Daemen College : Admissions : Meet our Students : Chad Hopson
Chad Hopson
Business - Sport Management
Chad Hopson came to Daemen from Flagstaff, Arizona. His mother was a Daemen alum, and had told him about her experiences at the school. However, the decision was always his own, and in the end, Chad decided that Daemen had everything he was looking for in a college. He’s been able to pursue his dual dreams of acting and practicing law while making lifelong friends and developing solid relationships with his professors in the business program.
What sparked your interest in sport management?
I have always had a fascination with the business/marketing aspect of sports, and noticed the professors’ qualifications here were more impressive than any other program that I looked at.
Would you recommend the sports management program to others? What do you like best about the program?
I would absolutely recommend the program. The aspect of the program I like most is the involvement of the teachers with your career development when you reach upper division.
Do you have any advice for prospective students entering the sports management program?
Don’t just enter the program because it has the word “sports” in the title. You should actually do some research and make sure it is a field you can see yourself pursuing.
Your mother attended Daemen. Was that a big factor in your college decision-making process?
It actually wasn’t as big as a factor as most think. She received a stellar education, but in a completely different program. The reason I am here today is because she showed me this school, but the reason I came here was because of what I wanted for my college experience. My mother stressed that I made my decision based off of what was best for me, not her.
What are your personal/professional goals?
My overall goal is to make it in theatre, which is a completely different story. However, if that doesn’t work, I know I have a solid educational background that can support me wherever I plan to go.
What would be your dream job? Is there a particular team or sport you want to work for someday?
If I do end up in the sports industry, I would really like to work in the golf or tennis industries. There would be a lot of international travel involved, which is appealing to me.
You’re a member of the Daemen soccer team. What position do you play? What have you liked best about being on the team?
I have been a member of the team for four years at outside back. Coming to Daemen was pretty scary my freshman year and the soccer team helped me establish a base when I first arrived. It has also given me the opportunity to make lifelong friends and valuable mentors.
What will be your lasting memory of Daemen?
The tight-knit community that the school is built around is the thing I will miss and remember most.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What do you hope to have accomplished?
In ten years I hope to be a working actor, but if that falls through, I would like to attend law school with a specialization in civil rights law.