At the recent School of Education and Human Development’s MindED networking event, Gabe Diaz told the audience about his journey in sports administration. A graduate of the University of Miami's Sports Administration master’s program, Diaz shared his inspiring path from being a history major at William Paterson University, in New Jersey, to a rising figure in the sports administration industry.
Diaz's story highlighted how an unexpected elective course at William Paterson, where he volunteered at the New York City Marathon, sparked his passion for sports administration.
“I had never taken a sports administration class before, but this elective opened everything for me,” Diaz said.
While pursuing his master's degree at the University of Miami, Diaz leveraged the school’s unparalleled networking opportunities.
“When you think about the University of Miami and sports, it’s very rare for an area to have so many offerings, so many sports teams right in its backyard,” Diaz said.
Interning with the Miami Marlins, he embraced every chance to connect with professionals in the sports world.
“I knew that I needed to make up for a lot of ground, so I started applying for internships right away,” Diaz said.
His networking efforts and tenacity led to conversations with high-ranking Marlins officials, which solidified his place in the industry.
“The biggest takeaway from my internship was building relationships. I wasn't afraid to have conversations with anybody and everybody,” Diaz said.
Diaz's drive, networking skills, and passion for sports culminated in his role as the director of former MLB player Jon Jay's foundation.
“John Jay took a leap of faith in me because of the reputation I built at the University and with the Marlins,” Diaz said. This leap of faith from Jay was a testament to Diaz’s ability to forge meaningful relationships and his growing reputation within the industry.
Now back in New Jersey, Diaz continues to impact the sports world through his business, All Purpose Athletics, which offers youth and adult sports programs. His role as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University allows him to inspire the next generation of sports administrators.
“My passion for sports has always been there, and now I want to inspire others to see it as a viable career path,” Diaz said.
Gabe Diaz’s story is a powerful reminder to students and professionals alike: success in the sports industry comes from seizing opportunities, building strong networks, and always staying open to new possibilities.
“University of Miami is special when it comes to bringing in opportunities for students to better themselves, their future, and their education,” Diaz said.
For more about Gabe Diaz’s work and journey, you can follow his business on Instagram @all_purpose_athletics or connect with him on LinkedIn.
