Sport Management, Michigan ’26
Isacco
G. Mati
Come learn more about me. Here you'll discover who I am, what I'm passionate about, and the path I'm building as I begin my professional journey.
Who Am I
I'm Isacco G. Mati, a Sport Management student at the University of Michigan graduating in May 2026. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA, have earned Dean's Honors recognition, and am completing the Sales and Business Development Certificate through the Ross School of Business.
I grew up in Glenview, Illinois, but spent my high school years living in Florence, Italy, an experience that gave me a global perspective and shaped many of my personal and professional interests. Before beginning college, I also had the opportunity to play professional soccer in Italy's Serie C with Lucchese 1905. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about competition, performing under pressure, and the discipline required to consistently show up and deliver at a high level.
Based in
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduating
May 2026
Languages
EN / IT / FR
GPA
3.8 / 4.0
Where I've Been
Co-President
University of Michigan Men's Club Soccer- –Lead all operational, administrative, and strategic functions for a 30-player organization generating ~$35,000 annually, including budgeting, travel logistics, coaching coordination, and compliance with University policies
- –Planned and executed a 170+ player tryout process generating $4,000 in revenue, overseeing registration strategy, evaluations, scheduling, and event operations
- –Organized and hosted a 12-team intercollegiate spring tournament in Ann Arbor generating $6,000, managing venue coordination, competition scheduling, partnerships, and event-day operations
- –Raised ~$10,000 through Giving Blue Day by developing and executing a multi-channel fundraising strategy leveraging social media, alumni engagement, and targeted donor outreach
Retail Associate
Lululemon- –Delivered a premium consumer experience by leveraging product knowledge and brand storytelling to drive sales and strengthen brand loyalty
- –Analyzed guest purchasing behavior and product preferences to provide tailored recommendations and support assortment awareness
- –Supported merchandising execution through floor replenishment, visual presentation, and inventory organization aligned with seasonal product strategies
- –Contributed to store sales performance by building strong customer relationships and identifying opportunities to increase transaction value
Business Development Coordinator
Athelo Group- –Identified and developed sponsorship and partnership opportunities for professional athlete clients, supporting revenue generation and brand growth initiatives
- –Drafted, reviewed, and supported negotiation of sponsorship agreements to ensure clear deliverables and mutually beneficial terms between athletes and brand partners
- –Developed branded content proposals, campaign briefs, and partnership activation concepts aligned with client marketing objectives
- –Authored industry-focused articles analyzing trends in sports marketing, athlete branding, and digital media strategy
Featured Work
DJ Diveny x Timms — Sponsorship Deck
Developed a full sponsorship proposal for freestyle soccer athlete DJ Diveny and football art brand Timms-store, outlining Silver, Gold, and Platinum partnership packages and activation strategies.
Business Development Intern
Pixellot- –Conducted market research on U.S. youth soccer and equestrian markets to identify business development and expansion opportunities
- –Researched and developed a strategic market entry plan for the equestrian industry, presenting actionable growth opportunities and partnership targets to senior leadership
- –Maintained CRM data and supported sales pipeline organization to improve client tracking and outreach efficiency
- –Assisted with website updates and digital content management to support marketing and brand visibility initiatives
Featured Work
Pixellot Equestrian — Market Entry Pitch
Led independent market research into the equestrian sports industry and presented a 6-stage market expansion strategy directly to Pixellot's Head of Business Development and VP of Sales.
Professional Soccer Player
Lucchese 1905, Serie C (Italian 3rd Division)- –Trained and competed with a Serie C first-team, gaining experience within a fully professional European football structure
- –Earned first-team call-ups and integrated into matchday squads alongside experienced domestic and international professional players
- –Developed high-performance habits through daily training, video analysis, and tactical preparation in a results-driven professional environment
- –Built adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills while competing and living in an international professional sports setting
Academic Work
SM 440 — Sports, Economic Development & Urban Revitalization
MLB Expansion: Nashville vs. Charlotte
A 25-page market analysis evaluating Nashville and Charlotte as MLB expansion candidates, including demographic research, stadium financing models, and economic impact projections. Produced under the firm name Bluejay Partners.
SM 217 — Business Communication
Beyond the Baseline: ATP Fan Engagement
A strategic presentation proposing a redesigned NFT and fan engagement strategy for the ATP Tour in partnership with Art Blocks Engine, addressing revenue gaps and brand awareness opportunities.
SM 441 — Monetization Issues in Sport
Cleveland Browns Stadium Naming Rights Valuation
A 15-slide market analysis projecting the naming rights value of the Cleveland Browns' proposed new stadium at $12M–$15M per year, benchmarked against comparable NFL venues including Paycor Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, and Allegiant Stadium. Analyzed market size, corporate landscape, fan loyalty, and site exposure opportunities.
SM 313 — Business, Law & Ethics of Online Sports Betting
Tennessee Sports Betting Market
A comprehensive analysis of Tennessee's regulated sports wagering industry — from the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that opened the door, to the state's unique mobile-only model launched in 2020. Covers the legal and regulatory framework overseen by the Sports Wagering Council, Tennessee's distinctive handle-based tax structure (1.85%), revenue allocation to education and mental health, the competitive landscape of licensed operators, and the balance between market growth and responsible gaming.
MKT 312 — Retail Marketing Management
Barry's Bootcamp Site Selection
A site selection analysis for Barry's Bootcamp, a premium boutique fitness brand. The project identifies the ideal customer profile, defines primary, secondary, and tertiary trading areas, and evaluates location types using retail theory. After comparing Ann Arbor, Wilmette, and Evanston across demographic and economic data, Evanston, IL was selected as the top market. The final recommended site is 1700 Sherman Ave, chosen for its high foot traffic, walkability, proximity to Northwestern University, and alignment with Barry's premium brand positioning.
What I Love
Soccer
Soccer has been the constant throughout my life. From playing professionally with Lucchese 1905 in Italy to now co-leading the University of Michigan men's club team, the game has shaped how I think about competition, discipline, and leadership. It's where I learned how to push myself and how to bring the best out of the people around me.
House Music
House music is a big part of my everyday life. Artists like Chris Stussy are always in my rotation whether I'm working out, going out, or just unwinding. I appreciate the energy, creativity, and culture around the genre.
Fitness
Staying active is part of my daily routine and mindset. Whether it's lifting, cycling, or playing soccer, tennis, or basketball, I always find ways to stay moving. Fitness keeps me focused, competitive, and balanced both mentally and physically.
Fashion & Design
I have always been drawn to fashion, branding, and design as forms of personal expression. From how I dress to how brands present themselves, I appreciate the details that make something feel intentional and authentic. Style has always been a meaningful way for me to express personality and creativity.
Italy & Florence
Spending my high school years in Florence had a lasting impact on who I am today. Living there immersed me in a new culture and perspective that I still carry with me. I speak Italian and feel a deep connection to the lifestyle, food, and design culture. Italy will always feel like a second home to me.
Enzo
My golden retriever Enzo is the best dog in the world. End of discussion.