HPU Students Network and Learn from Executives During Externship with Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks recently hosted eight High Point University students for an externship experience that offered insights on operating an NBA team on game day. Pictured from left on the American Airlines Center court were David Bowers, Wallace Reese IV, Tim McCormack, Vincent Cafiso, Megan Laidler, Lauren Kraus, Peyton Gilmore and Maxwell Rattet.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 25, 2025 – The Dallas Mavericks recently hosted eight High Point University students for an externship experience at their headquarters on Feb. 10, offering insights into the large undertaking of operating an NBA team on game day.

The externship provided a group of sport management majors the chance to connect with industry leaders and build their skills through a variety of behind-the-scenes learning opportunities. Senior sport management majors Maxwell Rattet, Megan Laidler, David Bowers and Peyton Gilmore joined junior Tim McCormack, sophomores Lauren Kraus and Vincent Cafiso, and freshman Wallace Reese IV in this special opportunity for HPU students.

Throughout the day, the students gained leadership insights during a variety of meetings at the Mavericks’ headquarters with executive leadership and various departments, including customer service and retention, marketing and analytics, public relations, and business development.

To end the day, the students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas before attending a game between the Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings. They also experienced the importance of overall professionalism, work ethic, communication and flexibility in a real-world workplace and during a fast-paced business trip. At the conclusion of the externship, each student earned the Executive Sports Leadership certificate from HPU.

Each year, HPU students are invited to the Mavericks’ headquarters for the externship. The partnership began through Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence who recently retired as the Mavericks’ CEO and began her new role as a team consultant. Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had enlisted her in 2018 to transform the team’s culture as its CEO.

What Students Learned from NBA Executives

This externship reinforced Rattet’s passion for working in the sports industry, provided a clearer vision of the different career paths available and deepened his understanding of how various departments work together to drive the success of an NBA franchise. One of his biggest takeaways was how much strategy goes into every aspect of the business —corporate partnerships, ticketing or brand storytelling. He also learned the importance of adaptability in the sports industry, particularly in media distribution and digital engagement, where teams constantly evolve their approach. Hearing from top executives about their career journeys also reinforced how networking and relationship-building are key to long-term success.

“Learning about the business side of sports firsthand helped me refine my interests, and the connections I made with professionals at the Mavericks will be invaluable as I continue to build my career,” said Rattet, who is from Pikesville, Maryland and has a minor in sales. “It also emphasized the importance of gaining real-world experience, which motivates me to seek out more opportunities that will allow me to apply what I’ve learned in a professional setting.”

Speaking directly with the Mavericks’ leadership team and hearing their unique perspectives on the industry was a highlight for Rattet. He found it inspiring to learn how those professionals got to where they are today and what they see as the future of sports. He also enjoyed networking with students pursuing similar sports management career paths.

Laidler, a senior graduating in December with a major in sport management and a minor in event management, enjoyed networking with Mavericks executives and her fellow sport management students.

“I learned a lot about the importance of taking charge,” said Laidler, who is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. “This can look like getting an internship or volunteering early on or even showing up more than expected when in those roles. These professionals really dived into the reality of what sets interns apart from the rest. Be professional, versatile, adaptable and organically you. I believe this externship will be an asset that sets me apart from other new hires. Attending this opportunity taught me so many valuable lessons and important skills necessary to be successful in the professional sport industry. I plan to take all that I learned with me through my future career endeavors.”