On March 27, the University of Miami celebrated the debut the inaugural Simon Fellows Competition. Hosted by the School of Education and Human Development, this competitive pitch event serves as the centerpiece of the Simon Fellowship Professional Development Program, generously established by Stacey and Sean Simon. This innovative program provides second and third-year sports administration students with coveted externship opportunities and accelerated access to professional development resources and structured co-curricular experiences.
California native Brandon Warner claimed the championship title with his bold proposal to bring Professional Bull Riding (PBR) to Miami Beach, impressing the panel of industry judges. Ryan Vance secured an impressive second place, while Brett Lasky and Liam Szymonski completed this talented inaugural class of Simon Fellows.
"I discovered that putting in the work and seeing the complete picture really pays off," Warner reflected after his victory. His meticulous research revealed surprising market dynamics: "Franchise valuations have shot up over 600% in just three years," he noted, highlighting the explosive growth potential he identified in this emerging sport.
Now Warner has his sights set on pitching his idea directly to the league while pursuing his dream of becoming a sports agent.
Ryan Vance, who's tackling a double major in Data Analytics and Sport Administration, took aim at a serious problem: drowning prevention in underserved communities. But his approach? Nothing short of brilliant.
Vance's plan centered on introducing hydrofoiling—a fast-paced water sport that's taking social media by storm—as a gateway to water safety. His research showed that hydrofoiling hits the sweet spot: it's accessible enough for beginners but carries enough of a "cool factor" to draw in communities that have traditionally avoided water-based activities.
"Hydrofoiling is perfect because it transforms fear into excitement," Vance explained. "When kids see others gliding across the water on what looks like a flying surfboard, they want to try it too—and that first step breaks down barriers to learning water safety."
Despite technical glitches during his presentation, Vance stayed cool under pressure. "The financial side was new territory for me," he admitted, "but I learned to adapt quickly and keep going when things don't go perfectly."
Chicago native Brett Lasky brought fresh perspective by analyzing the new Pro Volleyball Federation. Managing two internships while preparing his presentation taught him valuable lessons: "Fitting it all in was brutal, but now I know I can deliver under serious pressure."
Former engineering student Liam Szymonski completed the foursome with his pitch for bringing a National Women's Soccer League team to Miami. His financial models revealed untapped potential in South Florida's women's sports market.
"This program showed me what the industry really looks like behind the scenes," Szymonski said.
All four students will take on high-impact sports externships this summer, putting their newly honed skills to work. The program embodies the Simons' vision of creating opportunities for rising talent as early as possible
"Talent is everywhere—and providing earlier access to professional opportunities helps students discover their potential sooner," said Simon, emphasizing the program's core mission. "Access to real-world experience shouldn't wait until senior year or graduation. We believe in opening doors when it matters most." Stacey Simon added, "We're incredibly grateful for the support of friends and colleagues who share our vision of empowering these promising young professionals at such a crucial stage in their development."
The panel of industry judges for 2025 Simon Fellows Competition:
- Rob Citrone, Founder Discovery Capital Management, Ownership Group Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cindy Citrone, Founder and CEO, Citrone 33 Foundation
- Eric Pincus, General Manager at Sports Business Classroom, NBA National Writer,
- Bleacher Report, & Salary Cap Strategist
- Sean Simon, Managing Member, Soundlink Partners, Co-Founder (w/ wife Stacey) Simon Fellows Program
- Alex Fraser President, Smart Merchants Processing, former captain UM Basketball (1994-96)
Applications for next year's competition open in fall 2025-26. Don't miss your chance to compete, learn, and launch your career in sports.
