Carolina Mariani: “Johan Cruyff Institute helped me understand the importance of continuous improvement and training.”

December 20, 2024

Carolina Mariani: “Johan Cruyff Institute helped me understand the importance of continuous improvement and training.”

Carolina Mariani, Argentine judo player, shares her academic and professional experience in sport management

Carolina Mariani, an outstanding Argentine judo player who participated in the Olympic Games and won several World and Pan American competitions, has found in sport management a way to continue contributing to the development of sport in her country. As Technical Coordinator of the National High Performance Sports Centre (ENARD) and former Olympic flag bearer at Atlanta 1996, Mariani decided to study the Master in Sport Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute.

In this interview, Carolina reveals how academic training has been fundamental in her current role, her commitment to the holistic development of young athletes, and how she combines her sports experience with new strategic tools.

“I was motivated by the pursuit of excellence and continuous learning.”

Carolina, after a successful sports career, what motivated you to specialize in sport management?

Sport shapes you beyond competition. Values such as resilience, teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement are always with me. As Coordinator of the Transition to High Performance Program (TAR) at ENARD, I have the responsibility of guiding new generations toward their Olympic dreams. I felt I needed to prepare myself academically to rise to these challenges.

My experience in sport and the workplace taught me the importance of combining acquired knowledge with continuous learning. That is why I decided to pursue a master’s degree at Johan Cruyff Institute. I needed solid training that would allow me to innovate and efficiently manage sports resources.

“Sustainability and innovation are key in sport management.”

What aspects of sport management were most revealing during the master’s degree?

I was surprised by the complexity of maintaining sustainability in sports projects. The need to constantly adapt and innovate was one of the biggest lessons. Johan Cruyff Institute helped me understand the importance of continuous training and its impact on organizations like ENARD.

Another key aspect was the online format of the program, which allowed me to study from Argentina while accessing a world-class education. The methodology, combining theory and practice, was fundamental for applying what I learned directly to my daily work.

“Guiding young athletes toward holistic development.”

In your role at ENARD, what are your main responsibilities?

As Coordinator of the TAR program, my goal is to support young talents in their transition to high performance. I manage the necessary resources to provide financial support and personal development programs in a comprehensive way.

The challenge is to create an environment where they can grow both athletically and personally, minimizing the risk of early dropout. This goes beyond performance: we aim to ensure they have the tools needed to achieve their goals.

“Applying skills in financial management and sport marketing.”

What tools acquired in the master’s program do you apply in your professional life?

The program provided me with a solid foundation for working on financial sustainability and innovative funding strategies. I also gained expertise in sport marketing, strategic alliances, monetization models, and data analysis. These skills allow me to manage resources more efficiently and make informed decisions with my team.

“The flexibility of the master’s degree allowed me to stay organized.”

How did you manage to combine your professional responsibilities with your studies?

Thanks to the flexibility of the program and the ability to access recorded webinars, I was able to organize my time effectively. As a high-performance athlete, I am accustomed to a structured schedule, which helped me focus on two modules simultaneously.

I had the support of my tutor, Jordi Viñas, and the faculty, who were very helpful. Additionally, ENARD’s backing was crucial in completing the master’s degree and repaying that trust with my work.

“Innovating for the future of Argentine sports.”

Looking ahead, what are your professional plans?

I want to implement the project I developed during the master’s degree, which focuses on new funding sources for special ENARD initiatives. Furthermore, I aim to stay updated on industry trends and technologies to continue contributing to sport from an innovative perspective.

As president of the Association of Argentine Olympic Athletes, one of my goals is to support the professional reintegration of athletes who did not have the opportunity to pursue a dual career. Johan Cruyff Institute helped me rethink conventional practices and focus on improving sport in Argentina.

Carolina Mariani’s experience in Johan Cruyff Institute’s Master in Sport Business Online highlights the importance of continuous learning and innovation in sport management. Her dedication to the holistic development of young talent, combined with a robust academic background, demonstrates how lifelong education can transform the future of sport in Argentina.

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