Alumnus aspires to move from the mound to management after earning master’s in sports administration from the Wayne State University College of Education

Seth Marano's ('24) path to a career in sports has been a blend of passion, perseverance and practical experience. His journey to the master's program in sports administration in the Wayne State University College of Education began with a family legacy.

"My dad swam here," said Marano, who attended Lansing Community College after graduating from Canton High School. "Because of his experience, I knew Wayne State would provide me with a strong academic foundation. I attempted to play Division One baseball, but all roads led me back to Wayne State, the team that seemed to want me to play for them most."

A left-handed pitcher, Marano said being a student-athlete helped him hone his time management skills, build a strong work ethic and develop grit.

"Baseball took up a lot of my time," he said. "We practiced six days a week, lifted daily at 7AM and traveled a great deal during the season. Finishing assignments after a busy day took focus, discipline and organization."

No stranger to juggling commitments, Marano gained valuable industry knowledge through his internship with the Detroit Tigers' Authentics department. He learned various aspects of the sports business, from managing inventory and promoting ticket sales to securing autographed memorabilia and assisting with game-day operations during home games.

"The department provides fans with opportunities to meet - and buy authentic, game-used merchandise and collectibles from - current and former players while supporting a great cause with our public autograph appearances," Marano said. "It was fun and exciting."

Marano credited Laurel Whalen, associate professor of teaching and coordinator for the sports administration program; Elana Lofman, internship and community engagement coordinator for the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies; and Head Baseball Coach Ryan Kelley for helping him stay focused and secure his internship.

"They provided me with guidance and support when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do after graduation," he said. "They also helped me network and navigate the process of applying for and securing my internship."

Lofman emphasized the importance of providing students with real-world experiences, which aligns with the university's College to Career initiative. It seeks to provide all students with "learning by doing" opportunities that allow them to encounter the world, gain deeper insights and new perspectives, and prepare for prosperous careers.

"Internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting," she said. "They also help students gain valuable skills and make connections with professionals in the sports industry."

While his long-term goal is to work his way up within the Tigers organization, Marano also harbors a passion for coaching youth baseball and will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the Wayne State baseball team during the 2024-25 academic school year.

"Inspiring and motivating kids is a cool thing you may not get to do often in many other areas of sports," he said. "I enjoy giving them tips and watching them grow and develop."

Marano, who previously served as a box office assistant for the Tigers organization and was an athletic facilities assistant for three years at Wayne State, said the sports administration program exposed him to numerous careers available within the field and offered him the perfect combination of coursework and real-life learning experiences.

"I have attended several meet-and-greets with sports figures and professionals in Detroit who have held a wide variety of jobs, from announcers to accountants," he said. "The program offers students opportunities to meet people, make connections, and explore different aspects of the industry so they can discover the career path they want to pursue. It equips future sports industry leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate the exciting world of athletics. It certainly prepared me for life after college and to step right into a job."

by Tracy A. Boyce

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