CASE Study Program
Program Overview
In 2023, more than 75 students participated in CASE from eight cohorts across Chicago including Cubs RBI, Hansberry College Prep, ITW Speer Academy, Kenwood Academy, Lake View High School, Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Noble Street College Prep and Solorio Academy. Over the course of six weeks, CASE students experienced a multimedia curriculum delivered virtually over 8 sessions. Sessions were be led by subject-matter experts within the sports industry, as well as guest lecturers. From Sales and Service and “Sport for Social Good” to “Sports Analytics” and “Scouting and Player Development”, we tackled a range of topics that will help students navigate the sports industry and their personal and professional development. Like any good student of the game, instructors are also eager to learn from students and address their questions. New this year, CASE led off with an in-person event where students had the opportunity to tour the Cubs front office and meet one-on-one with a Cubs Associate. The Lead-off Event helped students visualize working in sports, begin to build their professional network, and supports the Cubs Charities program continuum goal to strengthen the network of caring adults for youth in Chicago. More than 90 Cubs Associates participated in the event.
The CASE Program formally culminates with student-led group presentations based on a pre-selected area of interest. Students worked alongside their cohort, program coordinators and instructors to finalize presentations. CASE students gave their final presentations at Wrigley Field and celebrated their accomplishments at a Cubs game.
Testimonials
Current and Former Volunteer Instructors
| Name | Title | Session Led | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theo Epstein | CASE Founder, On-Field Strategy Consultant | Lead-off Session, Working in Sports | MLB Commissioner's Office |
| Scott Harris | CASE Co-Founder, President of Baseball Operations | Founder | Detroit Tigers |
| Meghan Jones | CASE Co-Founder, Director, Baseball Operations, Administration and Strategy | Founder | Chicago Cubs |
| Adrienne Scherenzel-Curry | Vice President, Community Engagement and Chicago Bulls Charities | Sport for Social Good | Chicago Bulls |
| Alexa Ramos | Manager, Youth Content | MLB Commissioner's Office-Sports Marketing and Youth Initiatives | MLB Commissioner's Office |
| Alicia Gonzalez | Executive Director of Cubs Charities | Sport for Social Good | Chicago Cubs |
| Andy Blackburn | Vice President, Partnership Development | Sales and Service | Chicago Cubs |
| Bobby Basham | Special Assistant, Innovation | Sports Science and Medicine | Chicago Cubs |
| Brian Garza | Director, Ticket Service | Sales and Service | Chicago Cubs |
| Bryan Guo | Assistant, Baseball Operations | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Carla Suber | Team Clinician, Chicago Bears | High Performance | Chicago Cubs |
| Cassandra Hoffman | Senior Program Manager, Giants Community Fund | Sport for Social Good | San Francisco Giants |
| Courtney Snyder | Manager, Construction & Planning | Facilities & Event Ops | Chicago Cubs |
| Garrett Chiado | Director, Pro Analytics | Research and Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Holly Raider | Clinical Professor of Management | Business Etiquette | Kellogg School of Management |
| J.A. Adande | Director of Sports Journalism | Sports Journalism and Communication | Northwestern University |
| Jared Banner | Vice President, Player Development | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Jaron Madison | Special Assistant to the President and General Manager | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Jasmine Horan | Analyst, Research & Development, Pro Personnel | Research and Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Jason McLeod | Senior Vice President, Player Personnel | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Jed Hoyer | President of Baseball Operations | Research and Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Jeff Greenberg | Assoc. General Manager | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Blackhawks |
| Jim Oboikowitch | Director, Brand and Player Sports Marketing | Player and Brand Marketing in Sports | Chicago Cubs |
| Jon “Boog” Sciambi | Cubs and ESPN announcer | Sports Journalism | Chicago Cubs |
| Josh Farber | Vice President, Global Brand Management | Sports Marketing | Major League Baseball |
| Judd Iverson | Assistant Director, Finance | Finance and Sports Administration | Chicago Cubs |
| Julia Long | Head of Sports Nutrition and Dietetic Services | High Performance | Chicago Cubs |
| Julian Green | Senior Vice President, Communications | Communications and Media Relations | Chicago Cubs |
| Katie Ottolin | Manager, Premier Sales | Sales and Service | Chicago Cubs |
| Kelly King | Manager, Graphics/Video Production | Sports Marketing | Chicago Cubs |
| Kelly Linstroth | Senior Director, Marketing | Sports Marketing | Chicago Cubs |
| Keri Blackwell | Deputy Director, Cubs Charities | Sport for Social Good | Chicago Cubs |
| Lauren Fritts | Vice President, Marketing | Sports Marketing | Chicago Cubs |
| Lindsay Bago | Senior Director, Communications | Communications | Chicago Cubs |
| Lukas McKnight | Assistant Director, Amateur Scouting | Scouting and Player Development | Chicago Cubs |
| Maria Sapienza | Assistant Director, Analysis/Planning | Facilities & Event Operations | Chicago Cubs |
| Matt Romito | Senior Director, Cubs Productions | Sports Marketing | Chicago Cubs |
| Mike Lufrano | Executive Vice President of Community Affairs and Chief Legal Officer | Corporate Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement | Chicago Cubs |
| Mike Strautmanis | Chief Engagement Officer | Corporate Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement | Chicago Cubs |
| Morgan Bucciferro | Senior Director, Operations and Guest Experience | Facilities and Event Operations | The Obama Foundation |
| Nicole Bersani Zimmer | Director, Social Media | Sports Marketing | Chicago Bears |
| PJ Mainville | Director, Medical Services | High Performance | Chicago Cubs |
| Robert Montgomery | Manager, Special Events | Facilities and Event Ops | Chicago Cubs |
| Sam Thrower | Manager, Event Operations | Facilities and Event Operations | Chicago Cubs |
| Sarah Padove | Manager, Baseball and Softball Development | MLB Commissioner's Office-Sports Marketing and Youth Initiatives | MLB Commissioner's Office |
| Shane Wallen | Head of Major League Strength and Conditioning | High Performance | Chicago Cubs |
| Tony Rokita | Director of Alumni Relations | Sports Marketing | Chicago Bulls |
| Will Barnard | Manager, Community Engagement | Sport for Social Good | Chicago Sky Cares Foundation |
| Vanessa Ward | Manager, HR Projects | Facilities and Event Operations | Chicago Cubs |
Contact us at [email protected]
