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From the Classroom to the Clubhouse
Everett McCloskey ’25 launches career with Arizona Diamondbacks
University News | May 16, 2025
As СÖíÊÓƵ prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025, few stories exemplify the power of perseverance and possibility quite like that of Everett McCloskey. A Sport and Recreation Management major from rural Pennsylvania, Everett will cross the commencement stage this Saturday not only as a graduate, but as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Major in Sport and Recreation Management award—and with a job offer in hand from Major League Baseball’s . 
Growing up an hour outside of Philadelphia, Everett always dreamed of playing college soccer. But in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, when many athletes used an extra year of eligibility, roster spots became scarce. “I was a little worried,” he recalls. “But I kept pushing.”
That persistence paid off when he was recruited by several schools, including Virginia Wesleyan. A campus visit to Virginia Beach sealed the deal. “I got little goosebumps and it felt like home right away,” he says.
Everett went on to play all four years for the Marlins, serving as team captain his senior year. He was an active leader off the field as well, contributing to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and earning membership in Rho Phi Lambda, a national honor society for students in the field of sport and recreation.
Among his proudest memories: scoring the game-winning goal in the ODAC quarterfinals. 
“Everett consistently found ways to be a fantastic leader in the classroom, within the department, and on campus,” says Dr. Jill Sturts, Chair of the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions and Assistant Dean of the Batten Honors College. “His grades were solid, but perhaps more importantly, he held other students to a high standard and made those around him think more critically. He elevated class discussions and ideas.”
His impact extended beyond campus as well. While training young soccer players last summer, Everett struck up a conversation with one of their parents about his post-graduation goals. That connection led to an introduction with a staff member at the Arizona Diamondbacks—and eventually, an interview. After months of conversations and evaluations, Everett was officially offered a role as a new business consultant with the organization in March.
“It’s a chance to learn from the ground up in a competitive environment,” he says. Ultimately, he hopes to climb the ranks and one day become a general manager of a major league sports franchise.
As he prepares to move west, Everett is excited for what lies ahead. “It’s going to be hot!” he laughs. “Still, it seems like a really fun place to live and there are lots of golf courses, which I like. Similar to my decision to attend Virginia Wesleyan, I see this as an adventure and a chance to grow both professionally and personally.”
From small-town Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach to Major League Baseball, Everett McCloskey’s path is a reminder that with determination, leadership, and the right opportunity, big dreams are always within reach.