The University of Cincinnati has produced a laundry list of big-ticket names in the professional sporting industry, like Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to name a few. But beyond the bright lights of the big games, a whole world of sports exists behind the scenes, one that UC alumnus André Eanes knows intimately.
Since graduating from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Humans Services, and Information Technology (CECH) in 2012 with a degree in sports administration, Eanes has experienced firsthand what it's like to navigate behind the sporting industry. His journey has led him to his current place in life, working as a self-made business owner and a representative for athletes in the highest level of sport as co-owner and president of A&A Management, a company designed to manage the careers of some notable athletes - including his biggest client, fellow UC alumni and current Kansas City Chief, Travis Kelce.
After graduating in 2008, the twins' paths diverged as each headed to different universities - Aaron to Bowling Green State University and André to UC. These paths, however, both led to the world of sports.
"Going into college, my brother majored in sports management at BGSU," Eanes said. "We both knew what management was, but my mindset was 'Aaron's going to manage me, and I'm coming to the NBA with him.' I played basketball at UC Clermont College in my freshman year."
"We took the approach of fitting our brand message with the message that our clients are trying to tell," Eanes said. "That's how you build longer-term relationships."
Featured image at top: Eanes speaks at UC's annual Society of Sport Leaders Symposium. Photo/provided.
