Mitchell Dunham in his own words

Learn more about SPCS students! MLA student Mitchell Dunham is a defender on the Spider’s men’s lacrosse team. We sat down with Mitchell this month to learn about his journey in higher education.

What are you currently studying at UR?

I’m pursuing a Master of Liberal Arts degree. The majority of my study has been research that explores how technology enhances fan engagement and drives revenue for professional sports teams.

Can you share how you first got into lacrosse and what inspired you to pursue it at the collegiate level?

I started playing lacrosse at a young age and quickly fell in love with the fast pace and team-oriented nature of the game. As I got older, I saw it as an opportunity to compete at a high level while also furthering my education.

What are some of the most important values or lessons you’ve learned from being a lacrosse player?

Lacrosse has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The sport pushes me to stay committed, adapt to challenges, and work toward a common goal with my teammates.

What has been your most memorable game or moment in your UR lacrosse career so far?

Since this is my first year at UR, I’d say just getting the chance to play on the same field and bond with my teammates has been the highlight so far. I’m looking forward to making more memories as the year goes on.

Balancing academics with the demands of your sport must be challenging for a student-athlete. How do you manage your time between class, training, and games?

I rely on routines and staying ahead of my work. I keep track of deadlines mentally and use small pockets of time to get things done, like studying before practice or finishing assignments early when I know my schedule will be packed. It’s about being adaptable and making sure both school and lacrosse get the attention they need.

How do you envision the future of men’s lacrosse, especially at the collegiate and professional levels?

Lacrosse is growing rapidly, especially with the expansion of the PLL [Premier Lacrosse League] and increasing media coverage. I see it becoming more mainstream, with more investment in player development and fan engagement at both the collegiate and professional levels.

What’s next for you?

Right now I’m focused on finishing my master’s degree and winning the conference championship with my teammates. Long term, I hope to work on the management side of professional sports, ideally in a role that combines business strategy and fan engagement.

What do you love most about SPCS?

I appreciate the flexibility and the opportunity to tailor my studies to my interests. The faculty are supportive, and I enjoy being able to apply what I’m learning directly to my career goals.