What makes a fan a fan? How are enduring rivalries born? How does sport impact communities and individuals? This podcast episode explores the role that sport plays in American culture and its ability to build community, connection and belonging. We also discuss the importance of play, growth and development of children in youth sports and how sports are changing for high school and college-aged students.

Dr. Heidi Parker is a Sport Management faculty member with the University of Southern Maine School of Business. Her research centers on sport consumer behavior specifically focusing on factors that influence fan attitudes and perceptions. She has published in a variety of journals and presented her research at a number of academic conferences. Prior to coming to USM, Dr. Parker was a faculty member at Syracuse University.
Dr. Emily Newell is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at USM and a former intercollegiate athletics professional. Her research centers around the intersection of intercollegiate sport and higher education, with a focus on international students, minority students, first generation students, academically at-risk students. Prior to joining USM, Emily was a faculty member at Georgia Southern University.