Gwynedd Mercy University’s Sport Business Association (SBA) recently welcomed more than 80 registered attendees, including members of the university’s President’s Council, to its highly anticipated Baseball Summit. The evening brought together students, alumni, faculty, community members, and industry professionals for a meaningful night of learning, networking, and career exploration.

The summit featured a virtual keynote message from Andrew Ball, a 2011 graduate of GMercyU and former Assistant General Manager of the Houston Astros, who offered thoughtful insight into leadership, work ethic, and career development in Major League Baseball. Ball’s message blended personal experience with practical guidance, encouraging students to pursue opportunities with confidence, curiosity, and resilience. His connection to GMercyU added a powerful layer of inspiration for those looking to follow similar paths in the sports industry. 

The event also included a diverse and accomplished panel of baseball professionals who shared perspectives from across the industry. Panelists included: 

• Peter Schiffert, Manager, Sponsorship Services, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 
• Allan Donato, Vice President, ACES, Inc., a baseball player representation company 
• Carly Jensen, Ticket Operations Coordinator, Wilmington Blue Rocks 
• Ryan Simon, Manager, Ticket Services, Philadelphia Phillies 
• Meaghan Tyrell, Player Social Coordinator, Major League Baseball 

Each panelist contributed unique expertise from player development and operations to agency work and fan engagement, giving students a well-rounded understanding of the many pathways within baseball. Their open discussion provided valuable context and real-world insight that complemented the themes presented in Ball’s keynote. 

Following the keynote and panel discussion, attendees took part in open networking, allowing students to build meaningful connections and discuss internship and career opportunities directly with professionals.

“This was definitely something outside of my comfort zone,” said Schiffert. “But you made it feel relaxed and well-organized. I had a wonderful time meeting students during the networking portion.”

The summit reflects the SBA’s mission to strengthen the bridge between education and professional opportunities by fostering spaces for conversation, mentorship, and career discovery in sport. 

GMercyU President Deanne D’Emilio praised the event’s success in a message to the organizers. 

“The panel of speakers was excellent and provided diverse perspectives on the game,” she said. “I was very impressed with how well organized the event was and how our students participated and clearly benefitted from the opportunity to learn and network with professionals in the field.”

Students also expressed their appreciation for the access and insight the summit provided.

“I was so grateful to be a part of this wonderful experience,” said Alex Shrader, a student at Central Dauphin High School. “It was an outstanding way to connect with people in a field all about networking. It was run super smoothly by the GMercyU SBA executive board. As a high school student looking to attend college, knowing that a college program offers this is something that sets this college apart from any other college. I really enjoyed hearing all the panelists talk, and I ended up taking a lot away from it.”  

“The experience actually inspired me to suggest doing more collabs with other colleges for professional days or even just future networking opportunities,” said Maryah Miller, a student at York College of Pennsylvania. “I enjoyed being able to network with not only other professionals in the field but also other students who are going in the same career path.”

“After attending Gwynedd Mercy University’s annual summit for the first time as a transfer student, I thoroughly enjoyed the event,” said GMercyU student Ethan Galvan. “Being at Gwynedd has opened so many opportunities to expand my network, especially through SBA. I’m grateful for Gwynedd’s on-campus opportunities for us students, as my previous institution did not offer the same opportunities.”

The event was made possible thanks to the guidance of club advisor Dr. Maddie Herman and the leadership and dedication of the SBA Executive Board:

• Vanessa Vavrova, Class of 2026
• Camryn Kinney, Class of 2026
• Kayla Lelionis, Class of 2026
• Maya Hellyer, Class of 2027
• Brianna Ryan, Class of 2028
• Chris Nodeland, Class of 2026
• Liam Merolla, Class of 2028

Additional support was provided by Galvan, Shreeya Patel, and Ryan Zielke.

Vavrova, the SBA President, expressed pride in the team’s efforts. 

“We are passionate about creating more opportunities like this for students — opportunities to learn directly from those shaping the future of sport,” she said. “We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who supported and attended this incredible evening.”  

The success of the Baseball Summit marks another milestone for the Sport Business Association as it continues to expand its professional events and opportunities and industry engagement initiatives. Learn more about how Gwynedd Mercy University is helping students launch careers in the thriving sports industry.