Former Big Ten VP Rick Boyages Discusses Leadership, Networking, and Challenges in Sports Industry

Granville, OH — Rick Boyages, former Big Ten associate commissioner and veteran of the sports industry, recently shared insights into leadership, networking, and personal growth in an engaging talk at Denison University. As someone with decades of experience in collegiate and international basketball, Boyages provided a deep dive into the essential skills needed for success in the sports world and beyond. Boyages is a current Professor of Parctice in the Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies (HESS) Department.

Experience in the Big Ten Boyages, who served as the vice president of basketball for the Big Ten during a period of expansion, discussed the evolution of the conference, emphasizing its historical significance. Despite its expansion to 18 teams, the conference retained the name “Big Ten” due to its 100-year legacy. Boyages, who recently transitioned to a consulting role, shared how he now advises sports tech companies and other projects while serving in a unique role at Denison University. His position aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry experience, providing students with practical knowledge from a seasoned professional.

Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals When asked about the essential skills for succeeding in the sports industry, Boyages stressed the importance of delivering high-quality work from the outset. Whether performing a menial task or tackling a larger project, consistency, reliability, and a proactive attitude are critical. “They can rely on you and give you more responsibility if you consistently deliver good work,” Boyages noted.

These qualities—being reliable and consistent—are more than just about earning respect in the workplace. According to Boyages, this level of dependability gives young professionals significant leverage with employers. Demonstrating that you are someone who can take on a variety of tasks, regardless of their size or perceived importance, builds a reputation that can open doors to higher-level projects, promotions, and leadership opportunities.

For aspiring professionals, whether in sports or other industries, the ability to consistently exceed expectations helps build trust with employers. This trust is crucial, as it increases your visibility within an organization and leads to greater opportunities for advancement. “If you can do the work, anticipate needs, and show you’re dependable,” Boyages said, “you’ll find yourself taking on more responsibilities before you know it.”

Boyages also emphasized the importance of taking initiative, especially early in one’s career. He encouraged students to tackle tasks that others might avoid, believing that these efforts often lead to future opportunities. He used the acronym “TTI” — Take the Initiative — as a motto for aspiring professionals.

Lessons from International Experience Boyages reflected on his time coaching in Czechoslovakia under the communist regime in the 1980s. Working with both the national and junior national basketball teams, he immersed himself in the culture and the game, earning respect through his basketball knowledge. Despite the political backdrop, Boyages focused on creating value on the court, leading to long-term relationships with local coaches. This international experience, he said, taught him how to adapt to different cultures and environments, a valuable lesson for those aiming to work globally in sports.

Networking: A Key to Success According to Boyages, networking is one of the most critical components of building a career in the sports industry. He encouraged students to research potential contacts and find common connections that could serve as conversation starters. “Even remote connections, like attending similar schools or growing up in the same region, can help break the ice,” Boyages advised.

He also highlighted the importance of persistence in networking, suggesting that students follow up if they don’t receive a response immediately. “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away,” Boyages said. “Successful people are busy, but a follow-up email can often lead to an opportunity.”

Overcoming Challenges in the Industry Boyages touched on the challenges he faced in moving up the ranks in the sports world, noting the prevalence of Type A personalities and self-promotion in the industry. He believes in the philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all ships,” emphasizing that team success often leads to individual opportunities. Boyages warned against focusing too much on personal achievements at the expense of the team and stressed the importance of working together for collective success.

He also addressed the sacrifices involved in climbing the career ladder, including the personal toll that frequent relocations can take. Boyages moved five times in 11 years while pursuing coaching opportunities, a journey that required strong family support.

Final Thoughts Throughout his talk, Boyages reiterated the importance of staying true to one’s core values. As someone who has witnessed both the highs and lows of a long career in sports, he advised students to remain authentic and consistent in their approach to leadership and collaboration.

By Ethan Scott '25
Ethan Scott '25 Peer Career Fellow: Technology, Data and Science