Endurance running is not for the faint of heart, and neither is pursuing a career in NCAA collegiate athletics, but Leif Caesar embraces challenges time and time again. With a reverence for the spirit of college athletics and a passion for long-distance running, his drive and focus inspire the student-athletes he serves as a new full-time assistant director of compliance for the university.
Hailing from the edge of the Chicago suburbs, Caesar was always involved in sports. It didn't occur to him that he could make a career out of it, but a move to California at the age of 14 started him on a journey that would shape his future in college athletics.
It was during his pursuit of a degree in public affairs from UCLA that Caesar discovered his true passion while serving as a Bruins football manager. While he wasn’t on the field, Caesar jumped at the chance to immerse himself in the collegiate athletics environment. Over time, his enthusiasm for student-athlete development grew and he forged valuable connections. The experience prompted him to shift gears from public affairs to explore a career that combined education, mentorship, and athletics.
Caesar looked for graduate placements through the NCAA marketplace that would align with his professional and academic goals. “UNLV's graduate assistantship in athletics compliance seemed like a perfect launching pad for a career in college athletics,” he said.
As he pursued the position, he simultaneously applied to the Master of Higher Education program within the College of Education. He began classes and his graduate assistantship in fall 2021, but serendipitously discovered UNLV's new Intercollegiate Professional Sports Management (IPSM) program.
For Caesar, the switch was a no-brainer: “I want a career in athletics. Why not get an education in athletics?” He introduced himself to program director Nancy Lough, who was happy to have him join the inaugural cohort of the program for the following semester.
The unique nature of the IPSM program and its alignment with his graduate assistantship allowed him to blend academic pursuits with practical experiences in college athletics. The proximity to his family in California and the growing sports reputation of Las Vegas further solidified his choice.
The dynamic atmosphere of the city perfectly mirrors UNLV's eclectic campus, he noted, and both are growing as Vegas establishes itself as the next major sports hub. As an IPSM student, Caesar relished the diverse experiences, including witnessing the influx of sports franchises and participating in their various sporting events. The camaraderie among like-minded students and dedicated professors within the IPSM community created a supportive environment.
Caesar is in the middle of a huddle of sorts here on campus, helping student-athletes navigate challenges, develop resilience, and transition to post-COVID life. He says he enjoys his role in the student-athletes' personal and athletic development, fostering their growth as students, athletes, teammates and well-rounded people in life after sport. “It’s my ‘why’," he explained.
“I think my role is similar to any other educator, but in a different landscape and environment," he said. "The classroom is the playing field, locker room, gym, and athletics offices.”
Caesar aims to help student-athletes win championships and reach their full potential while fostering an environment of compliance. Through this, Caesar knows they recognize and hone their transferable skills such as communication, accountability, and hard work.
In the future, he hopes to shape policies and programs that foster student-athletes' holistic growth. While they may not see their finish line yet, Caesar does and he’s making sure they are well prepared for life after their collegiate sports careers come to a close.
About the IPSM Degree
The Intercollegiate Professional Sports Management (IPSM) program is a two-year master’s degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to break into the sports industry. The program uniquely combines classroom materials and practical internship/field experience hours to position students for success via exclusive access to professional sport organizations and local sporting events. IPSM is backed by a community of sport professionals and academics eager to share their wealth of knowledge with the next generation of industry leaders. Students can expect to explore topics such as sports betting, eSport regulation, advancing diversity in sport, and more.
