Eugene Cooper

Results-driven sports management professional with over four years of experience supporting major athletic events for the NCAA, GLVC, Indiana Sports Corp, and Special Olympics Indiana. Graduated from The University of Indianapolis with a B.S. in Sports Management and a Business Administration minor, earning multiple Honors. Skilled in event logistics, compliance, content strategy, and data-driven reporting for events like the 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four, 2024 NBA All-Star Game, and 2024 Big Ten Football Championship.

Excelled in corporate and employee relations, revitalizing UIndy's International Student Association to engage over 200 exchange students. Currently pursuing an MBA in Data Analytics and Leadership at UIndy, enhancing expertise in strategic decision-making for sports administration.

GLVC Staff - Great Lakes Valley Conference - Indianapolis, IN

(2025-06)

• Compliance Support: Collaborated with GLVC staff to ensure NCAA Division II compliance by receiving and documenting eligibility reports, compiling financial aid summaries with data-driven insights, and maintaining accurate records for audits, enhancing efficiency and safeguarding competition integrity.
• Content and Marketing Strategy: Developed championship content plans, including social media timelines, video highlights, and live updates; created tailored marketing plans for GLVC schools to promote teams and sports, ensuring consistent branding and amplifying community engagement.
• Material Logistics: Managed logistics for event sites by packing and transporting materials such as school banners and site tools, ensuring operational smoothness for GLVC events and championships with minimal disruptions.
• Specialised Reporting: Worked with Commissioner Jim Naumovich to collect and analyse soccer championship disciplinary data (yellow/red cards), produced data visualisations to identify trends, and recommended fair play initiatives, supporting GLVC's commitment to fair competition.
• Office Staff Support: Assisted GLVC office operations by handling document preparation, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, streamlining workflows to support strategic priorities and enhance support for member schools.
• Enhanced compliance processes by streamlining eligibility report documentation, improving audit readiness and safeguarding competitive integrity.
• Analyzed championship disciplinary data to identify trends, leading to actionable recommendations that reinforced fair play initiatives across the conference.

NCAA Women's Basketball - National Collegiate Athletic Association - Indianapolis, IN

(2024-12 - 2025-04)

• Intercollegiate Athletics Administration: Supported NCAA operations by focusing on championship governance and event management, gaining insights into the administration of a national sports organization.
• Women's Final Four Event Execution: Contributed to the organization and execution of the NCAA Women's Final Four in Tampa, managing event logistics, enhancing fan experiences, and supporting on-site operations in a high-pressure environment.
• Collaboration and Communication: Worked closely with NCAA staff, local organizing committees, and member institutions, building professional relationships and strengthening communication skills to ensure seamless event coordination.
• Event Logistics and Operational Support: Provided operational support during March Madness and the Women's Final Four, assisting with on-site coordination, problem-solving, and logistical planning, including staff travel arrangements, to ensure successful event execution.
• Policy and Governance Support: Assisted in reviewing and updating NCAA selection policies, developing a deeper understanding of championship governance and demonstrating attention to detail.
• Travel Coordination and Expertise: Supported NCAA staff during March Madness and traveled with staff to the Women's Final Four, ensuring smooth travel logistics and operational success; leveraged extensive travel experience from multiple work trips with organizations including NCAA, GLVC, NBA, and Special Olympics.
• Skill Development: Cultivated expertise in event management, logistics, professional communication, and time management, contributing to the successful delivery of NCAA projects and events.

Special Olympics Tournament Director - Special Olympics Indiana - Indianapolis, IN

(2023-01 - 2025-03)

• Tournament Director Committee Member, Special Olympics Indiana (Volunteer, 2021–2025): Collaborated with a team to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities, aligning with Special Olympics' mission and regulatory standards.
• Event Coordination and Communication: Managed team communications and athlete registrations, ensuring seamless coordination of schedules, athletic trainers, officials, and competition logistics for Special Olympics events.
• Event Planning and Execution: Assisted in planning and executing events by developing detailed timelines and assigning responsibilities, enhancing operational efficiency and event success.
• Liaison for Athletic Trainers: Served as the primary point of contact for athletic trainers, facilitating effective communication and support to meet game-day needs for athletes and staff.
• Court Supervision and Safety: Supervised activities on designated courts, ensuring athlete safety and enjoyment while reinforcing rules with officials and overseeing volunteer support.
• Equipment Inventory Management: Contributed to developing and maintaining an equipment inventory, coordinating with team members to secure necessary supplies for successful event execution.
• Team Collaboration: Fostered strong communication within the team, driving improved collaboration and contributing to successful event outcomes over four years of volunteering at the University of Indianapolis.

Sports Corps - Indiana Sports Corp - Indianapolis, IN

(2024-06 - 2025-03)

• Event Planning and Execution: Assisted in the planning and execution of the ISC Corporate Challenge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, managing logistics for a large-scale sporting event involving over 150 corporate companies, enhancing event management and coordination skills.
• Station Setup and Problem-Solving: Collaborated with team members to set up event stations, including the soccer shootout, addressing equipment challenges with adaptability and effective problem-solving to ensure smooth operations.
• Volunteer Coordination and Support: Ensured volunteer engagement and well-being by coordinating meal distribution and providing support across multiple event stations, contributing to a positive volunteer experience.
• Effective Communication: Utilized radio communication to coordinate with event staff and volunteers, enabling rapid responses to emergencies and operational needs, including on-site medical assistance coordination.
• Sponsor Relationship Management: Supported corporate sponsors by assisting with team tent setup, enhancing sponsor relationships and elevating the overall event experience.
• Professional Networking: Built valuable connections with industry professionals, gaining insights into sports management careers and expanding knowledge of global opportunities within the field.

YMCA Assistant to Director - YMCA - Indianapolis, IN

(2022-01 - 2023-01)

• Designed and led dynamic summer camp classes for children aged 8–11 at the YMCA, creating weekly outdoor sports activities to introduce a variety of sports, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and skill development.
• Collaborated with the YMCA director to develop and execute fundraising and community outreach initiatives, increasing program engagement and securing resources for camp activities.
• Facilitated inclusive and interactive sports programs for community outreach, ensuring all participants were exposed to diverse athletic experiences, fostering a positive and supportive environment for youth development.

Intern - The Children's Museum Of Indianapolis - Indianapolis, IN

(2021-01 - 2021-06)

• Assisted in the development of marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and promotional items.
• Gathered data for market research projects and analyzed findings to make recommendations.
• Collaborated with team members to create a comprehensive social media strategy.

Master of Business Administration - Data Analytics and Leadership - University of Indianapolis (2025-08 - 2027-05)

Bachelor of Science - Sports Management - University of Indianapolis (2021-10 - 2025-04)

High School Diploma - North Central High School (2018-01 - 2021-05)