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World Series offers DC students a front-row seat to sport industry experience

Twenty Sport Management and Sport Business Management students from Durham College (DC) gained unforgettable hands-on experience at Game 2 of the 2025 World Series, with an opportunity to work as ambassadors for Major League Baseball (MLB) and Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C).

Through DC’s industry partnerships, students were selected to support the SU2C placard moment, where fans across the stadium joined together in a powerful tribute to honour and remember those affected by cancer. Working alongside MLB staff, Toronto Blue Jays personnel, and event partners, students contributed to fan engagement and live-event execution throughout the day.

“Our students had the opportunity to participate in a showcase event on the global stage,” says Matt Akler, Sport Management professor. “This activation between MLB, the Toronto Blue Jays, SU2C and various other industry partners allowed our students to see what goes on behind the scenes of a major sporting event, interact with staff and fans on a deeply emotional and personal level, and experience the power of sport in bringing people together — all while helping a very worthwhile cause.”

For many, the emotional impact of the experience left a lasting impression.

“Being at the SU2C table where fans could come and write personal messages on the cards they held up at the end of the fifth inning was very powerful and meaningful,” says Gail Cohen, Sport Business Management graduate certificate student. “I had the chance to connect with survivors and, in a few instances, comfort people who had lost loved ones to cancer.”

“Standing in that stadium surrounded by thousands of people reminded me that even in moments of loss, there’s strength in unity,” adds Ashley Comeau, Sport Management advanced diploma student.

This experience reflects Durham College’s commitment to delivering programs that are immersive and industry connected. It also highlights the college’s focus on providing people-centred learning experiences that connect students with their communities and future careers.

“Students didn’t just observe; they contributed,” adds Akler. “They represented DC with professionalism, purpose and heart.”

Tags: SBMT, SPMN, FacultyofbusinessandIT, People-Centred, Community-connected

DC alumna plays a key role for storied NHL franchise

Alumna spotlight: Laurenne Mercier

For Laurenne Mercier, completing the Sport Business Management graduate certificate program at Durham College (DC) was an invaluable stepping stone to the career of her dreams.

“I’d been told time and time again that the best way to break into sports was through an internship, not only for the experience, but for the networking and connections as well,” said the 2017 graduate.

That made DC’s program a perfect fit. Taking advantage of its 500-hour field placement, she combined her love of Nashville and sports by serving as a Community Relations Intern with the Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

With her foot in the door, she soon found work with the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, her career has taken her to Boston, where she serves as the Manager of Team Services and Hockey Administration for the legendary Bruins.

With a new NHL season underway, the DC alumna spoke to us about her successful career, her DC memories and more.

What was your DC experience like?

I had a very positive experience at DC. We had a really tight knit and ambitious group of classmates. I still keep in touch with many of them today. The most altering experience for me was the informational interview assignment in Jan Robinson’s class, where we had to interview someone from the industry we most wanted to be a part of. Finding someone at the NHL level to talk to me seemed like the most daunting task, but in the end, I still credit this assignment as one of the biggest steps in my sports industry journey.

What has your career path been like?

It certainly hasn’t been linear! My time in Nashville was very formative. Since I am a Canadian, I knew I couldn’t stay on in Nashville full-time post-internship, so I took it upon myself to get to know as many people as I could there and to shadow as many departments as I could. Brandon Walker, the Preds’ Director of Team Operations, a fellow Canadian, was so kind to me and mentored me not just in his role, but also as a professional. I knew that this was the role that I eventually wanted. However, I knew this wouldn’t happen overnight, as there are only one to two per team and the role very rarely turns over. But I had my mind and heart set on eventually doing this job. Post-Nashville, I had a few different career moves. It’s funny how in hindsight, all of these pieces, even those not related to the sports industry, came together to land me here.

What is your job with the Boston Bruins like? 

My role is to manage the players and their families, as well as our team travel. Myself and my colleague are in charge of the travel schedule and everything that comes with it, including booking our charter, contracting and executing the hotel stays, the meals, consulting with our opposing team on ice times, etc. We also manage the ‘at home’ side of the job including our own ice and practice rink, player concierge, the players’ home ticket requests, trades and relocations, etc. It’s ever-changing. I don’t think I have ever been busier in my entire life. It’s certainly the hardest, yet most rewarding role I have ever had. I love working with people and this role provides me the opportunity to work with all kinds of different people on a regular basis, whether it’s the players, their families, our coaching staff, management, hoteliers, flight crews, fans, bus companies, you name it.

How did DC prepare you for your career path and current role?

The biggest thing was networking. We were required to do a lot of volunteering, which I always enjoy. That built my network and my experience base. I also think being immersed in the Toronto scene was helpful. Scotiabank Arena hosted the World Cup of Hockey that year, and I was fortunate to be a part of many of these experiences.

Would you recommend your DC program to someone looking for a similar job and career?

In my experience, an internship is your best way to break into the sports industry and the DC program allowed me that opportunity. I think it is so important to make the most of your intern time. Everyone starts somewhere, and even when it feels like you’re at the bottom, those things add up. The grinding can be so tiring while you’re at it, but it builds you into the professional that you’ll eventually become.

DC also afforded me 30 classmates who are now contacts in the industry. I always preach the importance of networking and that was something that the DC program engrained in us too.

What advice do you have for current/future Sport Business Management students at DC?

Make the most of your internship and soak it up for all you can. You are surrounded by professionals who have made it. Get to know as many people as you can, shadow as many departments as you can, soak up all the friendships and social aspects of it. And if you have the opportunity, get out of your comfort zone. I moved to Nashville from Calgary, and it was the best thing I could have done.

And genuine, authentic networking, in my opinion, is the most important part of your career. It isn’t about getting to know just those who you feel can do something for you. It’s about getting to know everyone. Everyone will have their own story and you never know when someone will end up being a major part of your career journey.

What are your future goals?

I’d like to continue and evolve in this role. I love the operational side of my job, as well as how relationship and people based it is. Boston has been a great experience so far. It’s a lovely city! I think there’s a ton more I can learn to be better in this job, as well as an even stronger professional, which is where I have my heart set at this point.

Do you want to work in the sports industry? Our Sport Administration diploma, Sport Management advanced diploma and Sport Business Management graduate certificate are proven pathways to your dream career. Apply today!

Sport Management student following in his uncle’s DC footsteps

Student Spotlight: Coulter Babcock

Coulter Babcock isn’t the first member of his family to study Sport Management at Durham College (DC).

That distinction belongs to his uncle Brent Fisher, a 2007 graduate of the program who went on to a successful career as marketing director for the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound Attack.

So, when Babcock (a lifelong sports fan and standout baseball player) was considering his post-secondary options, the choice was easy.

“Since the day I was born, sports have been everything I’ve ever lived for,” he said. “Whether it’s coaching, playing, or learning, it’s all I ever wanted to do. It’s all I ever will do.”

The first stop on his educational journey took him south of the border, where his skills on the baseball diamond earned him a spot on the team at Prairie State College in Chicago while he studied physical therapy. An unfortunate injury ended his tenure there prematurely, and he returned home.

Having heard so much about his uncle’s experience at DC, his next step was an obvious one.

“He definitely inspired me to take this program and kind of follow in his footsteps, but take it my own way.”

Since arriving at DC in September of last year, Babcock has benefitted from his uncle’s experience. They often speak to discuss assignments, and he has connected his nephew with a number of other graduates of the program who have their own wisdom to impart.

Having spent so much time playing sports like baseball, basketball and curling, he has relished the opportunity to learn about what goes into making the action possible.

“I love being able to see what it takes to run a team. A lot of people on the outside think it’s all about the players, but a lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes and that’s what I really enjoy.”

He’s not alone. Babcock and his uncle are just two of the thousands of students who have benefitted from the program since its inception over 50 years ago. Introduced in 1972, it’s Canada’s longest running program of its kind according to program coordinator and professor Sheldon Koufman. Its alumni have gone on to work internationally at all levels of the sports business, from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to the National Football League and beyond.

“The program never gets stale,” said Koufman. “We continuously update the curriculum to meet the needs of industry and current students.”

A number of those alumni have given back to the program over the years. They’ve served on program advisory committees, shared their knowledge and experience with new students, and even hired graduates right out of school.

For Babcock, his path is clear. He’ll complete the program at DC and, if possible, return to the baseball diamond with the Durham Lords. But regardless of his own athletic future, he intends to continue his education in university with the goal of becoming a sports psychologist. Recognizing the stigma that still surrounds mental health, particularly in the world of professional sports, he is eager to make a difference.

“I’m a big advocate for men’s mental health. I’ve done a lot of work with Bell Let’s Talk,” he said. “Being able to be there for the athletes, to get them ready for games and ready for life, that’s always interested me.”

Learning all about the business of sports at DC will give him the perspective he needs to understand the people he’ll be helping, whether they’re on the field or the sidelines.

DCSA chairperson making the most of her final year

Student Spotlight: Megan Bent

In her three years at Durham College (DC), Megan Bent has just about done it all.

Currently enrolled in the Sport Business Management graduate certificate program, she’s already an Advertising and Promotion graduate. She’s a key member of the dominant Durham Lords women’s rugby team that went undefeated last season on its way to provincial gold. And for the second year in a row, she’s leading the way for the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) as executive chairperson.

Though she received a Bachelor of Global and International Studies from Carleton University, it wasn’t quite what she was looking for in a post-secondary experience.

“It just wasn’t the right fit for me. I learn best in a get-your-hands-dirty kind of way, and neither high school nor university played with mud.”

Her search for a more tactile education led her to DC, where she immediately made herself at home both in and out of the classroom. She jumped into student life by helping out at orientation events, and then successfully ran for the position of Media, Art and Design director on the DCSA board, before the outgoing chairperson advised her to pursue the leadership role.   

“Getting the opportunity to join the board, I really got to understand the dynamics of our campus, how the association worked, and the things that we could offer to students,” she said.

Her smiling face has become a familiar sight on campus, and students know they can always approach her with their questions, concerns or friendly greetings.

She credits her counterparts at the DCSA for allowing her to do so much.

“I get a lot of praise for the things that we do, but we really have a well-oiled machine behind the scenes. They’re always pushing me to be better. They’re always taking care of me. I really couldn’t do what I do without them.”

Their support, as well as her own dedication and hard work, allows her to excel in class as well as on the rugby pitch. Now in her third season, she has embraced a leadership role on the team. In the same way she guides new students as DCSA president, she shares the benefit of her experience with the younger players on the team.

“When you’ve been on the circuit as long as I have, you have a lot of knowledge and a lot of insight,” she said. “I love playing with them. My team has been amazing. We’re there for each other.”

Her dedication to DC yielded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last month, when she was chosen to deliver the ceremonial first pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays’ College and University Night. Members of the DC ball teams gave her some tips, and when the moment came, she threw a strike in front of a packed Rogers Centre.

“The stadium feels a lot bigger when you’re standing on the field than when you’re in the seats,” she said. “It was really cool representing our school and getting to see the crowd.”

She will soon be incorporating her passion for athletics with her education. In her upcoming field placement, she’ll be working with the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). She’s already well acquainted with the organization as a member of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee. Combining her multifaceted education with her love of sports would be an ideal career path for her.

Whatever her future holds, she knows it will be tough to say goodbye to DC.

“I’ll be pretty bummed because it’ll be the end of a chapter, and it’s been one of my favorite ones that I’ve ever got to write,” she said. “But then I also get to start a new chapter, and so I’m optimistic that my next stage of life will be as vibrant and lively as this one.”