CPaCE News

For Kassidy Harrington, earning her master’s degree in Sport Management at California State University, Long Beach was more than an academic milestone—it was a turning point. Her unique path has reflected a deep commitment to family pride, professional growth, and service to students at The Beach.

While Kassidy was enrolled in the accelerated Sport Management program in 2024-25, she was also working full-time on campus as a Student Services Representative at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).

“I chose CSULB’s Sport Management program because I was searching for a space to explore where I truly fit within the sports industry,” she explained. “I had a deep passion for athlete development and community impact, but I wasn’t sure what specific path would allow me to combine those interests.”

The program’s flexible structure, designed for working professionals, helped her balance coursework with day-to-day responsibilities at CPaCE. Online instruction and weekend classes made it possible for Kassidy to stay fully engaged in her job while pursuing her degree.

“One of my favorite memories was pitching my final capstone project to a panel of industry professionals in a Shark Tank-style format,” she said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to pursue bold ideas.”

Expert faculty who are working in the industry provided a collaborative class environment where students could exchange ideas to strategically navigate the sports industry. An internship at OG1 Athletes, a sports management agency serving top pro football players, gave Kassidy real-world exposure to athlete development, branding, and community outreach.

Just in time for graduation in Summer 2025, Kassidy was awarded the prestigious Bill Shumard Award—named for the distinguished CSULB alum who is also President & CEO of the Special Olympics of Southern California. The award honored Kassidy’s leadership, character, and contributions to the Sport Management program.

“As the first in my family, on both sides, to earn a master’s degree, this accomplishment represents so much more than a personal milestone,” she said. “It reflects the sacrifices made by everyone who came before me and the opportunities I refused to take for granted.”

At CPaCE, Kassidy was a dedicated guide for students going through enrollment, registration, and other academic processes. Her latest chapter brings the opportunity to build on that experience by stepping into the role of Enrollment Services Coordinator at The Beach. In this position, she will help strengthen the growing collaboration between CPaCE and Enrollment Services to streamline communication and enhance the student experience.

“My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported from inquiry to graduation,” she said.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Sport Management program at CSULB and see how it can open doors for your future in athletics, higher education, and beyond.