Two new VCU Center for Sport Leadership graduates join the World Cup lineup

By Greg Burton
Center for Sport Leadership

As World Cup fever sweeps the country this summer, two recent graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Sport Leadership are helping fuel fan excitement - and highlighting the power of alumni networking.

Hannah Kaloi and Ashley Karn were part of the Class of 2026 at the CSL, whose acclaimed 12-month master's program prepares leaders for the evolving global sport industry. They quickly became attached to arguably the biggest sporting event in the world. As event executives with Octagon, a prominent sports and entertainment agency, they are supporting a major client initiative at the five-week soccer spotlight: Bank of America's FIFA World Cup 2026 fan activation.

"I feel extremely fortunate to be part of it, and it has exceeded every expectation," said the Los Angeles-based Karn, who also earned her undergraduate degree from VCU and played for the women's lacrosse team. "The atmosphere at each match is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The energy and passion from fans around the world create an environment that is impossible to replicate."

Held every four years by the international governing body FIFA, the World Cup is being hosted this year in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Karn was even on site for the U.S. team's opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12, describing the scene as "truly unforgettable."

Kaloi, who is based in San Francisco, said World Cup duty has been insightful as well as entertaining.

"Being part of an event of this scale has given me a better understanding of everything that goes into creating a memorable fan experience, from the planning and logistics to the real-time problem-solving that happens on site," she said. "The environment has been fast-paced, challenging and beyond exciting."

Karn credits the CSL alumni network for helping her find the opportunity. During an informational interview with CSL graduate Ben Malakoff, he suggested that Karn register for a sports marketing conference in Washington that he previously attended. During a panel discussion, Karn learned about the World Cup and opportunities with Octagon.

"The CSL network is so supportive and has helped so many of us find jobs," she said.

Karn secured her position and then deepened the CSL network. When Octagon needed additional help, she alerted Kaloi.

On match days, Kaloi and Karn ensure that the fan activation is set up and operated the way Bank of America, FIFA and event leadership have agreed upon, while following safety, brand and operational regulations.

As they distribute tens of thousands of Bank of America Fan Bands, they are also managing brand ambassadors by making sure their teams are prepared, supported and providing strong customer service to soccer fans from around the world.

"At the CSL, we talked a lot about global-mindedness, which is one of our core values. We learned to think globally and understand how cultural differences can shape experiences. That absolutely prepared me for meeting fans from around the world," said Kaloi, who worked with the VCU's women's basketball team while earning her Master of Sport Leadership degree.

"There's no doubt the CSL prepared me for this opportunity," Karn added. "The experiences we had inside and outside the classroom has helped me handle this fast-paced, high-pressure setting."

Kaloi noted that the World Cup experience, like her CSL experience, goes far beyond a single sport.

"It has placed me in an environment surrounded by people who are deeply invested not only in soccer but in sports as a whole," she said. "Being able to learn from supervisors, managers and professionals who have worked across different areas of the sports industry has been one of the most valuable parts of the experience."