Sports law and business grad builds relationships through ASU Law program

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2023 graduates.

One of the most memorable lessons Taylor Merwin, a soon-to-be graduate of the Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) program at ASU Law, learned as a student was the importance of sowing the seeds of relationships, a lesson he attributes to Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program Aaron Hernandez.

“He emphasized that the people in your circle tell you a lot about yourself and that you should always ensure that those people know how much they mean to you,” Merwin said.

Relationships are important to Merwin, and it is the relationship he has with his parents that he credits with helping him attain this major milestone in his life. 

“My mom and dad have been great examples of hard work and sacrifice in my life,” he said. “They have always supported me in every endeavor and have instilled in me the values that have prepared me to make a difference in the world.” 

Knowing how to build and maintain relationships will be important in his future career in the sports industry. Between the relationships he has built through the MLSB program and his current position as a community impact intern with the Arizona Diamondbacks — a position that has been huge for his personal and professional development — Merwin feels prepared to take the next steps in his career.

Questin: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the law?

Answer: When looking for different sports business graduate programs, the MSLB program stuck out because of the unique incorporation of the law. As the only graduate program in the country to combine sports, law and business, MSLB offered an opportunity to set myself apart from other sports business scholars. I did not have a law background, but I quickly learned the importance of the law in sports and just how much goes on behind the scenes. 

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Law — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: While at ASU Law, I learned the importance of the legal foundation that both professional and amateur sports are built on. Without this foundation, the operations world of sports could not function at a high level.

Q: Why did you choose ASU Law?

A: I chose ASU because of the incredible network of people associated with the MSLB program and the opportunity for growth inside a family atmosphere. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Treat every day as an opportunity to grow your future. School provides a training ground for the rest of your life, and if you put in the work, the rest will take care of itself.

Q: What advice do you have for those considering ASU Law?

A: ASU Law is a place filled with opportunities to learn, grow and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am currently in the interview process and planning to work in student-athlete development in a college athletic department.

Q: What does graduating mean to you and your loved ones?

A: Graduating symbolizes the completion of 18-plus years of my educational journey and the start of the rest of my life. It means that I am prepared to go into the world and make an impact on those around me.