<p><span class="p-body">When Ashley Choi came to New York City to pursue her <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-sport-management.html">BS in Sport Management</a> at the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/preston-robert-tisch-institute-for-global-sport.html">Tisch Institute</a>, she prepared herself for the pace and the pressure of a competitive degree program. What she didn’t expect was the depth of support she found at NYU SPS. “While NYC can seem fast-paced and impersonal,” reflects Choi, “NYU SPS offered exceptional support—not only in career guidance but also through genuine mentorship.”</span></p> <p><span class="p-body"><a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/experience/how-youll-learn/real-world.html">Real world courses</a> at SPS afforded Choi the opportunity to work at prominent organizations including espnW and Nike, where she had a chance to bridge theory with hands-on experience in the professional arena. Choi’s interest in sports management began long before her decision to pursue her bachelor’s degree. As manager of her high school basketball team, Choi developed a passion for the strategy, coordination, and leadership involved in the game. Additionally, she “wanted to challenge [herself] in a global city like New York, a place where [she] could expand [her] perspective, access unparalleled industry networks, and turn [her] passion for basketball into a purposeful career.”</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">During her time as an undergrad, Choi led youth development communication for the junior NBA basketball program in her native China. More recently, Choi took one step further toward transforming her passion for basketball into a vocation when she was selected as part of the <a href="https://www.schwarzmanscholars.org/">2026-2027 Schwarzman Scholars</a> cohort. Choi now has the chance to elevate her expertise in a fully-funded, one-year master's degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. “Joining the Schwarzman Scholars is like playing for the Knicks and training alongside the league’s most influential players and leaders,” she says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As someone who has thrived in both the athletic and academic fields, Choi strives to “challenge the stereotype that sports and scholarly excellence cannot coexist.” She hopes to reshape how the global community views leaders emerging from the sports industry.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">“From NYU to the NBA, I have been fortunate to grow with mentors who guided me along the way,” notes Choi. “Yet, I see myself as a determined learner eager to sharpen my leadership, strategy, and vision.”</span></p>