From Pre-PT to the Dugout with Gonzaga's M.A. in Sport & Athletic Administration

Changing career paths is rarely a linear journey, but for Central Washington University Head Baseball Coach, Aaron Vaughn, finding the right fit was all about combining a passion for athletics with a strategic business mindset. Armed with a Pre-Physical Therapy degree and a desire for something different, a move to Spokane opened the door to Gonzaga University’s Master of Arts in Sport and Athletic Administration (MASAA) program. Today, from managing campus rec facilities to leading a collegiate baseball program, that decision continues to pay dividends in unexpected ways.

Why did you decide to return to school for a masters degree?

I returned to school because I had a degree in Pre-PT but decided not to pursue that career. I was a lover of sport but also had a business mindset, so the MASAA program at Gonzaga fit perfectly!

Why did you pick MASAA and Gonzaga?

My wife had recently moved us to Spokane for her academics, and Gonzaga was a great choice.

How has MASAA set you up for success in your career?

The MASAA program set me up well for a career path in athletics in general. After graduating, I didn't particularly use my degree right away, as I was an area director for Young Life in the small town of Royal City and also an assistant coach at Big Bend CC. However, having a MA degree greatly helped set me up to get my next job as Rec Center Director and Head Baseball Coach at Wenatchee Valley College. While I was there, I was able to fulfill many roles at WVC, including SRC Director, Assistant AD, Interim AD, and even, at one point, was offered the Campus Life Director position, all while coaching baseball. The MASAA degree opened multiple doors that otherwise would not have been there.

What skills did you develop in the program and how have you utilized them in your career?

In the program, of course, we learned a lot of hard knowledge, but what I think the program did best was put us in the correct mindset to lead and manage. The biggest skill I took away was learning to see things from the perspective of a manager, administrator, and leader. This is what I believe is most important in administration: being able to truly put on the lens of how to help all people, mitigate risks, and lead correctly, but do all of it with heart and compassion.

What return on your investment have you seen so far? 

As I mentioned, I would not have been in a position to move up the ladder as I have without a master’s degree!

What was your experience with the faculty like?

Fantastic. This was something very unique compared to most academic programs, as I truly got to know my professors. Instead of a "teacher-like" relationship, it was much more professional and friendly. We played intramurals with our professors, saw them outside of class, and they were always willing to help.

What internships did you do and how did that experience help you decide what you wanted to do for your career?

I did a GA position as a recreation teacher at Gonzaga and also worked in the Student Development program with First-Year Experiences. Both of these gave me great insight into how things work at a college and prepared me to work in the college environment. The GA program for teaching also opened up doors and allowed me to do some fill-in teaching at Wenatchee Valley College in their recreation classes.

What is it like to work in sport?

The sports environment definitely isn't for everyone, but it's a blast. Working as both a coach and in athletic administration at different times, they both have been amazing experiences. It does come with crazy hours and strange work ebbs and flows, but working in athletics lets you be a part of something bigger. Work doesn't become work, but just a fun aspect of your life instead. It's something you can invest in for fun and get paid!