When people think of professional sports, they envision the competition: the games and matches that happen on the field of play. But there is a vast network of behind-the-scenes leadership and staff who manage the players, control the finances and promote the games. At California Lutheran University’s Business of Sports Event, Angel City Football Club (ACFC) executives for the professional women’s soccer team will sit down with Mark Orlando, director of the sports management program at Cal Lutheran’s School of Management, for an in-depth discussion of the business side of sports. The free event for students and the community will be from 5:45 – 7:30 p.m. on April 17 at the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the California Lutheran University campus.

Players from ACFC, part of the National Women’s Soccer League, will also participate in a question-and-answer session with Cal Lutheran student moderators. The players will be on hand after the event for photos and to sign autographs.

“This is exactly the type of collaboration we envisioned when Cal Lutheran and Angel City entered a partnership two years ago. Events like these allow our students to hear a real-world perspective and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse from professionals who are leaders in the careers to which our students aspire,” said Lori E. Varlotta, Cal Lutheran president, who will open the event with a welcome message.

“ACFC has a compelling story to share with our students and other fans who want to hear about the club’s success in raising capital, fielding a remarkably talented team and building a network of supporters. We are eager to learn lessons from their success.”

The following ACFC executives will participate in the event: 

• Bianca Henninger, Vice President, Ticketing and Hospitality
• Courtney Ksiazek, Senior Director, Partnership Marketing
• Kari Noonan, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy
• April Seymon, Soccer Operations and Athletic Training

This on-campus meeting between faculty leadership and leading lights in culture and society is the first of what Cal Lutheran intends to be an annual event. The free events will be engaging and informative and will provide thought-provoking insights.

Cal Lutheran is located at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. There is no cost to attend the Business of Sports Event, but registration is required. Register at www.callutheran.edu/special-events/business-of-sports.html

About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and formally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to 2,377 undergraduate and 1,033 graduate students. Our students come from 59 countries and represent a wide spectrum of faiths and spirituality. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping each student pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their community. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.