Featured Alumni- Mike Bell

Nine years ago, HHP alumnus Mike Bell was an intern for the Wilson Tobs. Today, he’s entering his fifth year as the team’s general manager.

Between interning and leading the team, Mike served as the director of ticket and group sales and then took on responsibilities of an assistant general manager.

Mike was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and despite moving with his family to Charlotte when he was 12, he is a die-hard fan of his Pittsburgh professional sports teams. In Charlotte, Mike attended Porter Ridge High School, where he played hockey and baseball, captaining the baseball team and earning All-Conference honors his senior year. His hard work in the classroom led to his induction into the National Honor Society. As a student, Mike also worked in field maintenance and was a certified hockey referee.

At ECU, Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in sports studies with a minor in business before earning his M.S. in sport management. As a student, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Honor Society and selected for the Dean’s List. He was a member of the student government and served as the captain and president of the East Carolina Inline Hockey Club. Mike also worked at University Book Exchange and as an intern with Wilson Tobs, and with the Charlotte Checkers hockey team.

Currently he is a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Wilson and Gig360 Young Professionals. Mike is big supporter of the Wilson community. His goals are to keep the sport of baseball thriving in Wilson, serve the community and provide top notch entertainment to all in attendance.

Mike tells us, “My experience in HHP and the kinesiology department went above and beyond my expectations. Each professor really dug deep into the background of a sports organization and hit many important aspects that I still use to this day. Each class was very interesting, and the professors made sure we were able to talk to high-end sports professionals and really provided us some first-hand experience. The classes, students, and atmosphere of ECU is first class and I am proud to call myself a Pirate!”

Mike’s advice for current and prospective students? “Find your managerial leadership style and be able to adjust it because each employee responds differently. Obtain an internship or job in the sports industry before you graduate, don’t be a student who waits until their accredited class to break into the sports industry. Keep in mind that sales and marketing sits at the core of any organization, and keep your options open when it comes to what sports organization you want to work for or what department fits you. You may want to work in event operations for a professional baseball team and later find out you really enjoy marketing events at the collegiate level.”