The Department of Health and Human Performance at Tennessee Wesleyan University proudly celebrates the first two cohorts of graduates from the Master of Science in Sport Leadership (MSSL) program. Launched in Spring 2024, this innovative program was developed through dedicated research and planning to meet the needs of working professionals by offering a fully online learning experience.

    The MSSL program is designed currently with two concentrations, Sport Management and Sport Coaching, which allows students to tailor their studies to their career goals in the sport industry.

    The first graduate, Sam Staley, completed the Sport Coaching concentration as part of the program’s inaugural January 2024 cohort. Sam successfully completed the accelerated one-year track, setting the tone for future students with his commitment and leadership.

    “I chose the MSSL program because I knew I wanted to continue my education. However, it was difficult to find a degree that dealt with coaching, as that is what I aspire to become,” explained Staley. “Once I was approached me about this new program, I was fully on board. I remember constantly asking her questions about the progression of development after class. The program had everything I wanted in a master’s program.”

    The second graduating class, recognized in Summer 2025, included eight outstanding graduates who represented both concentrations.

• Sport Coaching: Carson Ford, Rachel Percy, Jacob Parton, and Bryer Dalton
• Sport Management: Lauryn Smith, Daniel Batcher, Tyris Nelson, and Braxton Turner

   We are incredibly proud of these MSSL graduates. Their hard work, collaboration, and passion for the field have not only enriched the program but have also prepared them for continued success in their professional journeys. Their achievements mark an exciting milestone for the MSSL program and its future cohorts. We are anticipating 2 more graduates in the December 2025 commencement ceremony.