Springfield, Mass. - October 2, 2025 - For Arsen Shtefan '24, football was more than just a game. It was the training ground for life,  a place where he learned loyalty, teamwork, discipline, and selflessness. Those lessons, combined with hands-on academic experience in sport management, shaped his path to one of the most prestigious stages in international sport: working in Operations for the Ryder Cup.

"Football shaped me to be the man I am today," Shtefan said. "It taught me valuable skills and lessons I could not have learned anywhere else. Academically, I was fortunate to gain hands-on experience because of how my Sport Management major was structured, and that directly led me to this amazing opportunity."

Shtefan's role in operations puts him at the heart of the action. Ryder Cup operations are responsible for the logistics that make the tournament run smoothly, from coordinating venues and transportation to setting up infrastructure, credentials, and hospitality.

"It's the behind-the-scenes work that ensures fans, players, and staff all have an unforgettable experience," Shtefan explained. "There are so many moving parts, and making sure they all fit together is both challenging and rewarding."

That experience didn't come out of nowhere. Before the Ryder Cup, Shtefan built his résumé through opportunities with Travelers Championship and the PGA of America, gaining first-hand knowledge of how major tournaments are organized. Each role allowed him to learn new aspects of event management, from fan engagement to sponsor relations, preparing him to contribute at one of the sport's biggest international stages.

Motivation has been a constant force throughout his journey. "Personally, I am motivated by my mom and dad, who have truly inspired me in all sorts of ways," he said. "Professionally, I am motivated by my peers, coworkers, and the outcome of the tournaments I've been a part of. When you see the impact an event has on so many people, it pushes you to give your best."

He is quick to point out that opportunities like this don't come by accident. "Do as many internships as possible," he advises current students. "Fill up that résumé and network yourself, because the more people you know, the more doors you can leave open for yourself regardless of the situation you are currently in."

While his professional journey continues to climb, Shtefan's fondest memories of Springfield still take him back to the field. "Beating the #2 team in the nation, Cortland, in the snow at their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament, that's something I will never forget," he said. "It was about more than just the win. It was the camaraderie, the shared experience, and the pride of being part of something bigger than yourself."

From memorable playoff games in the snow to coordinating one of the most celebrated golf events in the world, Shtefan's journey reflects the power of Springfield College's mission. The lessons he learned on and off the field continue to open doors, proving that the values instilled on Alden Street can carry graduates anywhere, even to the global stage of the Ryder Cup.

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