Sports & Society: How Sports Transcend Their Sidelines Politics, religion, and sports are the common denominators of any society. It could be argued, however, that sport is the only one that unites communities rather than divides them, drives economies rather than diminishing them, and offers tools to expand horizons rather than dogma that limits them. In this course students explore the premise that sports are much more than the games they watch on TV. They are a multi-billion dollar industry impacting all facets of everyday life. Unlike most businesses sport sits uniquely within the public trust, with the ability to effect change, offer hope and transform the essence of who we are as individuals.The lessons from sport echo throughout life, and this class will examine them firsthand. (interested juniors and seniors can email Mike Leonard at dleonard@middlebury.edu)  Mike Leonard is Middlebury’s Head Baseball Coach, joining the team in 2016 and leading them to a NESCAC championship in 2022.  A standout player at the University of Connecticut, Coach Leonard spent several years in the Boston Red Sox system before obtaining his Masters in Education and beginning his coaching career in 2009.  Scott Langerman (Middlebury ’87, P ’19.5 & ‘22) has spent more than 25 years in the sports and entertainment industries, most recently as Founder and CEO of ACE Media, the content arm of the NFL Player’s Association, and the Founder and EVP of Hall of Fame Village Media, the content arm of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mike Leonard

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Best J term would take again and they want you to get something out of it. There was a couple projects and could be slow paced at times with all the speakers but overall a great course to help learn access points into the sports world. 

Although this was Mike and Scott's first time teaching a course they did a phenomenal job making it engaging and informative. They brought in amazing guest speakers that gave great insight into the sports business world, and how to find yourself in that realm. The class is very laid back but helpful. 