Thomas-Wells completed internships with the Arkansas Travelers, the Arkansas Activities Association and the Air Force Recreation League 鈥� experiences that built his confidence, confirmed his passion for the industry, and solidified his decision to pursue a career in sports. 

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Thomas-Wells has built a strong foundation in leadership, program planning, and facility management. Throughout his coursework he has learned about policy development, risk management, and event operations 鈥� all of which help him in his day-to-day responsibilities. 

Now, he鈥檚 working on a capstone project focusing on evaluating the youth programs at Little Rock Parks and Recreation against National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.The project is designed to strengthen local programs, with an emphasis on the importance of stronger coaching education, and training. Through his research, Thomas-Wells is helping provide a structured, sustainable model that can help Little Rock Parks and Recreation align more closely with NRPA standards and enhance the overall quality of its youth sports programs. 

Working with 85 children ages 4-12 requires organization, teamwork, and preparation behind the scenes. Thomas-Wells鈥� typical day starts with reflecting on the previous day鈥檚 programs and identifying ways to improve. From there, he prepares for the day ahead 鈥� coordinating practices, organizing equipment, and getting facilities ready for use. Most evenings include youth sports practices 鈥� usually consisting of flag football, basketball, and soccer 鈥� to ensure programs run smoothly and every participant has a positive experience.

鈥淐oaching plays a major role in shaping young athletes,鈥� Thomas-Wells said. 鈥淚f we can provide better guidance and resources for coaches, we can create a more positive environment where kids feel supported, encouraged and motivated to keep playing.鈥�

For Thomas-Wells, his work is about more than sports 鈥� it鈥檚 about making sure the next generation of kids has the same positive experience that first inspired him.

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Taylor鈥檚 journey to the sidelines began at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where he was drawn to the university by the opportunity to serve as a Trojan women’s basketball manager. There, he found a passion for the behind-the-scenes operations of collegiate sports, which shaped his career path. 

Working alongside coaches and athletes provided valuable insight into the leadership, preparation and teamwork required to run a successful athletic program. Encouraged by coaches and mentors, Taylor is continuing to build on that experience by pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management, gaining a deeper understanding of how programs operate on and off the field. 

Those lessons now shape his approach at Stuttgart High School, where he works daily with student-athletes as the boys and girls tennis coach and an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. Coaching two different sports has also taught him to develop a flexible leadership style. Over time, he has learned that effective coaching means adapting to the needs of each team and each student.

Dr. Katherine Helms, an associate professor of sports management, said Taylor鈥檚 passion for mentorship and athletics makes him a strong role model for student-athletes.

鈥淚an has seen first-hand the value of sports within education,鈥� Helms said. 鈥淗e understands that athletics can be a powerful way to teach life skills, and it鈥檚 exciting to see him using what he鈥檚 learning in the classroom to positively impact students.鈥�

Faculty members at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock say experiences like Taylor鈥檚 highlight the broader impact athletics can have on students. Taylor Harrington, Ed.D., assistant professor in the School of Education, says mentors like Taylor can make a meaningful difference in rural communities. In towns like Stuttgart, where resources and extracurricular opportunities may be limited, educators and coaches often serve as important mentors, helping students build confidence and discover new opportunities. 

For Taylor, that influence is personal. 

鈥淐oming from a rural community myself, I understand how much coaches and teachers can impact students鈥� lives,鈥� Taylor says. 鈥淚n a small town, the community really shows up for you. There鈥檚 a strong support system, and that gives you the ability to make a real difference. I always say to find the place that fits you. Your style will evolve, but the right environment will support you and help you succeed.鈥�

For Taylor, coaching is about far more than wins and losses. It鈥檚 about creating opportunities for students to grow, both on and off the court. In communities like Stuttgart, where schools often serve as centers of opportunity, educators and coaches play a vital role in helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and imagine possibilities for their futures. Drawing on lessons he gained at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and his own experience growing up in a rural community, Taylor continues to invest in his students’ success, encouraging them to bloom where they are planted.

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Seven weeks and six surgeries later, Guzman lost his right foot. That experience pushed him to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in sport management at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while continuing his work with Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

Before moving to Little Rock in 2025, Guzman had spent nearly a decade working in Corpus Christi, Texas, including five years in municipal parks and recreation. Originally from Lockhart, Texas 鈥� a town he jokes is 鈥渓egally required鈥� to call itself the barbecue capital of the world 鈥� Guzman had been searching for a challenging opportunity that would help him grow professionally.

Little Rock Parks and Recreation offered that chance.

鈥淚 felt like I could come in here and use my skill set to develop and improve some of the things they were doing,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淏ut also learn from them in areas where I wasn鈥檛 as strong.鈥�

Not long after arriving in Arkansas, Guzman developed a severe infection in his foot and was hospitalized at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Over the next seven weeks, he underwent multiple surgeries before doctors ultimately amputated his right foot to stop the infection.

Despite the circumstances, Guzman said the support he received from coworkers and the Little Rock community left a lasting impression.

Even though he had only worked for the city for two weeks, he kept his paycheck and insurance coverage. His coworkers even donated crisis leave hours and checked in on him while he recovered.

鈥淭he people in the city really supported me 鈥� without even knowing me,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淧eople were donating hours they had accumulated just to help me get through that situation.鈥�

During those weeks in the hospital, Guzman began thinking about how to use the time productively.

His path through higher education had already been unconventional. Guzman returned to college at age 38 and earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication studies from Texas A&M University鈥揅orpus Christi in 2017.

While recovering in Little Rock, he began thinking about graduate school.

鈥淚鈥檇 never considered getting my master鈥檚 degree,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淚t was never something on my radar. But since I had the time, I thought, 鈥榃hy not?鈥欌��

He enrolled in the Sport Management graduate program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in fall 2025. Now in his second semester, Guzman is taking nine credit hours each term online while continuing to work full time for the city.

Guzman utilized the Get Your Feet Wet scholarship, which helped make his decision easier. The program allows prospective graduate students to take their first course at a reduced cost, giving them a chance to see if graduate school fits their schedule and goals.

鈥淭hat scholarship tells people, 鈥楬ey, give it a shot,鈥欌�� Guzman said. 鈥淚f it works with your schedule and you like it, you keep going. If not, you鈥檙e not out a lot of money.鈥�

Guzman said the scholarship helped remove some of the financial uncertainty of returning to school later in life.

鈥淕oing back to school can be a scary thought,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut programs like that give people the opportunity to try it and see if it works.鈥�

He said faculty members such as Dr. Katie Helms, associate professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation, have been supportive as he balances work and school.

鈥淢y professors have been outstanding,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey understand that we鈥檙e adults with careers and responsibilities that affect the community.鈥�

Helms said Guzman brings valuable real-world experience to the classroom.

鈥淩ecreational sports opportunities for communities illustrate the human development side of sports, where sports are used to enhance our health, happiness, and human potential,鈥� Helms said. 鈥淛oe pursues this higher purpose of sports in his daily work at Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and I’m glad that he chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to further his professional development and commitment to it.鈥�

In class, Helms said Guzman often shares insights from his work at Southwest Community Center and youth sports programs across the city.

鈥淗e has also been a valuable resource for student involvement in sports facilities and programs through tours, experiential opportunities, and internships,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m honored to call Joe a professional colleague and hope to collaborate with him on many projects to come.鈥�

Dr. Jonathan Farrar, adjunct professor in the sport management program, said Guzman鈥檚 leadership and commitment stand out in the classroom.

鈥淛oe Guzman has been an amazing student and a joy to have in class,鈥� Farrar said. 鈥淛oe communicates exceptionally well and consistently looks for ways to support those around him. You can clearly see in his work how passionate he is about what he commits himself to.鈥�

Farrar said Guzman frequently connects classroom discussions with real-world examples from his work with Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

While working toward his degree, Guzman continues to manage several responsibilities with Little Rock Parks and Recreation. During the major winter storm that blanketed Little Rock in snow for more than a week in January, he and his team helped turn Dunbar Community Center into an overnight shelter for residents who needed a warm place to stay.

鈥淒unbar Community Center was an overnight shelter for about 12 nights,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淢y role was to make sure we had staff there 24 hours a day.鈥�

As Recreation Programs Coordinator, Guzman oversees several community centers across Little Rock, including Dunbar, Stephens, West Central, and Southwest Community Centers. His goal is to expand how those spaces serve their neighborhoods.

鈥淢y biggest focus right now is making our community centers less of a recreation center and more of a community resource,鈥� Guzman said.

Programs vary depending on neighborhood needs, from tutoring and holiday events to health fairs and outreach initiatives. At Southwest Community Center, staff partnered with Exalt Academy of Southwest Little Rock to host a coat drive that provided winter coats to dozens of students. The center has also hosted Spanish Bingo nights designed for the area鈥檚 Hispanic community.

鈥淚t鈥檚 offering the community a place to go where they may not otherwise have access to things they need,鈥� Guzman said.

Guzman is also helping rethink how youth sports programs operate within the city. As a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association, he works to align Little Rock鈥檚 programs with national standards while introducing new approaches to participation.

鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to break the gatekeeping of sports,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淭here needs to be something for everybody.鈥�

For Guzman, the lesson from the past year is simple.

鈥淛ust because you get an obstacle in your way doesn鈥檛 mean your life鈥檚 over,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e got to adapt to it.鈥�

And when he eventually walks across the stage with his master鈥檚 degree, Guzman hopes his story sends a message.

鈥淚f I can do it, y鈥檃ll can do it,鈥� he said.

The post From Setback to Service: Joe Guzman Pursues Graduate Degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock appeared first on News.

After spending much of his life as a player, his curiosity shifted behind the scenes 鈥� driven by a desire to learn how teams are built, supported, and developed. That passion for growth, both his own and others鈥�, led him to pursue a Master of Science in Sport Management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and into a role developing student-athletes on and off the court.

A 2025 graduate of the program, Triplett has stayed connected to the game that shaped him, seeking to understand what it takes to run a successful program.

鈥淲hat originally drew me to the field was my passion for wanting to learn and grow within sports,鈥� Triplett said. 鈥淚 had always been interested in what it takes to run a team from the front office and managerial perspective.鈥�

That interest grew during his time in the Sport Promotion program, where he gained a behind-the-scenes perspective of how athletics departments operate. Seeing the preparation required for games, events, and practices reshaped the way he approached his own work.

鈥淭here is so much that goes on behind the scenes that you鈥檙e unaware of as a player,鈥� he said. 鈥淟earning the different processes departments go through to make sure everything functions properly has made me more in-depth in my own process now.鈥�

Today, Triplett serves as the director of player development for the men鈥檚 basketball team, a role centered on supporting student-athletes both on and off the court. Working in coordination with head coach Darrell Walker, he creates and implements individualized development plans that address academic, athletic, and personal growth.

鈥淲hat energizes me the most is the look on players鈥� faces when something I鈥檝e taught them works,鈥� Triplett said. 鈥淎nd when they come back later saying they鈥檝e grown not just on the court, but as men and spiritually 鈥� that鈥檚 what gives me the greatest sense of energy.鈥�

Much of his approach reflects the intentional integration of classroom learning and professional experience emphasized in the Sport Management program. Dr. Katie Helms, an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance, and Rehabilitation within the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, said Triplett consistently connected theory to practice during his time as both a graduate student and graduate assistant coach.

鈥淟awrance arrived at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock ready to dive in,鈥� Helms said. 鈥淗e had a challenging dual role as both a graduate student and a graduate assistant coach for men鈥檚 basketball, and he embraced them both fully.鈥�

Helms said she had frequent conversations with Triplett about coaching experiences through the course material.

鈥淗e would often come into my office and tell me about a recent situation in his coaching that related to something we were doing in class,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 enjoyed our conversations like this, because it showed that he was putting together his coursework and his professional work in a way that was enhancing both.鈥�

That connection, Helms said, is central to the mission of the Sport Management program.

鈥淭his is an important goal of the MS Sport Management program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 鈥� to integrate theories, tools, and best practices with sports-related job experiences,鈥� she said. 鈥淜nowledgeable professionals who provide sports opportunities are difference-makers for their participants and communities, and Lawrance has certainly become that here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Triplett credits that foundation with helping him navigate leadership, communication, and strategic planning in his current role.

鈥淜nowing how to speak to certain players in specific ways to get the best out of them is huge,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nother part is game-planning for different opponents and understanding personnel to maximize each game plan.鈥�

Several mentors and moments at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped prepare Triplett for the transition from graduate student to athletics professional. Among them was coach Walker, whose encouragement continues to guide him.

鈥淗e told me I鈥檇 have a team of my own one day,鈥� Triplett said. 鈥淗e encouraged me to be genuine, never doubt my abilities, and always be willing to listen, learn, and grow. To see where I was then compared to now has been a major blessing.鈥�

When it comes to balancing performance, development, and well-being, Triplett believes the key is focusing on the individual rather than just the athlete.

鈥淲hen the individual improves, the athlete naturally improves,鈥� he said. 鈥淏y pouring into student-athletes on a personal level, they鈥檙e more willing to give their best in workouts, practices, and games.鈥�

For current 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, especially those pursuing Sport Promotion, Triplett encourages patience, self-belief, and consistency.

鈥淩emain faithful and consistent to who you are and your process,鈥� he said. 鈥淔ind your why, trust your journey, and don鈥檛 compare your path to anyone else鈥檚. That advice applies not just to Sport Promotion, but to life.鈥�

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The Newport native graduated from Newport High School in 2021 after helping lead the Greyhounds to a trip to the state basketball tournament. Before the pandemic, Dean had received several college offers to continue his athletic career. But by graduation day, COVID-related eligibility rule changes caused those opportunities to disappear.

Disappointed, Dean told his family, “If I can’t play ball, I’m not going to college.” His parents urged him to continue his education, reminding him that “maybe God has another route for you to take.”

Dean received several academic scholarships which provided him with the extra incentive to attend the university.  He is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health education and promotion and a minor in sport management. 

Adjusting to life without basketball wasn鈥檛 easy. Dean struggled his freshman year and found himself on academic probation. But he refused to stay there. He rebuilt his academic standing, made the Dean鈥檚 List twice, and maybe a third time this semester.

“This journey has had its ups and downs, but I鈥檓 the kind of person who never gives up and always learns along the way,鈥� he said.

Dean also found a way to reconnect with the sport he loved. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Wiedower welcomed him as a practice player for two years.

“He was a hard worker and enjoyed the game of basketball,” Wiedower said. “We could depend on him to be available to do whatever we needed him to do for the team. I always enjoyed J.D.’s friendly personality and his sense of humor.”

One of the most meaningful parts of Dean鈥檚 academic journey was his internship in a counseling and consulting office.

“Every day brought something new, and interacting with so many different personalities taught me the importance of professionalism and patience,” he said.

Outside the classroom, Dean discovered a new passion 鈥� day trading. “I’m a day trader and serial investor,” he said. “I trade U.S. stocks for a living.”

He and a classmate launched a program designed to teach others about trading, focusing not only on technical skills but also on discipline and mindset.

Throughout his time in school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Dean has expressed gratitude. “I’m thankful to God for allowing me to wake up every day and give 110% to finish this degree, but also my professors for being on me to get the work in and letting me know where I鈥檓 wrong,” he said.

His parents鈥� encouragement has shaped his values and work ethic. “My parents have always made sure that my education was a top priority,” he said. “Even when school became challenging or overwhelming, they reminded me that hard work always pays off.”

Dean said one of the most important moments of his college years had nothing to do with academics. “I had the privilege of welcoming my beautiful daughter into the world,” he said.

Becoming a father shifted his perspective, strengthened his determination, and deepened his sense of responsibility.

“From the moment I first laid eyes on her, everything changed,” Dean said. “Her presence alone pushes me to stay focused and committed to my goals.”

Dean said he鈥檚 grateful he didn鈥檛 give up on college. His advice to others is rooted in resilience.

“If you are willing to give up, just ask yourself, ‘What am I getting out of quitting?’ If it鈥檚 worth quitting, that means you were never dedicated.”

After graduating, Dean plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in sport management at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. “Sports have always played an important role in my life,” he said. “The program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offers the academic foundation and practical experience I need to turn this passion into a profession.”

As he prepares for the next chapter, Dean credits 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for helping shape him academically and personally.

“The experiences I鈥檝e had here, inside and outside the classroom, have shaped me into a more confident, focused, and well-rounded individual,” he said. “I have been able to build connections, step out of my comfort zone, and interact with people from all different backgrounds.”

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Avery Thomas-Wells, who is earning his master鈥檚 degree in the sports management program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is spending August 2024 through February 2025 analyzing football games for Pro Football Focus.

鈥淭his is pure data analytics,鈥� Thomas-Wells said. 鈥淎t the end of the day, you need to be passionate about liking and watching football. A lot of people who work for Pro Football Focus go on to work for NFL teams. I am getting some great experience, and I think this will open up the door to some great future jobs.鈥�

Founded in 2006, Pro Football Focus is a sports analytics company that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division-I football in the United States.

鈥淚 am thankful for the opportunity with Pro Football Focus and appreciative that I get to watch my alma mater, the Razorbacks, play,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am really happy and fortunate to get paid to watch Arkansas football games.鈥�

In Thomas-Wells鈥� job, he analyzes every player and every play of the college football games that he is assigned to review every week. Many football-related businesses use news, data, and analysis provided by Pro Football Focus, including football teams, broadcast networks, media outlets, agencies, video game companies, sportsbetting, and fantasy companies.

鈥淭he grades we give the players weigh into where they get drafted by the NFL,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty relevant for a coach that is recruiting, and it can be important when players are negotiating a contract.鈥�

Getting the internship was not for the weak of heart. Applicants had to make it through a tough six-week unpaid training program in June and July.

鈥淭his program started out with 2,500 people, and they only hired 350 people,鈥� Thomas-Wells said. 鈥淲hen I first started, it took me 11 hours to complete a game analysis, and now I鈥檝e gotten it down to under four hours. A lot of people couldn鈥檛 withstand the rigorous process, but I really love football and wanted to succeed.鈥�

Thomas-Wells said that the internship has been an incredible opportunity for him, and he plans to continue next year. After the football season ends in February, he and other Pro Football Focus employees can sign up for trainings to analyze football games in other areas.

鈥淚 plan on staying with Pro Football Focus as long as possible,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to finish off the year strong and hopefully take on bigger roles next year. I鈥檓 excited to see where this company is going to be in 10 years.鈥�

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Avery Thomas-Wells, who is earning his master鈥檚 degree in the sports management program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, interned with the Travelers from April through September, providing invaluable industry knowledge and a stepping stone toward his future career in the sports world.

鈥淚 learned a lot of different things,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 just wanted to have a broad experience to learn as much as possible about sports management. Say you want to become an athletic director; you have to wear a lot of different hats. With the Travelers, I learned everything from ticketing to game day operations to hospitality and marketing to how we handle safety.鈥�

Being an intern for the Travelers meant working a lot of nights and weekends, but Thomas-Wells commented that it was a great place to spend his time.

鈥淭his is a fun place to work, and my family, friends, and girlfriend enjoy coming here for games,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 especially enjoy the games when people bring their dogs. My dog, a German Shepherd named Bruce Wayne, would get so excited about seeing all the other dogs. Now that the baseball season is over, it鈥檚 almost sad to think about how quiet the weekends can be.鈥�

Thomas-Wells especially enjoyed being a part of such a memorable season, when the Travelers won the Texas League Championship for the first time in 16 years.

鈥淢y favorite part of the internship was when we won the championship,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the kind of experience that you hope for throughout the year. The fans are very excited, and it鈥檚 such a fun environment. Hopefully, winning the championship will bring in a lot more people to the games next year.鈥�

Thomas-Wells has already been invited to intern with the Travelers for the 2025 season.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to next season and taking on a bigger role,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 give the Travelers credit for having a good organization and a good working environment. I want to credit my supervisors Kaitlyn Bolton and Megan Girton. They don鈥檛 know how good of a job they did. They inspired me to want to work harder.鈥�

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