As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Ryleigh Pineda, sport management major with a minor in event management from New Rochelle, N.Y. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Pineda was nominated for this series by Academic Advisor and UDREAM Program Coordinator Stephen Roberts and Academic Program Coordinator Cindy Walkusky, who said, “Ryleigh is a mentor for students in the UDREAM program, was the TA for the sport management study abroad program this past winter session, and is an all-around great person! Her GPA is amazing too.”
In this profile, Pineda shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Pineda: When I first started at UD, I was a lot more unsure of the person that I was and wanted to be. I didn’t participate in extracurriculars and kept to myself and my small group of friends. I didn’t know how to lead and struggled with being extroverted in big groups. Today, I am a peer mentor for UDREAM, the vice president of the Future Professionals of the Sport Management Industry Club, and work within the facility and operations team for the University’s athletic department. All of these experiences have pushed me to improve my leadership skills, to be more outspoken, and overall confident in the person that I am.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Pineda: My biggest challenge during my college experience has been balancing academics, work, and my social life. Throughout my time here at Delaware, I have been afforded various leadership opportunities, which have allowed me to grow and push myself beyond what I thought was possible. I planned a trip to NYC for the Sport Management Club while also completing my semester-long internship, working a part-time job with the athletic department, and spending time with my friends and family. Being put in these positions has reinforced my time management skills through careful planning and my confidence in being a capable leader inside and outside of the classroom.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Pineda: In January 2025, I was given the opportunity to study abroad as a travel assistant to London and France with the sport management department. This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I had the chance to tour multiple soccer stadiums, visit historical landmarks, and learn about new cultures. Being entrusted to assist with the oversight of other students studying abroad truly felt rewarding and taught me so much along the way. I loved traveling with my friends, forming lasting relationships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Pineda: I believe that all of the sport management professors have made an impact throughout my four years here. Professor Allgood, Professor Kaden, Dr. Robinson, Dr. DeSchriver, and Dr. Williams have all taught me something that I will take with me past graduation and into the professional sports world. I would like to highlight Professor Allgood, who has helped guide me through my last two years of college. My junior year, he taught our applied sport event management class where we put on the inaugural Blue Hen Sport Summit and Career Fair, and I served as the head of operations. He is also the advisor for the Sport Management Club, invited me to be his travel assistant on the study abroad trip, and helped me gain an internship with a minor league baseball team during the summer of 2024. He is someone who has pushed me and my career in ways that I didn’t know I needed, and I am truly grateful.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Pineda: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” to me means constantly pushing yourself to succeed in the best ways possible. Asking questions to help guide you in the right direction and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it. The Lerner community is extensive, and being able to connect with others is extremely important.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Pineda: The biggest advice I would give is to get involved early. During my first two years of college, I focused mainly on my studies. I wish that I had branched out earlier because you never know the amazing people you are going to meet. I met my best friend freshman year through being randomly assigned as roommates. And, my closest friends are from within the sport management major and Hens Sports Night, a broadcasting club I joined junior year. If I hadn’t taken that leap, expanded my horizons, and talked to people more, my college experience would have been a lot different.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Pineda: Following graduation, I plan to go back to New York and pursue my career in facility and event operations.