We’re thrilled to spotlight Arsal Lacorte, a standout alumnus from our Sport Management program who’s achieved remarkable things since his graduation. With a 3.85 GPA and Magna Cum Laude honors in December 2015, Arsal also joined the Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society, showcasing his dedication and academic excellence. 
  
Arsal kicked off his career as a Merchandise Coordinator with the New York Islanders and then expanded his expertise over four years at Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, where he climbed the ranks to become an Account Executive of Premium Sales. His journey then took him to Chicago, where he became the Senior Account Executive of Business Development and Corporate Sponsorships with the Chicago Bulls. Today, he’s the Director of Partnerships at Elevate, a leading sports and entertainment consulting firm, and earned the accolade of 2021 NBA Revenue All-Star for his outstanding accomplishments. 
  
Reflecting on his career, Arsal shares, “My goal has always been to connect teams worldwide with top-notch partners, creating engaging stories that blend the brands of our partners with those of the teams and their communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these partnerships make a difference, not just locally but in the broader business landscape. The chance to foster these connections and stories is what excites me the most.” 
  
Describing a typical day, Arsal notes, “What makes it enjoyable is that no two days are alike. I spend a lot of time communicating with clients about where our discussions stand. I also meet with potential partners and reach out to CEOs, CMOs, and marketing execs to explain what an opportunity could mean for their brand.” 
  
Arsal recounts a challenge he faced: “Standing out in the sports business, where many executives have years of experience, was key. I reached out to various executives, shared my story, and took time to understand their roles. The real challenge was proving that coming from a smaller school wouldn’t limit my chances or growth.” 
  
Regarding mentors, Arsal says, “I have several mentors and close friends in the industry who offer advice and support. My biggest inspirations are my wife and family—they are my biggest supporters. Having their encouragement means everything. When you can enjoy what you do and have fun, it’s even better. The ‘why’ behind what you do is what matters most.” 
  
He continues, “For professional guidance, my boss—who was my mentor before I joined Elevate—is a significant influence. It felt like a perfect alignment when my mentor became my boss. He combines deep knowledge with a genuine human connection. From a college student’s perspective, you might focus on technical skills, but remember that your goals and interests can evolve. Start building connections, reach out to executives at all levels, and understand that not every conversation will be perfect. The effort you put into networking will pay off in this small industry where people remember those who reach out and engage. Looking back, I’m grateful for how things turned out and wish I had started networking earlier.” 
  
Arsal wraps up with his view on success: “For me, success is about happiness—enjoying what you do and the people around you. Surround yourself with great colleagues and loved ones. That’s the biggest measure of success for me.”