By Avianna Hoppes, Media Relations Intern
Junior Flynn Murphy was named the winner for the Danny Zollars Most Outstanding Graduating Senior Award for the sports business program at the W.P. Carey School. The award goes to a student who exemplifies work both in the community and the classroom.
"I had gotten an email that I was someone they had in mind for it, so I sent in an application. I got put in a group of three and then I got selected from the students they had narrowed it down to," Murphy said.
Murphy received the award at the Herald Examiner building in Los Angeles where she opened up a new conference room donated by the Zollars family last week.
"It was really exciting to be there and meet the family for the first time. I'm so thankful I had the chance to spend time with them," Murphy said.
Murphy is very involved in the community both on and off the field. She recently interned with ESPN, the Fiesta Bowl, and the Super Bowl Host Committee. She also is a member of ASU's Tip of the Fork program, which is a program designed for student-athletes to gain leadership skills and community service.
"That gives me an aspect of leadership and community service, so that has been awesome."
Murphy, who is also a part of Barrett, The Honors College, is also a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club on campus, where she hopes to learn and lead by example. Being a good leader is important for Flynn as she tries to lead by example through programs like FCA and Tip of the Fork.
"I'm definitely more of a connecting leader. I like to spend time with them and get to know them and then help them in any way I can, and I think it starts with a good friendship," Murphy said.
She was nominated for this award by Daniel McIntosh who is the faculty director of the sports business marketing department.
"Flynn is an excellent student who sets the bar for performance in the classroom," McIntosh said.
Murphy will be returning to Sun Devil Lacrosse next year, using her final year of eligibility to pursue her master's in sports law and business.
About Danny Zollars Business Sports Enrichment Fund
The Zollars family recently made a generous investment for sports business students at ASU, in honor of Danny Zollars. The money from the donation went to opening a new conference room at the Herald Examiner building in Los Angeles as well as funding education trips for sports business students. The family established the Danny Zollars Enrichment Fund in which they hope to honor the legacy of Mr. Zollars and released the following statement:
We are proud to announce the establishment of The Danny Zollars Business Sports Enrichment Fund.
Danny Zollars graduated from the W.P. Carey School of Business with an emphasis in Sports Marketing in 2002 and passed away in May 2020, at the age of 40. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer seven years prior. Throughout his battle, he maintained a selfless sense of humor, never stopped working, and was a doting father and husband. Danny's impact lives on by way of his family, friends, sports community, and the ASU student body and alums.
The establishment of The Danny Zollars Sports Business Enrichment Fund in Sports Business will be offered through the marketing department at W.P. Carey School of Business to uplift the next generation of Scholars by assisting in funding a world-class program.
Consistent with Danny's values, the Zollars family believes Sports Business is a fundamental pillar for successful Sports Entertainment and community-building through job creation, economic impact, global fan enjoyment, and camaraderie. Danny's ASU education and professional career exemplify how to transform ideas and passions into business success.
Danny was a trailblazer who set sports industry trends throughout his 20+ year career with organizations including Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Wizards and Mystics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Kings, and Los Angeles Galaxy. He was an instrumental member of two world championship teams, earning him four Championship rings with the Los Angeles Kings (2) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2).
A lifetime sports fan, Danny began his career as an intern with the Arizona Coyotes during his Junior year as a Marketing major at the W.P. Carey School of Business. Within the Coyotes organization, he quickly excelled while orchestrating in-arena entertainment, fan engagement programs and eventually managing the team of interns
After successful roles with the Washington Wizards and Mystics, and the Golden State Warriors, Zollars joined the LA Kings organization in 2011 - the season the LA Kings won their first Stanley Cup championship in team history. As the Vice President of Game Entertainment and Marketing, he was the executive producer and visionary behind the live game experience at the Staples Center. The LA Times described Zollars as "The Wizard behind the curtain." Danny was a key team member and leader within the organization from 2011 to 2017.
Danny then went to work for Image Engineering, where he introduced new technology and special effects to the world of Sports Entertainment. His team set a Guinness Book of World Records for the "Largest Laser Show using 642 lasers during the first intermission of the LA Kings - Buffalo Sabres game in 2019, shattering the previous record of 342.
Additional career accomplishments include a 2011 Emmy for the documentary "Wizards Magazine - The Journal, " pioneering the first NBA Midnight Madness, producing two NHL Championship parades in Los Angeles, and introducing a first ever 3D opening in-game video.