My Passion for Sports and Environmental Innovation.
.pdf
School
Nassau Community College**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
ENG 313
Subject
Management
Date
Dec 19, 2024
Pages
5
Uploaded by CoachSwan723
Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. Thomas Coyne DOB: 08/18/2005 Phone: 516-595-5102 Email: TJCoyne0918@gmail.com School: Penn State University Abington
Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. "There is no business to be done on a dead planet." - David Brower. Sports have always been more than a game for me, it is a way of life, a source of inspiration, and a field of opportunity for growth and innovation. As a business major and collegiate athlete, with a passion for both athletics and environmental stewardship, I aspire to create a groundbreaking organization that replaces the used rubber under synthetic artificial turf with eco-friendly alternatives. This passion connects deeply to my personal, professional, and educational goals, driving me to merge two seemingly distinct worlds, sports and sustainability. It is a challenging path, but as the saying goes, “True champions don’t just play the game; they change it for the better.” My journey into this niche began with my love for baseball, which has been a constant in my life since childhood. I started playing on fields where the diamond was dirt and the outfield was grass, a simple yet beautiful connection to the natural environment. Over time, however, these fields were replaced with artificial turf as field managers prioritized reducing yearly maintenance costs. While the intention was practical, they often overlooked the uneven playing surfaces and the rapid deterioration of the underlying shredded rubber. Participating in athletics taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. These lessons extended beyond the field, shaping my character and instilling a drive to improve not just myself but the systems around me. Over time, I began noticing an overlooked issue in the sports world, the environmental impact of synthetic turf. Most fields use shredded rubber from recycled tires as infill, which, while cost-effective initially, comes with significant drawbacks. The material releases harmful chemicals, contributes to microplastic pollution, and can become excessively
Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. hot during games, posing risks to players. Recognizing this problem ignited a spark within me to find a better solution. My proposed solution is to replace shredded rubber with eco-friendly alternatives like cork, a renewable material that offers numerous benefits. Cork provides a cooler, safer, and more environmentally friendly playing surface while maintaining the performance athletes need. However, this vision has not come without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I face is convincing current stadium and field managers that switching to eco-friendly alternatives is both cost-effective and advantageous for players. Many are hesitant to move away from the status quo, citing concerns about upfront costs and unproven performance. This challenge has tested my ability to research, communicate persuasively, and think creatively, skills that are essential for any aspiring entrepreneur. To address these challenges, I’ve developed strategies that combine data-driven arguments with storytelling. For instance, I emphasize the long-term financial benefits of eco-friendly infield. While cork may have a higher initial cost, it reduces maintenance expenses over time by minimizing heat-related wear and tear on the field. Additionally, cork’s environmental benefits, such as its biodegradability and lower carbon footprint, appeal to organizations looking to align with growing sustainability trends. To bolster my case, I’ve conducted extensive research and used real-world examples of facilities that have successfully adopted eco-friendly alternatives. This approach not only strengthens my argument but also demonstrates my commitment to finding practical, scalable solutions.
Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. Beyond research and persuasion, pursuing this passion has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and adaptability. One notable experience came when I presented my idea to the community sports facility board of my hometown, where I spent years winning athletic awards playing on their fields. Despite my thorough preparation, I was met with skepticism and questions I hadn’t anticipated. Instead of being discouraged, I viewed this as an opportunity to refine my pitch and better address concerns. I realized the importance of listening to feedback and tailoring my message to different audiences. This experience reinforced my belief that success is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them as opportunities for growth. My passion for combining sports and environmental business also aligns seamlessly with my academic journey as a business major. Studying subjects like marketing, finance, and operations management has equipped me with the tools to bring my vision to life. For example, coursework in supply chain management has helped me understand how to source sustainable materials efficiently, while marketing classes have taught me how to craft compelling messages that resonate with stakeholders. My education has not only deepened my understanding of business principles but also inspired me to think critically about how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal after graduation is to establish an organization that pioneers sustainable practices in the sports industry. This organization will not only replace synthetic turf infill with eco-friendly alternatives but also educate communities about the importance of sustainability in athletics. I envision hosting workshops, partnering with schools and local leagues, and creating programs that empower young athletes to become environmental
Sustaining the Future: My Passion for Sports and Environmental InnovaƟon. advocates. By combining my love for sports with my commitment to sustainability, I hope to leave a lasting impact on both the athletic and environmental landscapes. This passion has profoundly influenced my personal growth as well. It has taught me the value of perseverance in the face of adversity, the importance of collaboration, and the power of innovation. It has also shown me that true success lies in making a difference, no matter how small it may seem. As I continue to pursue this path, I am inspired by the words, “True champions don’t just play the game; they change it for the better.” This quote reminds me that my journey is about more than achieving personal goals, it’s about creating a legacy that benefits others, giving back to the sport I love, and contributing to a sustainable future. In conclusion, my passion for sports and environmental business is more than a hobby; it is a driving force that shapes my goals and growth. Through this pursuit, I have developed critical skills, overcome challenges, and discovered a deeper sense of purpose. As I work toward building a sustainable sports organization, I am committed to proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can coexist. By changing the game, both on and off the field, I aim to make a meaningful difference for future generations.