UNE business student named national student MVP for NFL volunteer efforts
UNE College of Business student Ty LeBlond (Sport Management, ’25) has been recognized as one of only 10 student MVPs — out of a pool of 1,500 students — for his outstanding contributions in support of various events surrounding this year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. The honor was awarded by MoonShot, a company contracted by the National Football League (NFL) for large event management and promotion.
LeBlond was among a select group of five UNE students who were paid by the NFL to work at the Super Bowl Experience — a series of events held in downtown New Orleans from Feb. 5 to 8 in anticipation of the big game — where they helped manage fan experiences and networked with sports management students from across the country.
This marks the second consecutive year that UNE students have participated in the Super Bowl’s business operations, and the University was one of just two New England schools represented. Last year, four UNE students traveled to Las Vegas for the event.
Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., a teaching professor in UNE’s College of Business and director of the Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Business and Innovation degree program, praised LeBlond’s enthusiasm and leadership.
“Ty LeBlond exemplifies what it means to approach every challenge with a positive spirit and an unwavering smile,” Vlachos said. “No matter the task, he brings energy, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude that inspires those around him.”
Vlachos also commended LeBlond’s efforts to document his experience on UNE’s TikTok and Instagram accounts, where he shared behind-the-scenes moments and inspired future Nor’easters to seek a business education at UNE.
“Ty’s willingness to share his journey not only reflects his dedication but also his commitment to uplifting and motivating his peers,” she said.
UNE’s College of Business has emphasized experiential learning since its launch in 2023, offering students hands-on opportunities with sports organizations and industry leaders.
Earlier this year, the college announced an industry research partnership with the Maine Mariners professional hockey team focused on operations management, and students from the college complete internships with teams such as the Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Celtics. UNE business students regularly interact with some of Maine’s leading business professionals through design-thinking exercises with leading industry figures and networking opportunities at statewide conferences, such as the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit.
Through these immersive experiences, UNE prepares students like LeBlond to excel in the competitive sports industry, ensuring they gain the skills, networks, and real-world knowledge needed for success.
LeBlond said he was honored to receive the MVP award, calling it “an amazing feeling” and thanking Vlachos, as well as Norm O’Reilly, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business, and Patty Williams, associate director of Athletics for Club and Intramural Sports, who also attended the trip.
“I like to think of myself as someone who will always put his best foot forward and have a smile on my face when I do it, so getting selected for this gives me confidence that I am doing the right things,” he said. “Huge thanks to Dr. Vlachos, who nominated me without my knowledge. Knowing that somebody I highly respect thinks that I deserved to get this award makes me feel grateful.
“I worked hard during the couple days we were in New Orleans, and to see it pay off is really exciting,” he added.