By Liam Reilly
@liampreilly852
Tyler Walter is a third year student in the sport management program at Springfield College. From being a marketing and promotions intern with the Norwich Sea Unicorns to his current role as a gameday operations intern with the Springfield Thunderbirds, Walter has strived to build a solid resume.
Walter was named one of the head supervisors for the upcoming 2025 Spalding Hoophall Classic. The Student sat down with Walter to learn what got him into sport management and his favorite Hoophall Classic memory.
The Student: When did you decide that you wanted to major in sport management?
Walter: The first time I ever talked about college with my parents. My dad was in communications and did his masters in sport management. It was cool seeing him work in sports my whole life, so just seeing him do that I wanted to follow.
The Student: What was your first Hoophall Classic experience like?
Walter: It was pretty good. I was a volunteer my freshman year, I was an usher so I was making sure people wouldn’t sit in the middle of the bleachers. I ran into a Washington Wizards scout and asked him questions about the job because I want to be on the team operations of a basketball or baseball team. You truly never know who you’re going to run into when you’re working there.
The Student: How’d it feel to be named head supervisor this year?
Walter: It was great. Only so many people get to do that and Hoophall is one of the most prestigious high school basketball showcases in the nation. Being able to run that with all these fantastic student workers, I’m glad to have that responsibility.
The Student: What is your favorite Hoophall Classic memory?
Walter: There’s probably a couple. I would say watching Cooper Flagg come and play here with Montverde was always exciting. Last year as a supervisor I got to fist bump Brian Scalabrine and talk to him a little bit. Watching high level basketball is always fun and I can’t complain.
The Student: What’s the number one item on your bucket list?
Walter: Number one for me would be to secure an entry level job in the field that I’m working in just so that way I know I’m going somewhere.
The Student: What is the most underrated spot on campus?
Walter: The upper level of the Union. It’s really nice and quiet, you can get a lot of work done. Even if you just wanted to hang out with friends, this is a nice spot to just hang out and talk.
The Student: If you had to give a shoutout to anyone, who would it be?
Walter: I want to shout out my family because they’ve always had my back. I also want to give a shout out to my basketball trainer down at home, Luke Gildey. He’s one of the ones that helped me realize how much hard work is important and taught me that having ambition whether it’s on or off the court will be very beneficial in the long run.