CLEVELAND - The College Athletics Business Management Association (CABMA) is proud to announce the 2024-2025 CABMA Colleague Spotlight. Get to know CABMA members and make connections with the monthly spotlight.  

This month the spotlight turns to CABMA member Snezhana (Stef) Stefanovska Shultz

Job Title: Business Admin Associate
 
Institution:  UIC – University of Illinois Chicago
 
E-mail Address: sstefano@uic.edu
 
Twitter: @Sneze7
 
What is one of the greatest aspects of being involved in athletics?
Athletics creates a unique space to turn passion into meaningful moments. The excitement of live games, coupled with the pride of contributing to a team's success, is unmatched. My background in sports journalism has deepened my appreciation for the entire process—from the action on the field to the dedicated work behind the scenes that makes it all possible.

Most memorable sporting event attended?
The NBA All-Star Game Rising Stars in Chicago in 2020 stands out as an unforgettable experience. Sitting courtside next to Pau Gasol and being surrounded by NBA stars was surreal. Growing up in Eastern Europe, attending an NBA All-Star game was a childhood dream. While I've had many incredible sports moments—like the AC Milan vs. Red Star match in Belgrade—nothing quite compared to the magic of that All-Star weekend.

Favorite CABMA memory?
I really enjoy the social event, Topgolf during the CABMA conventions, because it's a great place to meet new people, have fun, and build connections in a relaxed setting. So far, unforgettable moment was Damon West's keynote speech on his book, Be a Coffee Bean. His powerful message about resilience and transformation resonated deeply with me, especially in my work with young people. That presentation continues to inspire me today.
 
What's the most important thing the CABMA membership should know about me?
I'm deeply passionate about sports and committed to making a positive impact in the athletic community. With my background in sports journalism and athletics administration, I'm driven to contribute to team and organizational success. Collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth aren't just buzzwords for me—they're fundamental to how I approach my work.
 
What are you looking forward to this academic year?

I'm excited to see how our new men's basketball coach Rob Ehsan will transform UIC's program. I know it's his first season, but I've seen his work and have high expectations. He's built a great team, and I'm hoping for many exciting games. The women's basketball team's upcoming match against LSU is a huge opportunity, and I can't wait to see how they perform. With significant changes in our department, I'm looking forward to working with new leadership and continuing to grow professionally. It's an exciting time for UIC Athletics, and I'm eager to be part of it.
 
Book Recommendation?

I'd strongly recommend "What Made Maddy Run" by Kate Fagan. It's a powerful exploration of mental health in college athletics, following the story of Maddy Holleran. The book offers an eye-opening look at the pressures student-athletes face and the critical importance of mental health support. It's not just a book—it's a profound reminder of the challenges many athletes experience off the field.
 
Favorite Quote?
Winston Churchill's words have always inspired me: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." This quote captures the essence of resilience—something I've found crucial in both professional and personal contexts.
 
Best piece of professional advice you've received?
My former supervisor, Drew Edson, was an incredible mentor. He taught me that the key to professional growth is approaching challenges with curiosity rather than fear. The more you're willing to learn, the more you'll grow—both as a professional and as a person.  That advice has been my professional compass.


About CABMA: CABMA is an organization devoted to the establishment, maintenance and implementation of the highest standards of integrity and efficiency in the scope, policies and procedures involved in the management and administration of business in the athletics departments and associations of colleges and universities. For more information about CABMA, please visit www.cabma.com. CABMA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 60th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.