As an assistant women’s soccer coach at Cal Lutheran, Carlie James already knew the world of sports from the inside.
But she wanted to understand more than the game itself: how sports organizations work, why decisions get made and how the industry connects to larger questions of culture and community.
In this conversation, she shares why she chose to become a student again and how Cal Lutheran helped her keep coaching while earning her degree.
What brought you to Cal Lutheran for your sport management degree?
What initially drew me to Cal Lutheran was how well the program matched the roles I wanted to pursue and continue growing in. The fact that it was online was really helpful, especially with all the traveling I do as an assistant coach.
The flexibility was a huge factor, but so was the community. I had direct lines of contact with my professors, and that mattered a lot to me.
It was not a situation where I was sitting in a lecture hall with hundreds of people and nobody knew my name. I genuinely knew my professors, could see them on campus, and even connect with them outside of class. It felt personal, not transactional.
Were you nervous about anything before you started the program?
I didn’t have an undergraduate degree in that field, so I was nervous about whether I would be able to keep up.
That concern was addressed pretty quickly. I was told that sometimes not coming from that exact background can actually help because it makes you more open, more curious, and more ready to absorb everything.
I was also concerned about how accelerated the program was, since it could be completed in about a year, but because of the close-knit community and support from faculty, it felt very doable.
What did you want to understand beyond your experience as a player and coach?
Personally, I wanted the confidence to know that I could do this. My undergraduate background was more on the marketing and graphic design side at San Jose State, but I wanted something that could truly validate my knowledge of the sports world.
I wanted more than just experience as a player. I wanted to understand the business side of sports, how organizations are run, and all the aspects of sport that many people do not realize are part of the industry. The program gave me a lot of that newer knowledge and helped me better understand why certain decisions are made and how the broader world of sports operates.
You were balancing coaching with a busy, fast-moving schedule. How did the program fit into your life?
Because the program was flexible and online, I was able to continue working while also pursuing the degree. That made a huge difference. If it had required too much time or lacked flexibility, I do not think I would have been able to do it.
What stood out to me was how flexible and understanding they were. If I had a scheduling issue, they would work with me. If I needed one-on-one time or an alternate arrangement, they were open to helping. I do not think every program would be willing to figure out how to work with an individual schedule the way this one does.
The School of Management does an amazing job of understanding that students are not just students. People are juggling work, family, practices, responsibilities, and everything else life brings.
They really see students holistically, and that makes a huge difference. Being seen and acknowledged like this helps people succeed in the program.
Was there a class that gave you new language for what you were already seeing in sports?
Yes, Dr. Adriana Sekulovic had a huge impact on me. She is the head of the program, and I took her classes multiple times because I enjoyed them so much.
One of the most meaningful classes I took with her was Sociology and Sports. That class helped me realize how much passion I really have for the subject. It also gave me the language and framework to talk about how things like gender, age, and location affect the way people experience sport.
Did the program change what you thought you were capable of?
I have grown a lot. Before this program, I tended to think that if I put my mind to something, I could do it, but this program challenged me in ways I did not expect.
There were times, especially while working two jobs, when I doubted whether I could really do it. But pushing through those moments gave me a new level of confidence. It helped me realize that a lot of the boundaries I thought were there were really ones I had placed on myself. That has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of the experience.
When you needed help, what did support actually look like?
Whenever I had a question, whether it was about coursework, logistics, or even financial aid, there was never a feeling that I was bothering anyone. It always felt like, “Come in, let us help, the door is open.”
That sense of support, and the fact that people see you as an individual rather than just a name on a roster, is something very special.
What would surprise people about where a sport management degree can lead?
I would tell them that they are going to learn so much more than they probably expect. One of the best things about the program is that there are so many different directions you can take with it.
You can pursue an emphasis if you want, or really shape the experience into something that fits your own goals. That is what is so valuable about it.
The program does a great job of allowing students to make it their own and get out of it what they want and need.
How did being a student change the way you see Cal Lutheran?
I am really glad I chose Cal Lutheran because going through the program myself gave me a completely new appreciation for the student experience and for this community.
I already knew Cal Lutheran as a faculty member, but being a student here showed me just how much the staff and faculty care. Seeing what it means for students to walk across the stage, especially first-generation students or others who worked so hard to get there, gave me a much deeper understanding of the value of this place.
It made me realize that you are always going to be part of the Cal Lutheran community, even after your degree is finished. You still have a home here.
When you look back, what did the experience open up for you?
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience has been the sense of family and the way this program opens you up to people from all walks of life.
The program challenges you to let your guard down, be vulnerable, and accept that you do not know everything, and that is okay. Everyone is here trying to improve and get better.
If you are open to learning, you will exceed what you thought was possible. That was one of the most life-changing parts of the experience for me.
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