Summer Horowitz fulfilled a lifelong dream playing softball at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Originally from Briarcliff Manor, New York, Horowitz chose Tufts because of the opportunity to continue her softball career at a place she could be successful on and off the field.

Outside the diamond, Horowitz loved the opportunities associated with living five minutes from downtown Boston. She majored in economics and quickly became involved as a board member for her school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). On the field, she experienced success her freshman and sophomore seasons as both ended with Division III national championships.

“Winning back to back national championships were some of the best memories of my life,” she said. “I loved the camaraderie of being on a team with a group of girls striving towards the same goal. All of our hard work paid off and the fact we achieved our ultimate goal brings a smile to my face when I think about it.”

Horowitz chose to study economics because she thought it would translate well into a job in business. Because of her passion for all sports and experiences as a student-athlete, she decided she needed to break into the sports industry to take her next step in life. An internship at the NFL headquarters with the fan development department after her junior year further solidified her future career pursuits.

“Sports bring out a sense of community in people. There is nothing like your team scoring a touchdown and complete strangers are hugging because of the passion they share for their favorite team. I rooted hard for my teams and that passion never left. I want to help build a great experience for fans one day as a front office member for a professional sports team," she said.

Horowitz discovered the master of arts in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletic administration (MAIAA) program after she met Program Coordinator Brandon Urry at the 2016 NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis. The first of its kind to offer a master’s degree in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration, the MAIAA program prepares the next generation of leaders to build successful careers in the sports industry.

"I was fortunate to meet Summer at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum,” said Urry. “She immediately struck me as a driven individual who will excel in her career because of her proactive behavior, positive demeanor and drive to be better. Luckily for us, she applied to the program and we eagerly extended her an offer of admission. She’s doing great in the program and I’m excited to watch her career unfold.”

The MAIAA program offers guaranteed graduate assistant positions to cohort members in the College of Business during their first year and with Nebraska Athletics for their second year. Positions at Nebraska Athletics include opportunities in communications, development, life skills, marketing and fan experience, student-athlete recruitment and much more.

“It seemed like an incredible opportunity,” said Horowitz. "I figured I could continue my education and see another side of athletics because I never experienced the Division I atmosphere before. Nebraska’s athletics tradition and culture is second to none and the program fit perfectly with my career aspirations.”

For more information on the MAIAA program, visit: http://business.unl.edu/maiaa. Published: March 12, 2018