Sport Management Program

Justin Sell - Justin Sell is the Director of Athletics at SDSU, where he oversees the Jackrabbits’ Division I athletics program. Sell arrived in Brookings, SD in 2009 and has overseen the transition from Division II to Division I athletics, the nearly unrecognizable transformation of SDSU’s Athletic Facilities, and the exceptional performance of Jackrabbit student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. Prior to SDSU, Sell worked at the University of Northern Iowa, Villanova University, Syracuse University, The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University. Sell gained further experience working in the private sector for various sports teams and events.

Sell earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) in 1991 and completed a master’s degree in physical education/sport administration at The Ohio State University in 1992.

Isaac Rodriguez - Isaac Rodriguez serves as an Associate Director of Academic Services for Olympic Sports at the University of Tennessee. In this role, he supports student-athletes by overseeing academic development, eligibility, and success initiatives while promoting excellence in the classroom and beyond. Rodriguez brings experience across Division I athletic academic services and is passionate about holistic student-athlete development and achievement.

Rodriguez received his bachelor’s degree in sport, recreation and park management from SDSU in 2016, and his master’s degree in sport management from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2018.

Meredith Suess serves as the National Team Coordinator for USA Wrestling, where she plays a key role in supporting the organization’s elite athletes and coaching staff. In this position, she helps coordinate national team operations, athlete logistics, international competition support, and oversight of all Regional Training Centers in the United States, contributing to the day‑to‑day effectiveness of USA Wrestling’s high‑performance programs.

Suess served as the SDSU Wrestling Team Manager for six years as she pursued a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and a master’s degree in sport and recreation management in 2023.

Dr. Thayer Trenhaile serves as the Assistant Director of Development at the University of Florida, where he supports fundraising and donor engagement initiatives for the institution’s athletic programs. In this role, he collaborates closely with alumni, supporters, and stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic relationships and advance the mission of the athletics department. Trenhaile is valued for his commitment to stewardship, strategic outreach and enhancing the long-term success of Gator Athletics. Trenhaile has experience in leading all athletic revenue generation streams and external units. Throughout his career, he has led multiple multi-million-dollar campaigns and initiatives.

A native of Volga, South Dakota, Thayer graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. He went on to earn his MBA from the University of Sioux Falls, and most recently, his doctoral degree in higher education leadership from Bethel University.

Bryan Miller is the Associate Commissioner for Marketing, Sponsorships and External Affairs of The Summit League, where he provides leadership and strategic direction for the NCAA Division I conference and its member institutions. Miller has been a stalwart in the Sioux Falls, SD area sports scene for nearly two decades, having served previously as an Assistant Athletic Director at Augustana University, and Executive Director for Sioux Falls Sports Authority.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport management from St. Cloud State University in 2005 and a master’s degree in sport management from The Ohio State University in 2007.

C.J. Rugh serves as the Director of Stadium Operations for the Minnesota Vikings, helping build a world class fan experience for the team’s fan base. In this role, he works with stadium partners to ensure that the building operates at its best for Vikings games and focuses on the short- and long-term improvements to U.S. Bank Stadium. C.J. is known for his strong operational leadership, diligence and commitment to excellence in professional sports venue management.

Rugh received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and business from Knox College in 2005 and his master’s degree in sport and fitness administration/management from Western Illinois University in 2008.

Jeff Dvorak is the Activities Director at Brookings High School, where he provides leadership and oversight for the school’s interscholastic athletics programs. In his role, he supports student-athletes, coaches and staff while promoting academic achievement, sportsmanship and competitive excellence. Dvorak is committed to creating a positive athletic culture that emphasizes character development, community pride and lifelong success for Brookings High School students.

Erica Schilling serves as the Vice President for Business Development with Mammoth Sports. In her role, she collaborates with partners and stakeholders to help advance organizational goals, deliver impactful solutions, and strengthen brand and business development efforts. Schilling has 10+ years in collegiate athletics experience at the University of South Dakota (USD), Kansas State University, Baylor University, and Texas A&M Commerce. With a focus on development, she previously held roles as assistant athletic director to senior associate athletic director.

Schilling received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from USD in 2010 and her master’s degree in business administration, management and operations from Grand Canyon University in 2022.

Brianna Chavez - Brianna Chavez currently serves as the General Manager of Omaha Sports Properties for Learfield, where she leads corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy for the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In her role, she works closely with campus stakeholders and corporate partners to build strong relationships, develop impactful marketing initiatives and elevate visibility through collegiate athletics.

A two‑time graduate of SDSU, Chavez earned her bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management and her master’s degree in sport and recreation administration. During her time at SDSU, she served as co‑president of the Sport and Recreation Management Club, a student ambassador for the College of Education and Human Sciences, and a three‑year captain of the SDSU Cheer Team and was selected as a graduate student commencement speaker. Her graduate research on collegiate athletics sponsorship and small‑business ROI culminated in a published article. Prior to her current role, Chavez gained experience with Jackrabbit Sports Properties of LEARFIELD and Hurrdat, a sports marketing agency. Known for her professionalism, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to relationship‑building, she brings a lifelong passion for both sports and marketing to her work.

Reid Valsvig is an Outside Sales Representative with Game One, where he supports teams, schools, and organizations through high-quality athletic apparel and branding solutions. In his role, he works closely with clients to deliver customized gear and services that enhance performance, identity and program pride. Valsvig is known for his strong customer relationships, mindfulness and passion for serving the sports community.

Valsvig received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2018 and his master’s degree in sport and recreation administration in 2020, both from SDSU.