WVU sport management alum encourages Mountaineers to be brave, build relationships

West Virginia University sport management alumnus James Stamoulisis helping shape the fan experience as a Fenway Ambassador for the Boston Red Sox, proof that Mountaineers who step out of their comfort zones - like he did - can find themselves at the center of the game. (Submitted Photo)

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If West Virginia Universitysport management alumnus James Stamoulis could give one piece of advice to current WVU students, it would be to put yourself out there.

"Step out of your comfort zone, otherwise you won't be able to grow," he said. "Become comfortable being a beginner, and you will grow in ways you didn't know were possible."

Stamoulis, originally from Northborough, Massachusetts, stepped out of his comfort zone when he made the decision to transfer from the University of New Hampshire to WVU, wanting to attend a larger university with a campus near a Greek Orthodox Church to support his faith.

When deciding on a major, he discovered the sport management program, housed in the School of Sport Sciences in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences.

James Stamoulis, WVU sport management alum (Submitted Photo)

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"You don't always see sport management as a major, which was initially what intrigued me," Stamoulis said. "When I saw the program, I knew there may be something there for me."

The sport management program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the multibillion-dollar sports industry. From organization and event management to marketing and finances, it provides a well-rounded education for Mountaineers aspiring to enter the professional sports world.

Students majoring in sport management are guaranteed an internship and can choose their minor, opt for the highly ranked sport management master's program, study abroad, and pursue careers as athletic directors at the college and high school levels, general and operation managers in professional sport organizations, marketing managers, public relations managers, compliance officers, coaches, sport officials and more.

Today, Stamoulis works at the historic ballpark alongside his brother, turning a childhood dream into a career moment while representing the Mountaineer spirit in Major League Baseball. The brothers are shown here with their parents during a visit to the ballpark when they were younger. (Submitted Photo)

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The major also has the advantage of being a smaller program within a large University, offering opportunities for faculty and staff to form relationships with their students, something Stamoulis appreciated.

"One thing I loved about the program was the professors and how much they went out of their way for students," he said. "They genuinely want to see you succeed and are always willing to stay after class, even if it means finding time outside of their scheduled office hours. I always really appreciated their willingness to help."

Stamoulis decided to make a conscious effort to get to know his peers and professors who saw him as a good fit to host the program's "Meeting Our Mountaineers" podcast. The podcast is an extension of the CAHS commitment to engaging with alumni. Putting himself out there, Stamoulis accepted, allowing him to build both professional and personal relationships that remain post-graduation.

"That's where the roots of my network have really stemmed from," he said. "Skylar Ashbaugh at Nike, Keith Ricci at the Bruins and Ryan O'Leary at FIFA are just three of many mentors of mine I wouldn't have connected with if it weren't for the podcast. I would invite them on, expecting to talk for 45 minutes to an hour, but it always ran longer because we were having a good time. I made sure to include many professional questions, but also mix ina couple of lighthearted ones to keep the conversation fun and genuine. I wanted to create real, authentic relationships while listening and learning from each alumnus' experiences."

As a student in the WVU sport management program, Stamoulis built relationships, gained hands-on experience and embraced opportunities - from WVU Athletics to Fenway Park - that prepared him for a career in the sports industry. (Submitted Photo)

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Those aren't the only relationships Stamoulis built during his time at WVU.

He decided to join the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, where he served as chaplain and vice president. While there, he befriended former Phi Kappa Psi President Brodie McUmar, who was a sports marketing intern, and is now a graduate assistant for WVU Athletics. McUmar offered to connect Stamoulis with the Athletics marketing team, helping him secure an internship there.

"Brodie really took care of me, and I'm very grateful for him. Through the internship, I learned so much about the behind-the-scenes of college athletics. There's so much you don't see as a fan, and it wasn't until I worked firsthand that I truly appreciated everything that goes into a Division I athletics program."

While working with WVU Athletics during the semester, Stamoulis was able to secure another opportunity back home through a much more personal connection.

Part of a family of lifelong Boston Red Sox fans, Stamoulis was thrilled when his older brother began working at Fenway Park as a Fenway Ambassador.

"I texted him immediately in the most brotherly way possible," Stamoulis said. "I was quick to congratulate him, but also made sure he knew to let me know if anything opened up so I could apply. He said, 'Absolutely, I will.'"

A year later, Stamoulis' brother was true to his word, alerting Stamoulis about an opening to also be a Fenway Ambassador.

Stamoulis, shown here on the Fenway Park jumbotron, is building a career in professional sports while helping deliver unforgettable moments for fans at one of baseball's most iconic venues. (Submitted Photo)

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Stamoulis was later offered the part-time position, fulfilling a childhood dream he and his brother had of working for the Boston Red Sox together. He worked at the park when he went home for breaks and continues now after graduating from WVU in December 2025. As a Fenway Ambassador, his role is to enhance the fan experience by supporting pre-game ceremonies, on-field logistics and event setup while managing fan inquiries and more.

The Red Sox job, Athletics internship and his studies in the sport management program provided Stamoulis with the knowledge and experience to take the next steps in his career journey.

Though he is unsure what the next chapter holds, he's determined to continue building relationships, working hard and earning success - an attitude he attributes to his upbringing.

"My dad is the hardest working man I know and I have always tried to emulate his work ethic. I welcome friendly competition because it drives mutual growth, but I've always believed I can outwork anyone. That's just how I was raised."

Stamoulis says he was grateful to bring that determination to the sport management program at WVU.

"You're learning so much about the business side of sports, but also learning so much about the real world. I can't say enough good things about this program, and I'm just so grateful to everyone involved who has helped me."

Find more information about the WVU sport management program.

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