ABQ Times

UNM Anderson School of Management graduate student Kiana Alvarez secured first place in the National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship, Corporate Partnerships division. The final round took place recently in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.

Alvarez, an MBA student, surpassed competitors from 32 schools across the nation to claim victory in her division. Additionally, UNM Anderson teammates Shelby Rasmussen and Than Ngo reached the Sweet 16 in the Ticket Sales division.

"I’ve always loved live sports and wanted to understand the business side of it, and this seemed like a perfect way to learn while challenging myself," Alvarez said.

The team was coached by New Mexico United leadership: Tyler Ortega, director of ticketing; Clint Gray, vice president of business development; and Ron Patel, president. Professor Dimitri Kapelianis sponsored their participation through UNM Anderson’s Center for Sales & Business Development.

"I'm so proud of Kiana winning the National Championship in the very first sales competition that she has ever contested. This achievement speaks to her incredible natural talent and skill but also highlights the grit and determination with which she trained. She was assisted by great coaching from the leadership of New Mexico United, especially Clint Gray," said Kapelianis.

"We at New Mexico United are so proud of Kiana and the entire UNM team. These students spent countless hours of their personal time and approached this process with open minds and open hearts. Today they are champions, and they've earned every bit of that," Gray said.

“I’m so thankful to my coach, Clint Gray, who dedicated so much of his personal time to helping me build confidence and navigate conversations with new buyers. This competition was an opportunity to push myself and develop skills I didn’t know I had. I never imagined it would lead to a win, but now I see this as a path I could genuinely explore,” Alvarez expressed.

The National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship provides a platform for showcasing sports sales skills competitively. Recruiters act as buyers in role-play scenarios where students pitch products for evaluation by judges. Advancing through rounds increases visibility among recruiters with opportunities for interviews during the event aimed at securing employment offers.

This accomplishment underscores UNM Anderson School's commitment to providing transformative experiences beyond academics—equipping students with essential skills for successful careers through its Center for Sales & Business Development's support in national competitions annually. Notably, Alvarez's triumph marks another victory following Mark Hernandez’s top prize win in 2021.

For further details on supporting or recruiting developing sales talent at UNM Center for Sales & Development: emailsalescenter@unm.edu.