<p><span class="p-body">Taking a leap into the unknown, Stuti Daga's choice to pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-sport-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Sport Management</a> at NYU SPS meant moving from Mumbai, India to NYC. &quot;It was a dream come true but…I left behind the familiar comfort of home and a country I had known my entire life,&quot; she shares. We were excited to see how her experience has been so far in the program, so we caught up with Daga recently to ask all our burning questions about the move, her classes, and her advice for incoming students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Daga's deep-rooted love for sports is behind her ambition to create lasting change in the industry. &quot;I'm an avid supporter of women's sports and female representation in the industry,&quot; she adds.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Growing up in a close-knit, multi-generational household in Mumbai, Daga was surrounded by family values and traditions. &quot;Moving to New York City three years ago to pursue my higher education was both an exciting and challenging transition,&quot; Daga shares. Despite the challenges of being far from family and immersed in a new culture, Daga has fully embraced her new environment, taking advantage of the opportunities offered in the city that never sleeps.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Sports have always been an integral part of Stuti's life. She spent nine years as a competitive swimmer, an experience that not only shaped her identity but also taught her discipline and resilience. Unfortunately, Daga had to step away from competitive swimming for medical reasons, a moment that left a void in her life. However, this change fueled her interest in exploring the world of sports management.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">When asked about her favorite sports memory, Daga doesn't hesitate. &quot;Watching India win the T20 Cricket World Cup this past summer was incredible,&quot; she recalls. &quot;The atmosphere was electric, and the celebrations lasted for days.&quot; For Daga, the moment was particularly special because it marked the retirement of some of her all-time favorite players.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Outside of her sports interests, Daga enjoys indulging in her love for entertainment, often binge-watching TV shows and movies. She also has a keen interest in exploring New York City's gastronomy. &quot;I enjoy exploring the culinary scene in the city and trying out new restaurants, whether it's a hole-in-the-wall eatery or a fine dining experience,&quot; she shares.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Daga, NYU was more than just a school—it was a brand known for its prestige and real-world preparation. &quot;What drew me to apply here was the aura of this brand and the fact that they offer so many programs that are immersed in the real world,&quot; she explains. &quot;Ever since I can remember, I knew I wanted to go into sports, but what discouraged me during the application process was that not many renowned schools offered this major in their undergraduate programs. That is where NYU stood out.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The BS in Sport Management program, with its carefully crafted curriculum tailored to various interests in the sports industry, resonated deeply with Daga. For someone coming from the mega-metropolis of Mumbai, New York was a natural fit. &quot;I needed to be in a city for college where the world was my oyster. The only city that could replicate that is New York,&quot; she adds.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Daga's experience at NYU has been a whirlwind with academic rigor and extracurricular engagement. &quot;It took some time to adjust to life in NYC and at NYU, but once I found my footing, it's been a series of unforgettable experiences,&quot; she reflects.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Over the past three years, she has actively involved herself in three student organizations, allowing her to connect with others who share her passions. She has also taken on leadership roles, including serving on the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/about-us/deans-advisory-board.html" target="_blank">Dean's Student Advisory Group</a> and being selected as a Dean's Scholar. &quot;These roles have allowed me to advocate for changes that could benefit future students,&quot; Stuti says proudly.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In addition to her academic life, Daga has worked as a student assistant in the Office of Student Affairs, where she has had the chance to engage with the SPS community on a deeper level. Outside the classroom, Daga dedicates her weekends to exploring New York, from the parks to the eclectic food scene. &quot;Every day in this city brings a new adventure,&quot; she says. &quot;Some days are surprising, others warmly familiar, but each one has a story worth telling.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Daga has embraced NYU's hands-on learning opportunities, particularly through the <i>Sports Business Practicum</i> course she took during her sophomore year. &quot;This course was an incredible experience,&quot; she recalls. She had the chance to work with a non-profit organization focused on social change and advocacy within the sports industry. &quot;It opened my eyes to a side of the industry I hadn't yet explored,&quot; Stuti says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Working on solutions to some of the industry's most pressing issues, Daga gained real-world insights into how the sports sector operates in the United States. &quot;As an international student, this experience was invaluable,&quot; she notes. &quot;It gave me hands-on experience in understanding the working dynamics of US-based organizations, allowing me to adapt and grow in a new environment.&quot; The practicum broadened her perspective, introducing her to sectors of the sports world that aligned with her passions.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Looking ahead, Daga has big plans for her career. After graduation, she hopes to work for the Olympic Games field or the cricket industry. &quot;These two sectors not only hold a special place in my heart but also represent areas where I believe I can make a lasting impact,&quot; she says. Growing up in India, cricket was a constant source of inspiration. &quot;Working in this industry would allow me to contribute to the sport's continued growth, particularly as it gains momentum on the global stage, including its exciting inclusion in events like the LA28 Olympics,&quot; she adds.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For Daga, the Olympic field represents the pinnacle of global sportsmanship and unity.&nbsp;Combining her international background with her passion for sports, Stuti is eager to make a lasting impact in these fields.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Reflecting on her journey to where she is now, Stuti has valuable advice for incoming NYU SPS students. &quot;The best advice I received when I started was, 'Respect the process and learn to give it time.'&quot; She acknowledges that the transition to NYC can be both glorious and overwhelming. &quot;Take your time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings, explore the area, learn safety measures, and understand how to navigate the city,&quot; she advises. &quot;These small things go a long way in making your transition smoother.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Step into the epicenter of global sports in New York City when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-sport-management.html" target="_blank">BS in Sport Management</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>