His NBA Dream Turned into an MBA Dream

Calvin Freeman (’24) walked on to the Eagles men’s basketball team in Daytona Beach. He proved his worth, charging back full force after an ACL injury and a pandemic shutdown.

He is also a standout player as an Aviation Business Administration major. His outreach is nonstop: as community service coordinator, diversity and inclusion representative and leader of the student ambassador and Business Buddies mentorship program at the David B. O’Maley College of Business.

“It’s important to build relationships, not just transactions,” he says. “One of my mentors says, your network is your net worth. Interacting with others is my area of expertise.”

He has the grit to power through the challenges of an accelerated MBA track, an internship, and running two entrepreneurial ventures.

Last year, he opened Freeman Vending LLC with his brother. He already had an online retail business up and running, Through Christ, a branded apparel company.

Balancing these demands takes more than discipline. Freeman is fueled by a clear vision for his future with an airline, charter or manufacturer. He sees all his experiences as a path toward learning what will make him a successful supply chain executive.

His first internship with Verdego Aero allowed him to work with the supply chain, sourcing parts and helping establish the vendor network.

“I thought I wanted to do finance, but then I had the opportunity to work with contracts,” he explains. “When I worked with airline manufacturer sourced parts, I found my niche.”

He went on to intern with Bell Helicopter, working with requests for proposals and contracts. His third internship is with the Daytona Dream Center, where he coordinates community service events.

It all helps build his personal dream. So does his scholarship.

"The scholarship took the pressure off of my family and me. With a full class load and practice, I am unable to work a job that fits my hours. Words can't describe how grateful I am for the support."