Raef Burhoe is a junior studying Sports Business (BA) at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. For Raef, sports are more than just a career path - they are a source of community, energy, and passion. He values the way sports bring people from different backgrounds together, uniting them in moments of excitement and connection. That sense of belonging and shared passion is what drives him to pursue a future in the sports industry.
Eager to turn his passion into experience, Raef got involved early with Sun Devil Athletics at ASU, becoming a Gameday Operations intern for the Marketing and Game Presentation department during his sophomore year. In this role, he helped execute in-game promotions and activations, working closely with other staff to deliver an engaging fan experience. He also worked as a Sound Technician, ensuring quality audio for live athletic events. Raef continues to contribute to Sun Devil Athletics as he enters his second year with the department.
In the summer of 2025, Raef expanded his experience as a Gameday Operations intern for the Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). There, he learned the behind-the-scenes operations of a small-scale sports franchise, strengthening his teamwork and customer service skills.
Raef is also heavily involved on campus. He serves as the Chief Brand Officer of the Future Leaders in Sports at ASU, where he will hold a leadership role throughout the 2025–26 academic year. He is an active member of the Professional Business Fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, the Sports Business Association, and the W. P. Carey Leaders Academy. He previously held a leadership role as an Academy Peer Programmer for Leadership Engagement (APPLE), planning events that encouraged community involvement.
Beyond his experiences and involvement, Raef’s defining traits - his relentless optimism, strong communication skills, teamwork, and levelheadedness, make him well-suited for the fast-paced and people-driven sports industry. He thrives in team environments and is known as a reliable, positive presence in everything he does.
Raef has been recognized for his academic excellence, earning the New American University Provost’s Scholarship, placement on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, and is on pace to graduate magna cum laude. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and creating sports content in Adobe. For Raef, working in sports doesn’t feel like work, it’s an opportunity to pour his heart and energy into something he truly loves.