A native of Glen Rock, N.J, Leah Goodman graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics by earning her master’s degree in sport business analytics.
Goodman was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Sport Management Nataliya Bredikhina. In this profile, Goodman shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Goodman: When I first came to UD, I was focused on psychology and communication and wasn’t sure how that would translate into a career. Pursuing my master’s in sport business analytics showed me that I could realistically work in the sports industry and gave me a clear direction. Since then, I’ve taken on leadership roles as a lead campus recreation ambassador, worked with the women’s basketball program and served as a graduate TA. Those experiences pushed me to be more confident, take initiative and build strong connections. I’ve gone from being unsure of my path to feeling prepared and excited about where I’m headed.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Goodman: One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance everything. Over time, I got better at managing my schedule. Another challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Goodman: Club track has been my favorite experience. It’s where I met some of my closest friends and created a lot of my best memories and I loved being the webmaster for two years. Being able to compete while also just enjoying running gave me a sense of community and balance outside of academics that I’ll really miss.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Goodman: Dr. Bredikhina has had a big impact on my experience. She has been incredibly supportive and informative, and her classes have given me practical skills that I know I’ll use moving forward. She creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Goodman: To me, being a lifelong learner means staying curious and open to growth even after graduation. It’s about continuing to build skills, learn from new experiences and adapt as things change. Especially in fields like sports and media, things move quickly, so being willing to keep learning is what allows you to stay relevant and keep improving.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Goodman: Get involved early and don’t be afraid to try things that feel outside your comfort zone. Also, take advantage of connections with professors and peers, and network as much as you can.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Goodman: After graduation, I plan to pursue a role in sports media or marketing. I’m currently exploring opportunities such as a media operations associate position with MLB Network or an email marketing associate role with the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m excited to continue building on my experience and start my career in the sports industry.