ASU Law community members cheer on Olympians in Paris

Two members of the ASU Law community are joining a slew of other Sun Devils in representing the university in Paris at this year’s Olympic Games.

They may not be competing themselves, but Master of Sports Law and Business alum Tanner Martin (‘21) and advisory board member Rocky Harris are taking in the sights and sounds as Team USA steps onto the world stage.

Harris is the chief of sport and athlete services at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee after serving as chief operating officer for Sun Devil Athletics at ASU. He has taken on the role of chef de mission for all Team USA athletes in Paris, keeping the teams organized and supporting athletes, coaches and managers with logistics, communication and travel.

It’s a big job, but one he’s more than prepared for thanks to his job with the Olympic Committee, overseeing anything that impacts an athlete’s experience.

“I love my role because the work we get to do goes beyond sport and can make an impact on society,” he said. “Team USA is one of the only true unifiers in our country because regardless of where people live or who they vote for, they can find common ground in cheering on Team USA.”

Harris has a long history with ASU's Master of Sports Law and Business program, providing input on its development from the beginning and later teaching a course for its students. He said he wants to continue to see ASU students thrive.

“The combination of business and legal education is incredibly important to adequately prepare young sports leaders with the tools they need to be successful, especially as they get further along in their careers,” he said. “The world is a big place. The U.S. sports market has limited future growth, but the rest of the world has a ton of potential growth, so there will be more career opportunities around the globe than domestically.”

Martin is the account and sales manager at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, a privately held sports organization that owns teams like the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids. This will be the third Olympic Games he will attend as a spectator after London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. While in Paris, he will be watching track and field, triathlon, basketball, golf and gymnastics.

He started his sports career at USA Triathalon after being recruited by Harris and joined what he calls the “Olympic movement.” Martin said he wouldn’t be where he is without the connections and opportunities he experienced while earning his degree at ASU.

“MSLB students are better set up for success than any students in the country,” he said. “The advocates and alumni invested in the program are some of the most accomplished in the industry and second to none. The professors are world-class, and the opportunities to get behind the curtain at the best sports organizations in the world are truly incredible.”

Maroon and gold medals

ASU’s talented athletes, experts and students are heading to Paris for the XXXIII Olympiad, showcasing ASU excellence in athletic competition and soaking up hands-on learning experiences. Learn more:

• Reporting live from Paris: Journalism students to cover Games
• Business students to intern for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
• A cheat sheet to French history, culture and the venues of Paris Games

Written by Lindsay Walker