Beyond The Field: ISU Student Looks Forward to a Rewarding Career in Sports

Originally from Elko, Nevada, Kaitlyn Rizo is a recent graduate of the Idaho State University sport management program. Inspired by her passion for sports and softball, Rizo chose to transfer to Idaho State in 2023 from Dickinson State University in North Dakota and has undoubtedly flourished in her program ever since.

Rizo knew early on that she wanted to live a life with sports in it. During her junior year of high school, Rizo signed up to play JUCO softball at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington, which is where she attended her first two years of college. Rizo’s love for sports only strengthened when she entered the ISU Sport Management program. Throughout her time, she met many great mentors who helped her realize that becoming a Bengal was one of the best decisions she'd ever made.

The sport management program emphasizes the value of providing students with extensive hands-on experiences, including being part of events such as the Idaho State Bengal Triathlon and the Big Sky Basketball Men and Women’s Conferences. During these events, students get the chance to put their academic studies into action and use effective planning skills, facility operating skills, marketing and promoting concepts, and more to hold a successful sporting event.

“My favorite part about the sport management program was all the different opportunities and experiences we were given,” said Rizo. “Working at the Big Sky Basketball Tournament gave me an insight into what I wanted to do with my degree, and it opened several doors for everyone that helped with the event.” Rizo noted that the event not only helped her make professional connections within her field but also helped her grow closer with her classmates and experience memories that she will cherish forever.

In 2024, Rizo also received the prestigious Big Sky Basketball game ball, which is given to the most valuable worker during the conference. On top of helping with the event, Rizo spent downtime stocking fridges and locker rooms, and lending a helping hand wherever she could. This showed her attentiveness and respect for others at the event and ultimately awarded her the game ball. About receiving this prestigious recognition, Rizo said, “I was shocked. It really just shows that even when you think no one is watching, you should still continue to work hard and go above and beyond because someone is always watching.”

Rizo credits her professors, Dr. Ali Mondt, Dr. Elaine Foster, and Dr. Caroline Faure as phenomenal instructors who allow students to succeed while participating in amazing, sport-related events.

“My professors were awesome,” Rizo explained. “Especially Dr. Elaine Foster. If it wasn’t for her, I probably would have gone to a different school.”

This support and feeling of belonging solidified Rizo’s experience choice and has propelled her into a career that offers unique offers with exciting experiences in a highly competitive industry. One of Rizo’s biggest accomplishments during her degree was making the College of Education’s Dean’s list for Spring 2024.

When it comes to the sport management program, Rizo is confident that her degree has prepared her well for her future career in athletics.“I hope to be an athletic director as well as a head softball coach at the collegiate level,” said Rizo. “The sport management program gave me an insight into just about everything, from decisions that go into being a coach as well as event management, sports law, and organization and administration.”

When asked about any advice she had for future students interested in the sport management program, Rizo said, “Soak it all in and ask questions. Also, know that it’s so important to make friends. I’m thankful for my friends and professors who got me out of my shell and made my time at ISU something to remember.”

Rizo entered the ISU Master of Athletic Administration Degree program in the Fall 2024 semester. She is currently the JV Head softball coach at Highland High School.

To learn more about the sport management program at Idaho State University, please visit isu.edu/hpss.