From Baseball to Business: My Pitch for the UC Davis Master of Management

When I started thinking about graduate school, I knew I wanted a program that would challenge me academically while complementing my experience as a Division 1 athlete.      

My background as a baseball player shaped my work ethic, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure—qualities that are essential in business as well.

With one year of athletic eligibility remaining, I saw an opportunity to pursue a Master of Management (MM) at UC Davis while continuing my baseball career as an Aggie.

Why UC Davis?

I was looking for a fast-paced, high-impact graduate program that would give me a strong foundation in business fundamentals and leadership. As a history major, I wanted to expand my analytical and problem-solving skills into the business world, and the Master of Management at UC Davis stood out as the perfect fit.

I chose UC Davis because it gives me the rare chance to compete as a Division 1 athlete while diving into a fast-paced business program.

The one-year format pushes me to absorb concepts quickly and apply them immediately, but what really sets it apart is the environment—collaborative, forward-thinking, and filled with people who challenge me to grow both personally and professionally.

In some courses, I work alongside MBA and Ph.D. students, which challenges me to think more critically and strategically. I consider problems from different disciplinary perspectives—whether it’s a Ph.D. researcher’s analytical rigor or an MBA’s focus on practical implementation and market dynamics. Collaborating with classmates from fields like engineering, economics, and data science broadens the way I frame problems and develop solutions.

The program builds strategic decision-making, communication, and leadership skills through group projects, case studies, and real-world applications. These experiences sharpened how I approach business challenges—analyzing complex situations, presenting with confidence, and adjusting to new obstacles. It’s reinforced the value of being adaptable, decisive, and able to lead through changes and ambiguity.

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Balancing Baseball and Business

Being a college athlete shapes how I handle adversity. Whether I’m on the mound or in a team meeting, I’m used to high-pressure situations and making quick, calculated decisions.

Juggling the MM program with baseball is tough, but it forces me to apply everything I’m learning in real time—whether that’s breaking down a case, managing my time, or stepping up when it matters most.

Faculty and classmates have been incredibly supportive, and the overlap between sports and business is clearer than ever. The habits I build through baseball—discipline, teamwork, staying locked in—carry directly into the business world. This program only sharpens those instincts.

Career Goals and the Impact of the MM

In the long term, I’m working toward a career in sports management, finance, or law. The Master of Management program is making sure I build a strong foundation for any of those paths, combining a business-first mindset with practical, real-world problem-solving.

Courses like Financial Accounting and Financial Theory and Policy are sharpening my ability to analyze data, assess performance, and make informed financial decisions. Data Analysis for Managers is training me to interpret quantitative information, while Marketing and Technology, Competition & Strategy are teaching me to evaluate market dynamics and think strategically under pressure.

On the organizational side, Individual and Group Dynamics and Organizational Strategy and Structure are deepening my understanding of how teams operate and how leaders shape culture and outcomes. Economics and Managing for Operational Excellence are helping me connect the big-picture view of incentives with a ground-level focus on process improvement.

The UC Davis MM community is tight-knit and supportive. Working alongside driven classmates, engaged faculty, and experienced alumni is expanding my perspective, introducing me to new career paths, and opening doors I didn’t expect. Whether I end up in a front office, a courtroom, or a finance firm, this program is preparing me to lead and make an impact.

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Advice for Prospective Students

If you’re considering the UC Davis Master of Management program, know that it’s fast-paced, intense, and full of opportunity. You’ll be challenged, but the support and access you get make the hard work worth it. The people here want to see you grow.

Through the program, I’m building a strong foundation in data analysis, financial decision-making, and strategic problem-solving. Courses push me to think critically—evaluating case studies, interpreting market trends, and applying real tools to real challenges.

I am also developing negotiation and presentation skills, learning how to communicate effectively in high-stakes situations, and advocating for strategic decisions. Group projects are sharpening my ability to collaborate and lead, pushing me to work with diverse perspectives and find solutions under pressure.

The program challenges me across every area of business—finance, marketing, economics, stats, accounting, technology, and leadership—while pushing me to think strategically, lead effectively, and perform under pressure.

For student-athletes like me, it’s proof that you don’t have to choose between sports and academics—you can do both and thrive. Whether you come from an athletic background or another field, this program will prepare you to take the next step in your career with confidence.