Game Changer

Kyle Emgenbroich

01-26-2024

When thinking about a Purdue superfan, you probably wouldn’t imagine them growing up cheering for the rival. But that’s exactly how my story began! Raised in Westfield, Indiana, I grew up in a divided household; my dad went to Purdue, but my mom was a huge IU fan and liked sports more. I caught my mom’s infectious love for the cream and crimson, which bled into my college decision.

Ending up at Purdue was never something on my college search bingo card, but as I mulled over where to spend the next four years, the decision included much more than academics. Throughout high school, I served as the Westfield High School basketball manager. My job was unique; while I wasn’t on the court playing, I still was close to the action and became part of a tight-knit brotherhood that extended well beyond the court. As my time as Westfield’s manager ended, I had made up my mind: I’d set my sights towards Bloomington, where I’d hoped to become a student manager for men’s basketball. The plan made sense to me – but it didn’t to my good friend Braden Smith.

As star point guard for Westfield, Braden had recently committed to play for Purdue and had a proposition for me. “Why don’t you come to Purdue and manage for us instead?” A few months later, I was in West Lafayette touring the Daniels School of Business and seriously considering a change of plans. I loved the atmosphere, where everyone was kind and invited me into a tight-knit community. I was especially drawn to the new Business Analytics and Information Management program, which impressed me because of my passion for sports analysis. By the end of my senior year, I visited Purdue three more times and applied to the BAIM program at the Daniels School of Business!

By the time I was admitted to Purdue, the decision was an afterthought. I was a Boilermaker! I eagerly awaited my arrival on campus and regularly reached out to Purdue’s Director of Basketball Operations, asking about how I could start the journey to managing the men’s team. I applied for the job as soon as applications went live, but I didn’t envision the difficulty of waiting. Interviews wouldn’t happen until later in the fall, and once I arrived at Purdue, I started to have second thoughts. What if I wanted a more traditional college experience? Did I really want to sacrifice this much time for basketball?

Just as I was considering giving up, the interview invitation came. This was the big moment – was I going to fulfill this dream or move on and pursue something else? As I took the long walk up to the athletic office, my heart raced, and I tried to compose myself. I sat inside the waiting area of the men’s basketball office, and while waiting Head Coach Matt Painter strolled down the hallway, about to walk straight past me. I took the opportunity, shot out of my chair, and introduced myself. The interaction was small, but it gave me a newfound excitement for managing. I got called back for the interview soon after, which went as quickly as it came. While I felt good about my previous experience and passion, I had no idea whether I’d get the job. Out of 50 applicants, only five of us would get positions. After some anxious moments and a bit more waiting, I got the call to be a manager for Purdue basketball!

While I waited for managing responsibilities to start, I became more involved within the Daniels School of Business, especially the Business Ambassadors program. During my visits, these student ambassadors were incredibly inviting and supportive in helping me envision myself at Purdue and within the School of Business. Once I arrived on campus, I wanted to prioritize joining Business Ambassadors and helping prospective students feel welcomed at the Daniels School and Purdue. I love connecting with others, so the program was a natural segue that plays into my strengths.

I also wanted to grow closer with my peers both academically and socially, so I rushed Purdue’s co-ed business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi (DSP). DSP disproved my assumptions about Greek life, giving me a unique brotherhood that provided deep friendships and impactful experiences along with basketball management and my courses.

Since I started managing basketball, I haven’t looked back. Managing has also taught me invaluable lessons that apply to my experiences on the court and in the classroom. For example, teamwork is an essential component of managing a basketball team. Working with 17 other managers, I need to establish trust and clear communication patterns with others to ensure that tasks are done efficiently.

The same is true as a business student. When working on a project or analyzing a problem, effectively communicating with others and finding efficient ways to solve problems is paramount. As a manager, I want to be hidden in the shadows of the game – not getting all the praise or glory but being proactive to make the entire process easier for others. With basketball, that means setting up drills, filling water, washing jerseys, and giving passes the ways players need. But this also translates to business; as a manager, my role isn’t to take all the credit and focus on publicity. Instead, my role is to empower others and do behind-the-scenes work to build an excellent culture.

Since becoming a basketball manager, my life hasn’t always been easy. College basketball demands a full-time commitment from both players and managers. Although I don’t work every day, I’ve had to master the art of prioritizing my commitments. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed, and certain weeks pose significant challenges. Life is like hilly terrain, marked by peaks and valleys. The key lies in understanding what takes priority, be it basketball, academics, career or family. During overwhelming or stressful times, I find solace in my support network through DSP, Business Ambassadors, and friends on campus. They help me navigate those moments.

While balancing my schedule can be challenging, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given, especially through managing. In my first two years at Purdue, I’ve experienced unforgettable memories with the team, including beating Illinois to win the Big Ten championship. Nothing beats watching confetti fall onto the court, cutting down the nets and heaving up a giant trophy in your arms.

While I don’t play on game day, I love the manager games, where we play managers from other teams on the night before the actual game. There’s nothing better than walking into Mackey, ball in hand, and competing with others exclusively for the love of the game.

As I focus on the future, I hope to combine my love of sports and business. Whether I work in analytics in the corporate space or venture into the rapidly developing field of sports analytics, Purdue has provided me with an abundance of resources. As a manager and student, I’m confident I’ll continue making incredible memories and build upon the many invaluable lessons.  Ever grateful and ever true, I’ll proudly rep the black-and-gold for years to come!