Matt Vuckovich
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
I am the Managing Partner at Xclusive Sports Management, LLC. XSM is a baseball agency located in Houston, TX.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
Being a founder of XSM, I think the best part is seeing the agency grow each year. I have taken a very unorthodox path in
becoming a sports agent but everyone has his or her own story. I really enjoy the travel aspect along with being able to meet
many different people from such diverse backgrounds. This business keeps you on your toes at all times and tests your abilities
everyday. As an agent, you are helping players make life-changing decisions that will affect their lives. It's very rewarding
knowing that you are an important part in these players' lives.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
Myself along with my business partner bring a new sense of what it means to represent athletes. XSM is one of the few agencies
that offer off-season workouts to clients. Being honest and keeping your clients informed is the most important thing an agent can
do. I feel that I bring a unique business savvy and creative attitude to XSM
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I personally feel that XSM will be the leading baseball agency in the industry. I see myself being involved in securing clients
record-breaking deals that will set new industry standards. I hope to see XSM representing the new crop of top talent in baseball.
In 10 years I see XSM representing 15-25 Major League players.
Q. Do you have any words of advice/recommendations? a. for undergrads still searching for a major-would
you recommend RST and why?, b. for the undergrads currently in the program c. for the senior currently looking for his/her
first position.
First and foremost, I truly believe that Ryan Gower and the RST program will go the extra mile if you show the effort. I have
also wanted to be a sports agent and I remember that every project I had to do for RST was about sports agents. Use your class time
to explore different industries that you have an interest in and get your research done. I would recommend RST to anyone that wants
to be involved in the sports industry. Not only will you learn about the sports industry but odds are some of the U of I athletes will
be in your class and you have an opportunity to get to know them. RST offers a wide variety of subjects to learn and there is something
for everyone. For the current students in RST, I would recommend that you become friends with Ryan Gower and ask questions. He has always
been helpful and has made time for me whenever I come back to campus to visit. If you are really interested about a certain industry within
sport, find a way to involve it with your next project. Find ways to explore different subjects while in school so that you have a better
idea on where you want to end up out of school. For the seniors looking for position stay persistent and apply for many jobs so you can
keep your options open. Sometimes in the sports industry you have to start out as an intern for a year or two. Don’t get discouraged and
understand that everyone has to pay their dues for other opportunities in the sports industry.
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
Opportunity is around every corner you look. I am a firm believer that if you search hard enough and your passion is
behind every move that you will find what your looking for. In my business the best way to get your foot in the door is by doing an
internship with a local agent or agency. If you want your shot in this business you need to be more persistent then ever before. Never
take no for an answer and be creative in finding ways to get attention. There are thousands of people who apply for internship with
agents so you need to be prepared to discuss why you are the perfect candidate. If this business is really something you want to learn
about then start emailing and applying for internship now. The University of Illinois and the RST program have been great to me. XSM
(www.xclusivesm.com) looks for interns throughout the year to help with marketing, salary research
and other tasks that can be completed from your current location on campus. In closing, The University of Illinois has already produced 2
extremely successful agents in Mark Steinberg (Tiger Woods agent) and Mark Bartelstein (football and basketball agent, CEO of Priority Sports
and Entertainment). I hope to be among this elite group in the near future. If you are willing to work hard and sacrifice everything,
you can be to.