She Knows Ball: How Sydney Wells Balances Education and Sports

Student athletes often must strike a balance between chasing championships and chasing their career goals — Sydney Wells ’26 is a prime example. As a member of JWU’s women’s basketball team and a Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management (SEEM) major with a minor in business, she has fully immersed herself in opportunities both on and off the court to prepare herself for a future in sports management.

For her, a connection between her hometown and the opportunities it offers has played a major role in shaping her college life. “I’m originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, but Charlotte has been my home for the past 12 years,” she explains. “Living here has allowed me to grow both personally and academically while being surrounded by so many opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry.”

Charlotte’s unique blend of professional opportunity and community has made it an ideal place for her to pursue said interests. As home to a variety of sports teams, such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte FC, this city has continued to establish itself as a rising player in the worlds of sports, as well as a burgeoning hub for business, technology, and medical innovation.

Her passion for sports and the business behind brought Wells to the SEEM program. “I was drawn to this field because of my goal to become a sports agent,” she says. “I’ve always loved sports, and this major allows me to explore many different career paths while learning what happens behind the scenes.” While in the program, she has also learned how important it is to build your own brand. “When I refer to my ‘brand,’ I’m talking about how I present myself both professionally and personally within the sports industry,” she says. “My brand is centered around being reliable, energetic and adaptable."

She sees this identity as something that is reflected everywhere she goes. "I take pride in being someone who can contribute to multiple areas, whether that’s working directly with my community, supporting events or helping myself build a career in the sports industry,” says Wells. “I also focus on creating positive experiences for others, which is especially important as my brand reflects my work ethic, passion for sports and commitment to growth in the industry and community.”

This was one of the reasons why Johnson & Wales was her school of choice, the other being the combination of athletics, location and strong academic support. “I love the city views from the Wildcat Den and the opportunities that surround JWU right here in Charlotte,” she says. “I was also drawn to the connection with professors and their dedication to preparing students for graduation and life afterwards.”

When asked to go more in depth on her love of athletics, it was clear that basketball was her sport of choice. Wells started playing basketball in seventh grade, and it has been a major part of her life. “The game has shaped who I am both on and off court,” she shares “This team challenges me every day and holds me accountable to staying consistent and focused on why I do everything.”

Her passion for athletics and the sports industry reaches beyond the classroom through her recent internship with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, an ALPB baseball team located in Gastonia, North Carolina, where she gained exposure to the business world of sports. “Working with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers was a great experience,” she says. “My primary role was in the box office, where I handled ticket sales, assisted fans with purchases and helped resolve any issues that came up.”

During her internship, which ran from early August to late January, she worked with multiple teams across the organization, providing support both on and off the field. “My responsibilities often extended beyond the ballpark,” she says. “I helped with game day operations, supported promotions and special events, and assisted wherever needed to ensure everything ran smoothly.” This flexibility allowed her to try her hand in a variety of departments, such as marketing or ticketing, while also continuing to strengthen her own skillsets. “No two days were the same, which is something I really enjoyed,” she says. “It was a fast-paced environment that has helped me build strong communication, problem- solving and customer service skills.”

As a current member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she has taken active roles outside of basketball, expanding her student involvement and leadership skills. “I wanted to be more involved on campus and meet other athletes,” she says when asked why she joined the SAAC. “As a committee member, I help bring ideas to the table that can improve our athletics department and make sure student athletes have a voice.” Wells was also selected as a delegate to represent JWU at the recent 2026 NCAA Convention, which was a personal highlight for her as a campus leader.

Beyond athletics, she is also involved on campus through membership in a variety of organizations, including Student Engagement, an office that cultivates experiences for students to create a stronger and more connected community. “This work is important to me because it allows me to help improve student social life here at JWU and create more opportunities for fellow students,” she explains. “I hope my involvement encourages others to become more involved on campus; JWU has so much potential with our location, and sometimes all it takes is someone to spark that energy.”

Another meaningful part of her college experience has been joining Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., which she describes as one of her most impactful decisions. “It has given me the opportunity to step away from basketball at times and give back to the community while building relationships with others,” she shares. “Being part of a sorority has also put me in leadership roles where I can thrive and experience new opportunities.”

As she comes to the end of her JWU journey, Wells is glad she has been involved in so many different organizations and made so many valuable connections. “It takes a village to support you and your dreams — that village isn’t created overnight, so I am glad that I’m taking the steps to build mine."

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