When William Weng scouted colleges, he played the game like a seasoned pro—doing his homework, analyzing the field, and making winning decisions. Now, he’s scoring big for both himself and the Indianapolis sports community.
Tapping into his network, Weng first heard about the IU Indianapolis sport management program from an IU alum. He added the program to his short list, looking specifically for schools offering immersive opportunities in the sports world. He took a strategic approach, examining the competition against Indiana’s sports scene, the number of professional organizations and major events, and the cost of living and tuition.
After reviewing programs across the country, Weng chose IU Indianapolis, some 9,000 miles from home. A native of Taiwan, he charted a different course than many of his friends, some of whom also ventured to the U.S. to study sports. Alone in a new city with no teammates or family by his side, he didn’t sit on the sidelines. Instead, he hit the ground running, signing up as an Indiana Sports Corp volunteer before he even arrived in Indianapolis. Once on campus in August 2023, he doubled down, embedding himself in the state’s sports hub and sport management studies.
“Indy has so many events, giving students like me a chance to explore all aspects of sports,” Weng said. “You can volunteer with organizations like Sports Corp, and the university’s sports management club is very active and full of chances to learn through experiences.”
Weng’s resume reads like an all-star lineup, boasting collegiate awards and more than 30 experiences that have sharpened his skills in event operations, fan engagement and sports marketing. From the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard to the NBA All-Star Game, Big Ten tournaments and games, the USA Olympic Swimming Trials and even a spot on the All-Star 2025 WNBA Host Committee, Weng has proven he’s here to score a winning career in the business of sports.
“William exemplifies the ‘Why Indy’ advantage,” said David Pierce, Ph.D., chair, Department of Tourism, Event, and Sport Management at IU Indianapolis. “Our sport management program stands among the nation’s best when it comes to student opportunity and real-world experience. Our students embrace the potential here, gaining a competitive career edge from day one and choosing Indy—not just campus—as their classroom.”
Indy’s sports leaders recognize that potential and agree.
“William is an all-star who is going to go places, for sure,” said Mike Karnuta, Indiana Sports Corp’s chief development officer. “And it all started here in Indy, known nationally as one of the best host cities for major sporting events. William has taken advantage of so many opportunities, and it’s great to see his IU Indianapolis classmates contribute energy and commitment to the sports community as they learn, grow and volunteer.”
Karnuta and other industry leaders have a regular presence on campus, conducting mock interviews, teaching courses, serving on career panels, hiring interns and guest lecturing. This kind of industry connection is unique, Weng believes, and noted he is receiving far more opportunities at the IU Indianapolis sport management program than many of his friends who traveled to the U.S. to study.
“Dr. Pierce started talking to me before I came to the program, helping me with the Sports Corp connection. Professors like Geoff Sherman and Amy Vaughan also bring sports leaders to campus,” Weng said. “After class, I introduce myself to those industry professionals and connect with them on LinkedIn. Then, I schedule informational interviews with them to learn more about their jobs.”
Set to graduate in May, Weng will take his own playbook filled with knowledge of U.S. sports organizations, sports business revenue and fan experiences back home to Taiwan, where he hopes to advance his career in sports. He’s left his own mark in the Indy sports world and leaves with a message for aspiring college students in Indiana.
“The professors and events in Indianapolis—and all the networking events, panels and conferences—don’t take them for granted,” Weng said. “I flew 9,000 miles to have all these resources and attend this program. I had never been to the United States, and English is not my first language, so for people born and raised in Indiana, it’s something to not take for granted.”
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