A native of Meadowbrook, Pa., Jacob Snellenburg graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an MBA in business analytics.
Snellenburg was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman. In this profile, Snellenburg shares his favorite UD experience, some challenges he has overcome and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Snellenburg: Since my first semester at UD, I have grown from someone just trying to adjust to college, hockey and independence into someone who feels more confident, mature and prepared for what comes next. Being a hockey player has taught me discipline, accountability and how to handle challenges, while UD has helped me figure out who I am outside of the rink.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Snellenburg: One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing hockey, school and having a social life, because being a student-athlete takes a lot of time and energy. I overcame it by learning how to manage my schedule better, stay disciplined, and lean on my teammates, coaches, and family when I needed support. Another challenge was handling pressure, but hockey taught me how to stay focused, keep working and move forward even when things are difficult.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Snellenburg: My favorite UD experiences have been the moments I shared with my team, especially beating #4 Liberty my sophomore year, going to back-to-back Nationals, winning the ESCHL, and being named back-to-back Goalie of the Year. Those moments showed me how much hard work pays off, but the road trips with my best friends are what made the experience even more meaningful and unforgettable.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Snellenburg: Several Lerner professors and staff members had a big impact on my UD experience. Dr. DeSchriver helped me understand the business side of sports on a deeper level, especially through sport finance, economics and marketing. As a hockey player, it was interesting to learn how decisions are made behind the scenes in professional and college athletics, not just what happens during games.
John Allgood also had a major impact because he brought real sports industry experience into the classroom. His background in baseball, event operations and sports business helped me see what a career in sports could look like after college. He made the industry feel more realistic and showed how many different opportunities exist beyond just playing.
Andrea Hartman and Cindy Walkusky also played an important role because academic advisors help keep students on track and supported. Balancing hockey, school and everything else that comes with college is not always easy, so having staff members who could help with scheduling, planning and academic guidance made a difference.
Dr. Matthew Robinson also stands out because of his leadership in sport management and his work in athletics, coaching and sport development. His experience showed me how sports can have an impact beyond the rink, especially through leadership, community and international development.
Dr. Nataliya Bredikhina also made an impact because her work connects sports with athlete branding, marketing, social media and analytics. As an athlete, it is meaningful to learn from someone who understands both the student-athlete experience and the business side of building a personal brand in sports.
Overall, these professors and staff members shaped my UD experience by giving me support, guidance and a stronger understanding of the sports industry. They helped me grow from just a hockey player into someone who can see sports as a future career path and a place where I can continue to lead, compete and make an impact.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Snellenburg: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means continuing to grow even after my time at UD is over. To me, it means taking the lessons I learned through hockey, classes, professors, advisors and teammates and using them in the next stage of my life. It is about staying curious, being willing to improve and understanding that learning does not stop when you graduate.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Snellenburg: My advice to incoming students would be to take advantage of every opportunity to meet people and build relationships. Networking is important because you never know who could help you, inspire you or open a door for you later on. At the same time, do not get so caught up in the pressure of school, sports or the future that you forget to enjoy the experience. College goes by fast, so go to events, spend time with your friends, try new things and make memories while you can.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Snellenburg: Following graduation, I plan to work for Tovi Hockey as a business operations analyst. I am excited to stay connected to the sport that has shaped so much of my life while learning more about the business side of hockey, including operations, analytics, sales and growth strategy.