Sports MBA Students Play Key Role in Fourth Annual ALS Game

_{Written by Kylie Hastings and Wasif Hussain, SMBA '26}

This game was especially meaningful for the community and for SDSU Basketball due to the impact ALS has had on Coach Mark Fisher. Kylie and Wasif helped share his story and raise awareness through the Hoops Fights ALS foundation, which was created in support of the Fisher family. The event raised $6,000, with all proceeds going toward local ALS research in San Diego.

Kylie and Wasif worked closely with Steve Becvar, Assistant Director of Development for SDSU Athletics, and Reed Farley, Key Partnerships Manager at JMI Sports, supporting the marketing and game-day efforts surrounding the event. From early planning to execution, they were involved in multiple touchpoints that helped elevate ALS awareness throughout the game. Becvar reflected on the group’s involvement:

“I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership, professionalism, and enthusiasm demonstrated by Kylie Hastings, Wasif Hussain, and the entire SDSU Sports MBA cohort in driving the 4th Annual ALS Awareness Game to success. These students exemplify the strength of the SDSU Sports MBA program by applying real world sports management skills to create meaningful social impact. By collaborating across the athletic department and in the community, they elevated this game by leveraging the platform of college basketball to raise awareness, and advance the fight against ALS. Their impact this year highlights the value of engaging future sports leaders in causes that truly matter.”

Through the project, Kylie and Wasif contributed to social media and creative content, including conducting an interview with legendary SDSU basketball coach Steve Fisher. They also helped curate this year’s game-day flyer and placard, assisted with videoboard and courtside signage assets, and supported fan-facing activations in the COURTyard and inside the arena.

On game day, Kylie and Wasif took on leadership roles, guiding and coordinating their fellow Sports MBA classmates as they helped execute the planned activations. Working together, the group assisted with on-site setup, fan engagement, and dealing with adjustments throughout the event, playing an important role in bringing the game-day experience to life.

The electric game-day environment required adaptability, communication, and attention to detail, giving Kylie, Wasif, and their classmates a feel for what it takes to deliver a successful athletic event. The experience highlighted how collaboration and preparation are essential to creating a meaningful and engaging fan experience. Kylie discussed her role in planning and working the game:

“Working the ALS Game was an unforgettable and deeply meaningful experience. I am incredibly grateful to have helped raise awareness for the Fisher family and the ALS community. Being part of something that extended beyond basketball and had the power to create real change was truly impactful.”

For Kylie and Wasif, the ALS Awareness Game was more than just a project, it was a chance to see how sports can be used as a platform for storytelling, community engagement, and impact.