Getting to Know You: Alex Yano
Alex Yano – Sport Management Undergraduate Student
Hometown: Centennial, CO
Minors: Communications
Year: Freshman
What made you choose WSU?
My dad went here in the ’80s so I grew up being a Coug and watching Coug games with my father. I didn’t think I really wanted to go here at first. I really wanted to get out of the state and I was looking at Michigan and a few other schools. I was initially planning to play golf in college. I knew I wanted a big atmosphere, and once I figured out I didn’t want to play golf, WSU was just the perfect fit.
What inspired you to pursue your degree?
I’m a big sports guy, and when I was in high school and was asked what I want to do in college. I knew I wanted to do sports and it just seemed like the best major fit for me.
Who or what influenced your decision to pursue this degree?
I think it was more just choosing what I want to do. We had advisory meetings where they would pound into you what major to choose, and I just knew sports was what I wanted to do.
Was pursuing this degree always your plan?
Probably not. In the beginning, I had always wanted to do Communications or Broadcasting, but as I was picking majors I chose this instead. Every kid changes their major once and I am kind of swaying back to Communications.
What is your dream job after college?
If I could work anywhere, I’m a huge Seattle Mariners fan. If I could pick any job it would be as the General Manager for the Seattle Mariners. I have always been connected to the team. Just to get to go to a major league ballpark as a job, that has always been a dream of mine.
Have you had any experience in this area, such as an internship?
We had a class in high school, it was called SPEAR it was a sports broadcasting and baseball club. That was a really great experience for me and getting my feet wet in sports. Recently, I went down to SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) for a conference. There were a lot of discussions about the direction that baseball is going in the next 10 years. There weren’t as many networking opportunities. They were more interested in who won the case competition. Our judges for the case competition were front office execs for major league baseball teams.
Who/what motivates you as a student?
My family, in general, has been a great support. Grades are always a push. If you’re not doing well in school then you’re wasting your time. My sister always pushed us to be better.
Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen pursuing this degree?
I am in a fraternity on campus. It is super helpful as a kid who didn’t know a lot of people in the area. Only 3 other people from my high school came here and they are all girls so I didn’t have any guy friends. Back home I was always with my twin brother, he and I are really close. Having a twin relationship, you just always feel responsible for. It’s been weird not having him in college and not doing it together. I miss him for sure.
Favorites:
Class: COM 225
Professor(s): Ben Shors
Sport: Baseball. But if it’s the Cougs, football.
Artist: Juice Wrld