Liam Coyle describes himself as “a passionate advocate for the positive impact of athletics on young people.” A graduate student at Cleary, captain of the men’s soccer team and co-president of the Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT), he is deeply committed to advocacy, mentorship and leadership in all aspects of his life – from soccer to academics to his job as a restaurant manager.
Born and raised in Idaho, Liam knew college choices in his state were limited. Idaho has 12 colleges, compared to Michigan’s 80+, he learned. Initially, he went to Blue Mountain Community College in Oregon where he earned an associate’s degree and Athlete of the Year honors. Next, he reached out to several soccer coaches across the country, and Cleary was one of many expressing interest in him.
Liam visited the university. “I was impressed,” he says. “It is far more recognized nationally as a business school than most people realize. Cleary is a well-respected school.” The 20-year-old packed up, left his family and moved across the country to enroll in Cleary’s bachelor’s program for Sports Promotion and Management and join the men’s soccer team.
He found his new family at Cleary. “The soccer team are like brothers. They were welcoming, and I felt comfortable right away. They will do anything for any teammate,” Liam says. Academically, he chose sports management because it is “an educational path that will equip me with the knowledge and skills to excel in the sports industry and contribute to its development.”
Liam is all about development – character, confidence and leadership on and off the field – and that is why he was chosen as co-president of SALT (he shares the role with Mia Rzepka). “I firmly believe that athletics can instill life values, inspire confidence and nurture leadership skills,” he says.
With SALT, he helps run meetings, plan and lead events, and solicit ideas from other student athletes for school improvements. He also establishes a comfortable environment where students freely can share their thoughts and suggestions.
“I love Cleary,” Liam says. “I like the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to learn directly from professors who have started a business, are growing a business or are leading a business, and they bring that knowledge and expertise into the classroom. They have so much practical knowledge of the business world, and they are willing to pass it along to students. And they want you to succeed; everyone at Cleary strives to help every student succeed. I’ve been able to establish strong relationships with my professors who have served as mentors as well as educators.”
Liam earned his bachelor’s degree last spring and returned in the fall to start Cleary’s Graduate Program in Strategic Leadership. He looks into the future with the many possibilities Cleary has given him. “I am thankful for Cleary and what I have learned in the classroom, as a SALT leader and as a member of the soccer team. All of these experiences have contributed to what I value – service leadership and hard work. No one is above any job,” he says.
Liam was asked to serve as a graduate assistant for the soccer team next year while he finishes his master’s degree, and he will continue to work as a restaurant manager at 2 Fog’s Pub in downtown Howell. He started in the kitchen, became a server and was promoted to a manager, all within a few months. After he earns his master’s, he wants to keep his options wide open, he says. “I don’t take anything for granted. I will look at many opportunities and find what makes the most sense for me. I have learned so many practical skills at Cleary that will help me excel in the business world,” he says.
Liam encourages prospective students to “find a school that is the right fit for you. If you are looking for strong relationships with professors, a sense of community, a tight knit group of students and an environment designed for success, Cleary is a good choice.”
Liam shares a comment on his LinkedIn page that truly demonstrates who he is: “I always am open to connecting with like-minded professionals, mentors and individuals who share my passion for using athletics as a force for good. If you’re interested in discussing sports, youth development, or potential collaboration, let’s connect and work together to empower the next generation through the power of athletics.”
He is wrapping up his soccer career as a player soon, and in all his years of playing the sport, he only suffered one injury, which happened recently. The few stitches on his forehead are “something to show for my years on the soccer field,” he laughs.
