Growing up in Rocky Ridge, Maryland, Casey Hertel ’11 was active in sports, but never considered it as a possible career. However, during Hertel’s junior year at Shenandoah University she decided to pursue a focus in sport management while also majoring kinesiology. “During my time at Shenandoah University, I was always encouraged by the faculty to push myself and never hold back,” said Hertel.
After graduation, Casey attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a master’s degree in sports industry management. During her time at Shenandoah and Georgetown, Casey participated in many different internships with General Dynamics, DC United, the President’s Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition and the United States Olympic Committee.
Casey is director of operations at Koa Sports in North Bethesda, Maryland, where she previously served as director of field hockey. In her current role as director of operations, she organizes facility rentals, human resources, benefits, registration systems and insurance.
Earning degrees in both business administration and sports management has allowed Hertel to have a career with multiple moving parts. “I am not focused on just one department but oversee multiple arms in the nonprofit,” said Hertel.
Hertel’s advice to students is: “Networking is huge. Get your name out in the industry and do as many internships as you can.”