SPAD Alumnus / Inter Miami MLS Cup
Champagne spray filled the air. Cheers echoed off the locker room walls. For University of Miami Sport Administration (SPAD) alumnus Bobby Gross, the chaos wasn’t just a party, it was the realization of a lifelong professional dream.
Gross, currently an Assistant Equipment Manager for Inter Miami CF, recently celebrated a historic milestone as his club captured the MLS Cup. Standing amidst the festivities, he took a moment to reflect on the journey that brought him from the Coral Gables campus to the pinnacle of American soccer.
“Winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami honestly feels unreal,” Gross said. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed about being in a championship locker room after a season like this. Spraying champagne and celebrating with the team and getting to actually live that moment is something I’ll never forget.”
The victory served as the capstone to a season defined by star power.
“Doing that while working alongside some incredible players, including the greatest soccer player of all time (Lionel Messi), made the moment even more special,” Gross said regarding the unique privilege of his daily work environment.
Gross’s path to the professional pitch began with initiative during his time at the School of Education and Human Development. Seeking to fulfill his graduation requirements during his senior year, he reached out directly to the club’s equipment manager to secure an internship. His dedication quickly turned a student placement into a paid internship, eventually leading to his current full-time role.
Today, Gross manages critical behind-the-scenes logistics for the first team, including locker room operations, daily training sessions, and matchday preparation. He credits the SPAD program with building the foundation for his work ethic.
“The program helped reinforce things like being prepared, managing your time, and working in a team environment,” Gross said.
