcast various sports, including basketball, football, and lacrosse.
Eagle auditioned for the Los Angeles Clippers’ TV play-by-play job a month before graduation but did not get the position. The organization offered him the opportunity to be the new radio play-by-play voice for the Clippers for the 2019-2020 season.
Eagle said the hardest job to get is the first one.
“Once you get the first job, it’s like dominoes; that first domino falls, and the rest of them just kind of circle around,” Eagle said.
Eagle received the opportunity to cover 3×3 basketball for NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Since 2022, Eagle has broadcast preseason games for the Los Angeles Chargers on KCBS-TV with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts.
He has called special National Football League (NFL) games with former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson for Nickelodeon. During the 2023 season, Eagle and Burleson called the Christmas Day game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The two teamed up again two months later for Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eagle joined NBC Sports in 2023. NBC announced in February 2023 that he would be the play-by-play announcer for the Big Ten Saturday Night Football package and the Big Ten basketball package on Peacock.
He left the Clippers in September 2023 to join the YES Network as the alternate TV play-by-play announcer for his father, renowned broadcaster and Newhouse alum Ian Eagle ’90, and ESPN sportscaster Ryan Ruocco.
Eagle and veteran analyst Todd Blackledge broadcast the 2023 Wild Card game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans. The duo would return to the booth for the NFL’s first game in Brazil on Peacock when the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles during the first week of the 2024 season.
In the summer of 2024, Eagle served as the play-by-play voice of Team USA men’s and women’s basketball at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He worked with 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold medalist and three-time NBA Champion Dwayne Wade for the men’s games. Eagle teamed up with long-time WNBA and college basketball analyst LaChina Robinson for the women’s games. The United States men’s and women’s basketball teams beat France to capture the gold medal.
Eagle became the lead play-by-play announcer for the 2024 French Open tennis tournament on NBC Sports and Peacock. He worked alongside analysts Mary Carillo and John McEnroe, who teamed up in 1977 to win the mixed doubles title at the French Open. McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles.
Eagle broadcast one of two NFL games on Christmas Day 2024 for Netflix this past season, the streaming service’s first NFL broadcasts. Ian Eagle broadcast the other game.
Noah Eagle won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On Air in May 2024. NBC regained the broadcasting rights to the upcoming NBA season, and Eagle will be the No. 2 play-by-play voice, while Newhouse alum Mike Tirico ’88 will serve as the lead announcer.
After Eagle spoke about his career, Newhouse students had an opportunity to ask him questions about the industry. Some questions focused on networking and improving your craft on the air.
Eagle said it is essential for students to establish their network.
“I really just think it’s about establishing real relationships with people. And the more real relationship, genuine relationship you have with a person, the more willing they are probably to go to bat for you,” Eagle said.
Eagle said there are many ways for you to hone your craft as an announcer.
“This job is actually a job where you can track your own greatness and find that greatness,” Eagle said.
The Voice of the Orange and adjunct professor Matt Park hosted the event in The Mike Tirico Room in Room 250 of Newhouse 3.
Homecoming for a Voice of Generations: Bob Costas ’74 Returns to Newhouse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas ’74 will return to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Wednesday, Apr. 16, to speak with students about his illustrious career in sports broadcasting and commentary.
Costas has hosted 12 Olympic Games, the Kentucky Derby, the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and HBO shows. He’s called games for the MLB, NFL, NBA, and college basketball and football.
The Newhouse Sports Media Center will host the event in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Room 140 of Newhouse 3.
Costas attended Newhouse and gained radio experience at WAER as a freshman. He also called minor league hockey games for the Syracuse Blazers of the Eastern Hockey League.
Costas began his professional career with KMOX radio in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1974. While at KMOX, Costas covered games for the Spirits of St. Louis of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and called Missouri Tigers basketball. He also co-hosted KMOX’s Open Line call-in program. From 1976 to 1979, he broadcast NFL games on CBS. During the 1979-1980 NBA season, Costas provided play-by-play for Chicago Bulls broadcasts on WGN-TV.
NBC hired Costas in 1980. He did play-by-play for NBA, NFL, and MLB games on NBC. He also anchored NBC’s pre- and post-game shows for NFL broadcasts, MLB All-Star Games, and numerous World Series.
Costas spent four decades with NBC. He was the Summer Olympics primetime host from 1992 to 2016 and the Winter Olympics primetime host from 2002 to 2014. Costas also hosted the NHL Winter Classic, the U.S. Open, Thursday Night Football, the NFL on NBC, and Thoroughbred Racing for NBC.
Costas has won many awards throughout his career. He is a 29-time Emmy Award winner. Costas is the only person in television history to win Emmys for sports, news, and entertainment. He is an eight-time National Sports Media Association National Sportscaster of the Year and a four-time American Sportscasters Association Sportscaster of the Year. Costas also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
In 1999, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented Costas with the Curt Gowdy Media Award. In 2017, the National Baseball Hall of Fame honored Costas with the Ford C. Frick Award. He was named a Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
Syracuse University has recognized Costas with three awards. In 2001, Costas won the George Arents Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. He received the Marty Glickman Award for Leadership in Sports Media in 2013 and was inducted into the WAER Hall of Fame in 2015.
Costas has been behind the mic for numerous unforgettable games in sports history. One of Costas’ most memorable broadcasts was in 1984 when he called the Saturday baseball Game of the Week for NBC. The game became known as “The Sandberg Game.” Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit home runs in the 9th and 10th innings against St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bruce Sutter to tie the game.
Costas contributed to the Ken Burns PBS miniseries Baseball in 1994 and called game six of the 1995 World Series when the Atlanta Braves won their first championship since moving to Atlanta in 1966. He also called Derek Jeter’s final game at Yankee Stadium for MLB Network in 2014.
Costas called Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson’s final game with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. Jordan hit the game-winner to give the Bulls an 87-86 lead with 5.2 seconds remaining in game six of the NBA Finals. Costas was also the pregame and postgame host for NBC for the 1994 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks, which included the O.J. Simpson car chase in Los Angeles that interrupted game five. Costas broadcast game seven of the 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trailblazers. Fans remember Kobe Bryant throwing an alley-oop pass to Shaquille O’Neal to give the Lakers a six-point lead with under a minute to play in regulation.
In the mid-1980s, he established the Robert Costas Scholarship at the Newhouse School, and sports broadcaster Mike Tirico was the first recipient in 1987.
Senior producer for NEP Group Mackenzie Pearce ‘21 talks with Newhouse students about her journey
Syracuse, NY – Mackenzie Pearce calls it the Girls’ Room. Pearce, the producer of NWSL on ION’s Saturday Night Soccer doubleheader wants her weekly production meetings with a coach or a player to feel like safe spaces.
“Those are the types of things that you want people to be really comfortable,” Pearce said. “Showing that you put in the work, and show that you did the research on them, they start to open up more. And I think that is really how you get to it, is putting in the research ahead of time.”
Pearce spoke with Newhouse students on Thursday evening in a session moderated by Professor Olivia Stomski, the director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center.
Pearce was one of the initial three students working for Newhouse’s ACC Network. She was a freshman with two seniors working under the direction of Professor Stomski.
“I was literally ready to transfer after my first semester,” Pearce said. “I found my own family and I think also it’s really special because you get to, I think it makes you a better person.”
Pearce started her career as a broadcast associate for MLB Network. She then got a job as a studio producer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pearce and her dad bonded over Steelers games as she was growing up, so the job was particularly meaningful to her.
Working for NEP producing NWSL games has been the perfect fit for her. She sees herself as a human-centered producer. Women’s soccer gives her the opportunity to tell stories that haven’t been told before, because there are less eyes on the sport.
Pearce sees being a woman in sports, particularly being a woman covering women’s sports, as an advantage.
“You understand what people want and not how to tokenize women in this sport and how to treat them as their own athletes,” Pearce said. “A lot of them have partners that play in other major leagues in this country and abroad. So I just think that giving them their flowers and not tying them to other people’s accomplishments is a really big part of it.”
Pearce still values the connections she made at Newhouse. Her classmates from Newhouse have a group chat to give each other advice and encouragement.
“Everyone’s opinion is valued and you can, you know, get your foot in the door pretty fast and, you know, learn from people who’ve already done it,” Pearce said. “I think it’s a really special thing that we have here.”
Cuse Giving Day is 3/27/25!
Thursday, March 27th is Cuse Giving Day and we are asking for support for our student experiences, experiential learning opportunities, immersions and guest speakers for the Newhouse Sports Media Center!
The best way to support Newhouse and the Newhouse Sports Media Center are to follow the directions on the graphic below. It will take a little navigating, but we know our students are worth it!
Thanks for helping us continue to provide the absolute best Sports Media experience for our students and for being part of the Newhouse Sports Family!
Little League World Series Residency Program Informational Session Recap
Brian McClintock and Kevin Fountain, representatives from Little League International, visited Newhouse to discuss an exciting summer residency program. This unique, six-week event-based communications experience is exclusively designed for Hampton University, Penn State, and Syracuse University students. The application window for individual/student placements opens on February 28 and will close at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025.
“The Little League is super proud to work with Syracuse University as well as Penn State and Hampton University to bring the Little League World Series and all of our Little League tournaments to life. This experience provides students with an immersive sports event experience. It’s unmatched and really gives them that practical work experience, while also supporting dreams of kids from around the world and bringing that to life,” said Brian McClintock.
Running from July 18 to August 24, 2025, the program offers both remote and on-site roles, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in video production, media relations, and in-game entertainment.
The first phase (July to mid-August) involves remote video highlight support, including tracking multiple games, organizing media assets, and working with partners like the MLB Network/ESPN.
The second phase (mid-August to August 24) takes place on-site in Williamsport, PA, where students will assist with in-game entertainment, scoreboard operations, sponsorship activations, public relations, and multimedia storytelling. Select students may also have opportunities at the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, NC.
This is a paid opportunity where housing and some meals will be provided upon arrival at the site. While travel expenses to and from Williamsport and/or Greenville are the student’s responsibility and won’t be covered by Little League International, transportation from any airport within a reasonable driving distance of Williamsport will be provided.
Residents will receive notifications in May regarding their selection for the program.
Students Interested in applying should visit LittleLeague.org/WSResidency to learn more!
93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts
By Stacey Collier II
ROCHESTER, NY – On March 7th, 2025, the 93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts boxing event took place at the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York. The event featured a total of seven bouts, a presentation of donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and an awards ceremony at the end to crown the best fighters of the night. The fighters included both girls and boys, ranging from grades 7-12.
Historic Overview
The Aquinas Mission Bouts began in 1932 and is held every March. The Aquinas community each year gathers in the Wegman-Napier gym to watch students, who are amateur boxers, showcase their skills in a three-round bout. Currently, the program is led by boxing coach Dom Arioli, who has dedicated his time and teachings to the program for 45 years. Coach Arioli is also the owner of ROC Boxing & Fitness and a member of the Aquinas Institute Hall of Fame. His impact has drawn in the community and the likes of legendary heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Coach Interviews
Coach Arioli recalled the time he met Ali in Rochester in 1994. He said at dinner; Ali grabbed him by his collar and lifted him up. Then, Ali smiled at him and asked if he was the coach. After Coach Arioli said yes, Ali told him “Don’t screw it up”. That moment stuck with him throughout his career. When training fighters, Coach Arioli stated he wants them to be good people in the world and treat others with respect, along with working hard. As the Mission Bouts event approaches 100 years, Coach Arioli is optimistic the program can continue to be successful and hopes to attract more fighters. With concussions and other long-term health problems being a public concern, he wants everyone to know he prioritizes safety first and he welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of the program.
Coach Katia Chaban, also known as Coach Kat, was the scorekeeper of the event. She has been a part of the Aquinas Boxing Program for 17 years. As a former boxer, she was inspired by Coach Dom’s dedication to the program. She was introduced to Coach Dom while working as an amateur official. She went to practice and fell in love with Coach Dom’s regimen. Coach Kat says he is an incredible human being. Also, she cites community and a family environment as the source of the power of the boxing program. Many of the audience members were involved in the program as boxers and are related to the fighters who participated in this year’s event. She stated no other known tradition in the country has the longevity of Aquinas Mission Bouts Boxing.
Scott Pioli G’05 Reflects on Nearly Three-Decade Career in the NFL with Newhouse Students
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Former NFL executive and three-time Super Bowl champion Scott Pioli G’05 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Wednesday, Mar. 5, to address students about the evolution of the NFL, women’s sports, and the importance of inclusion in sports and media.
He discussed his career as an NFL executive and his current job as an NFL analyst with NFL Network and CBS Sports. Pioli wants to advance inclusion and gender equality in sports.
Pioli received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Connecticut State University in 1988. After graduation, he became a graduate assistant with the Syracuse football team. In 2005, he completed his master’s in television, radio, and film from Newhouse.
Pioli’s first NFL job came in 1992 when he served as the pro personnel assistant for the Cleveland Browns. At the time, Bill Belichick served as the Browns’ head coach. Pioli and Belichick would team up again in 1997 with the New York Jets. The Jets hired Pioli as their director of pro personnel, while Belichick was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. They would reunite in New England in 2000. Belichick became the head coach of the Patriots, and Pioli was named the assistant director of player personnel. Pioli became the director of player personnel for the Patriots in 2001 when they won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Heading into 2002, Pioli was promoted to vice president of player personnel and served in that role until 2008.
The Kansas City Chiefs hired Pioli as general manager in 2009. He worked there for four seasons. Pioli became the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. The Falcons went to the Super Bowl in 2016, losing 34-28 to the Patriots in overtime after leading 28-3. Pioli spent five seasons in Atlanta.
Pioli worked in the NFL for 27 years, winning three Super Bowls with the Patriots (2001, 2003 & 2004). He is a five-time NFL executive of the year. Throughout his years in football, Pioli supported the development and training of female football coaches and scouts. He created a grant at the Women’s Sports Foundation and two others for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
He is a member of the board of trustees for the Women’s Sports Foundation and a member of the National Advisory Council for Women Leaders in Sports.
Pioli is an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP). BUSP is an all-female ownership group that will bring an expansion team called BOS Nation FC to the NWSL in 2026.
Syracuse professor Olivia Stomski hosted the event in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Room 140 of Newhouse 3.
ESPN Producer Howard Chen ’02 Credits Newhouse for Launching Career
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – ESPN producer Howard Chen ’02 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Friday, Feb. 28, to address students about his career and production job at ESPN, where he covers the NBA for the company’s international partners.
Chen graduated from Newhouse in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism (BDJ). He says his experiences at Newhouse helped him secure his first job as a sports reporter.
While at Syracuse, Chen aspired to be a sports broadcaster. He worked at WAER, Z89 radio, and UUTV (now Citrus TV). After his freshman year, Chen interned at Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Texas, where he learned how to write sportscasts. Over time, he shifted his focus to sports reporting and anchoring. After graduation, Chen landed a job at WHIZ-TV, the NBC station in Zanesville, Ohio, alongside two Syracuse students who graduated with him.
“[Newhouse is] giving you that foundation and that knowledge so that when you’re at a different level, you have all the tools in the world at the higher levels,” Chen said.
Chen said that numerous BDJ courses helped him become a better reporter.
“I think fundamentally, if you’re going into sports, you need to know how to be a journalist. It’s not just about the games. You just got to know how to tell a story,” Chen said.
Many years later, Chen worked for Comcast SportsNet Houston as a sideline reporter for the Houston Rockets and Astros.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he was one of the select few media members in the world inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.
Chen is now a producer for ESPN. He oversees coverage for ESPN’s China clientele, Tencent, where he produces for their NBA national broadcasts in China. Chen also helps with ESPN Australia and ESPN Netherlands.
Chen’s non-NBA work includes the idea of Tom Brady wishing Chinese fans a Happy Lunar New Year in Mandarin in 2017 and creating an instructional video for Brady to practice.
Syracuse Professor Olivia Stomski hosted the event in Room 102 in Newhouse 1.
Soccer Hall of Famer Alexi Lalas and Fox Sports Executive Ben Grossman Speak to Students About the Road to the FIFA World Cup
Syracuse, NY – Alexi Lalas, former U.S. National Soccer player, said the 1994 World Cup changed his life. He thinks the 2026 World Cup will do the same for Americans.
“I live the power of what it can do to an individual,” Lalas said. “I think a lot of people are going to get an experience in the summer of 2026, not just from a fan perspective, but also even from a work and career perspective that fundamentally changes them.”
Lalas, who is now a soccer analyst for Fox Sports, spoke to Newhouse students on Wednesday. He was joined by Ben Grossman, consulting executive for Fox Sports and co-owner of Minnesota United and Angel City FC. The panel was moderated by Cati Hance, who is the Director of Fox Sports University.
All 2026 World Cup coverage in the U.S. will air on Fox Sports. Grossman and Lalas are part of a team tasked with maximizing viewership of the World Cup. They plan to do that, in part, through telling player’s stories, especially the stories of a young, maturing U.S. National Team.
“I think what a lot of people are looking for is that in this World Cup, a home World Cup, there is a little sprinkle of magic from the soccer gods,” Lalas said. “I’m hoping for the country to come together in a way that, let’s be honest, our country rarely does now, behind this team and these individuals.”
Beyond the 2026 Men’s World Cup, the future is in women’s sports, Grossman said.
“You’re seeing this generation of kids coming up where it’s just sports,” Grossman said. “We have kids who are teenagers, and they grew up not separating men’s sports and women’s sports.”
Grossman and Lalas left students with some advice. Lalas talked about the importance of being prepared in all aspects of the job.
Grossman told the story of a life-changing conversation. When he was working in PR for the Colorado Rapids, he let his power get to his head. The head coach of the team sat him down to tell him that although he was good at what he did, his team didn’t like him.
“Take people along for the ride with you,” Grossman said. “I can’t tell you how much it matters if people want to work with you and hang out with you. Just be nice.”
Guest Speaker Series Preview: Mike Lang and Austin Beehner
On Tuesday, February 18th, Professor Jordan Kligerman will host Assistant Athletic Director, Creative, Mike Lang, and Director of Creative Media and Content Strategy for Syracuse Football, Austin Beehner.
The group will discuss the art of creating content for all sports social media platforms and what that looks like for a Power Four athletic department and football team.
To read more about Mike and Austin, check out their bios below:
Mike Lang was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Creative Services in the fall of 2021. His responsibilities include leading all video and graphic design for social media, commercials, development, in arena productions, special events and managing a team of student interns.
Lang joined the athletics department full time as the marketing graphic artist in February 2016. In that role, he was responsible for creating marketing collateral including billboards, ticket designs, social media graphics and PDF presentations. Lang was then shifted to a video producer role in Nov. of 2017, where he oversaw the creation of all videos and motion graphics for numerous platforms.
He joined the staff after completing internships with the Syracuse Chiefs, Syracuse Athletics, and the Charlotte Hornets.
Lang earned a Master’s Degree in television, radio and film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
Austin Beehner returned to the Syracuse football staff in March 2013 for his second stint with the program, before transitioning to Director of Creative Media & Content Strategy in May of 2023.
In his current role, Beehner is responsible for oversight of all aspects of the football program’s creative media initiatives. Beehner works with the Orange’s coaching staff, recruiting staff and other external units to deliver visually compelling content for recruits and fans. He also provides current student athletes with content for their personal social media, helping grow their brands. Beehner also produces two popular series ‘The Mob Podcast’ and ‘A Syracuse Story.’
As Syracuse’s Director of Video Operations for nine seasons, Beehner was responsible for managing the internal video network, preparing game and practice film for coaches and student-athletes, supervising interns, and managing a staff of student camera operators. He previously played a large role in Syracuse’s creative and social media efforts as well, before the formalization of his current position.
Get ready to evolve your socials game on Tuesday, February 18th from 11:15am-12:15pm, hosted out of the I-3 Center (NH3 432/434). We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!
Guest Speaker Series: Alexi Lalas and Ben Grossman Preview
The Newhouse Sports Media Center is excited to announce our next set of guest speakers: Alexi Lalas and Ben Grossman!
Alexi Lalas, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities, joined FOX Sports in January 2015 to serve its family of networks as lead studio analyst across all soccer properties. He provides in-depth analysis across the network’s marquee soccer presentations including this summer’s sunrise-to-sunset coverage of the UEFA EURO 2024™ and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™, the FIFA World Cup™, Major League Soccer (MLS), Concacaf Gold Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, UEFA European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and more.
Lalas worked his eighth straight FIFA World Cup™ in 2023 during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™. A June 2023 inductee into the California Sports Hall of Fame, he also hosts a weekly podcast ALEXI LALAS’ STATE OF THE UNION.
Best known as a standout defender on the USMNT during the 1994 World Cup, Lalas was a key member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and the 1998 U.S. World Cup squad.
He was the first American to play in Italy’s top division, Serie A, with club Padova, before moving to MLS in 1996, the league’s inaugural season. One of the first signings for Major League Soccer, Lalas began his MLS career with the New England Revolution. He went on to play for the MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
He enjoyed much of his on-field success with the LA Galaxy, winning the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup in 2002. Following his retirement in 2002, Lalas was appointed President and General Manager of the San Jose Earthquakes. He served the same role with the New York MetroStars in 2005 and LA Galaxy in 2008 before joining ESPN.
On the collegiate level, Lalas was a three-time captain at Rutgers and the only soccer player to receive three All-America honors. He helped Rutgers to its first No. 1 ranking in the history of the program during his senior year. He was also named to a trio of Atlantic 10 All-Conference teams and was a four-time Mid-Atlantic Region choice. During his time “On The Banks,” the Scarlet Knights went a combined 71-15-8 with Atlantic 10 Championships in 1990 and 1991.
Lalas came to FOX Sports from ESPN, where he was the lead studio analyst for the network’s coverage of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup™. He also provided analysis on MLS, USMNT matches and international soccer events including the UEFA European Championships and FIFA Confederations Cups.
One of the best defenders in American soccer history, Lalas was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. Lalas is also a member of the Rutgers Sports Hall of Fame (1998) and Rutgers Soccer’s 75th All-Anniversary Team. As a broadcaster, Lalas made history in 2018 as the first-ever soccer analyst to be nominated for a Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Sports Personality category.
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Ben Grossman is a founding co-owner of both Minnesota United of Major League Soccer and Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. He is also a founding investor of the new Unrivaled pro women’s basketball league and TMRW sports and its new TGL golf league. He has won an Emmy award and been nominated for multiple others in his role as a consulting executive and producer for FOX Sports, for which his role includes among other things helping oversee soccer, having helped guide coverage for the 2015, 2018 and 2019, 2022 and 2023 FIFA World Cups.
Prior to opening his advisory and investment practice, Selhurst Media Ventures, he was Head of Global Operations for Twitter’s media partnerships team. Previously, he was editor-in-chief of Broadcasting & Cable, overseeing the nation’s top weekly television industry trade publication, as well as the brand’s digital and event businesses. Among other companies he has worked for or advised include Microsoft, Major League Soccer, the (first) XFL, AEG (Colorado Rapids), the Sports Business Daily and TV Guide.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of iACT, a US-based non-profit organization that establishes and operates refugee-run soccer academies and pre-schools in camps in Africa and elsewhere.
A respected media industry voice, he has appeared on-air to analyze the television, media and sports businesses for national TV and radio outlets including CNBC, CNN, Fox Business Network, MSNBC, “Entertainment Tonight,” the BBC, National Public Radio, ESPN Radio, Sirius-XM Radio and CBS Radio. He has also spoken at several top media, Hollywood and sports industry conferences.
Grossman has taught in the business program at UCLA’s continuing education program and has been a guest lecturer at top business schools including Harvard, Dartmouth and UCLA.
A Minnesota native, he graduated with honors from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in economics and holds a MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was awarded a Dean’s Fellowship.
Join us on Wednesday, February 12th from 4pm-5pm to hear more about their careers and The Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Guest Speaker Series Preview: Sarina Morales
The Newhouse Sports Media Center is excited to announce our next speaker in our Guest Speaker Series: Sarina Morales.
Sarina Morales is currently the Media Director at WeTheHobby, a sports card and entertainment company founded in Rochester, NY that streams live sports content for close to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As noted on her website, Morales is a former SportsCenter anchor for ESPN and was part of the launch of ESPN’s SportsCenterAM morning show. She has also worked as a feature reporter for major events such as the NBA Finals and MLB’s Opening Day.
Since her time at ESPN, Morales has spent her career in a variety of different areas, including three seasons as the Team Reporter for the Los Angeles Rams, reporting for Bally Sports, and frequent guest appearances on MSG Networks.
Sarina has a background in social media marketing and is known as a “thought leader on consumer growth strategies” within the industry. Her experience includes being the social media manager for National Geographic, and she was fundamental in their growth across social platforms.
Morales is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communication and graduated with her Broadcast Digital Journalism (BDJ) degree.
Come join us in the I-3 Center (NH3 432/434) on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:45pm to hear about her experiences in the industry and to ask some of your most pressing questions. For accommodations, please contact nhsports@syr.edu.
Syracuse Women’s Basketball Clipped In OT 72-71 vs SMU
Syracuse, NY – Syracuse women’s basketball couldn’t get past the SMU Mustangs in overtime at the JMA Wireless Dome, falling 72-71 on Thursday afternoon. Syracuse is 0-4 in the conference for the first time since the 2005-06 season when they were a part of the Big East and started 0-7.
The game was a back-and-forth affair throughout regulation. The Mustangs grabbed an early six-point lead after the first quarter, but a strong second quarter and late free throws from Shy Hawkins brought the Orange to within one point after the first 20 minutes of play.
Eight Syracuse players scored points in the first half, including Georgia Woolley’s nine points. SMU went another route, using Nya Robertson, one of the best scorers in the entire country. Robertson finished the game with 28 for the Mustangs.
Syracuse had a three-point lead with 30 seconds remaining when SMU’s Kaysia Woods tied the game with a triple that pushed the contest to overtime.
Down 71-70 in overtime, Nya Robertson had the ball with just seconds left. She drove to the hoop and went up with her left hand, and the shot fell with 1.5 seconds remaining. The Orange weren’t able to get off another shot.
“We shouldn’t have lost our discipline… She (Robertson) came through for them,” coach Felisha Leggete-Jack said.
Syracuse returns to the floor on Sunday, January 12th at 6:00 p.m. ET as they look for their first win in 2025 at home against Miami.
The Orange Get a Much Needed Win Heading Into Conference Play
Syracuse, NY – After Autry and the Orange’s tough 27-point loss to Maryland, Syracuse needed to close out its nonconference schedule with a win against Bucknell.
“How we came out the last game at first Maryland in Brooklyn, that was just pathetic. It wasn’t us,” said Jaquan Carlos. “That was all on us and today we kind of showed that this is what Syracuse Basketball is about.”
With a 75-63 win over Bucknell, the Orange improved to 6-6, putting their total nonconference wins at six this season.
Syracuse held a 12-point lead going into the second half, shooting 50% on three-pointers. In the first half, Lucas Taylor scored three of the Orange’s six three-pointers. However, those three-pointers did not continue to fall in the second half, with the team making just one.
“Just battle, just us going out there and competing, playing through and playing hard,” said Coach Autry. “The energy level was the way it needed to be, it wasn’t perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
That energy carried the Orange through the game, as Eddie Lampkin was effective off the glass with seven rebounds and six points in the second half. Kyle Cuffe also gave life to the offense, posting seven points to extend the Orange’s lead and secure the win heading into conference play.
The Orange play again at the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday, December 31st, taking on Wake Forest. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
Chelsea Siegal ’20 Talks Digital Content Creation in the NBA with Newhouse Students
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – New York Knicks digital content coordinator Chelsea Siegal ’20 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Thursday, Nov. 21, to address students about her career and job working for an NBA franchise.
Siegal graduated from Newhouse in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism and a minor in sports management from the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.
While at Syracuse, Siegal was a member of the marching and pep bands and worked the social media pages.
She said her success started while at Syracuse.
“I will attribute a lot of my career success to the internships I had while I was in school. Every summer, I did an internship somewhere,” Siegal said.
Siegal started working in sports in the spring of 2021. Before working at the New York Knicks, she spent time with the Cleveland Browns and various minor league baseball and hockey teams.
She said her focus is storytelling.
“It’s the primary part of our job. We’re making graphics, we’re editing videos, and writing. It’s all visual storytelling. That’s what social media is,” Siegal said.
Siegal aims to create engaging content for the team’s fan community. She said it is essential for her to stay relevant to what is trending.
“I like to be kept aware of what other teams are doing. Different teams function in different ways in terms of their content and their public relations approval process,” Siegal said.
To end the discussion, Siegal offered Newhouse students important advice.
“When you work in this industry, you’re going to have to take opportunities when you can get them, especially early on. Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity that maybe you’re not 100% about initially,” Siegal said.
The Knicks feature Siegal’s work on the team’s TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. She also produces vertical content, such as photography and live community event coverage.
Syracuse professor Jordan Kligerman hosted the event in the I-3 Center 432/434 in Newhouse 3.