Balancing Business With Basketball

_{Mikaya Barnick Photography}

Molly Musland ’26 | LaMoure, North Dakota
Majors: Business with a concentration in Marketing, Psychology

Tell us about yourself.

I’m from LaMoure, North Dakota, and I have one younger brother who also goes to Concordia, where we play on the men’s and women’s basketball teams! I’m a senior here and a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. On campus, I serve as vice president of the Marketing Club and secretary of Women in Business. Outside of class, I work year-round at Solidcore (come take a class with me sometime!). When I’m not studying or coaching, I love spending time outdoors — whether that’s hot girl walking, going to the lake, or just hanging out with family and friends.

What inspired you to double major in marketing and psychology, and how do you see the two working together in your future career?

I decided to double major in marketing and psychology because I’ve always been drawn to understanding how people connect with brands — especially in the world of sports.

Whether it’s the loyalty fans feel toward a team, the excitement around new merchandise, or the psychology behind why people choose one brand over another, I love exploring what drives those decisions. Marketing allows me to create strategies that build those connections, while psychology helps me understand the motivations and emotions behind them.

Together, they give me a foundation to pursue a career in sports marketing where I can combine creativity, data, and human behavior to strengthen how people experience and engage with sports brands.

Has your experience at Concordia shaped your perspective on business or leadership in ways you didn’t expect?

Absolutely. Concordia has taught me that leadership is more about connection and collaboration than titles. Through basketball and my work on the Marketing Club and Women in Business executive boards, I’ve learned that listening, supporting, and motivating others is just as important as guiding a team. I’ve also realized how much ethical decision-making and thinking about the bigger picture matter. Every choice in business affects people and communities. These experiences have shaped how I approach leadership — as both a responsibility and a chance to inspire others.

What has been your favorite business or psychology class so far, and why?

My favorite business class has been Social Media Marketing with Dr. Jiani Jang. In that class, I really got to see what a social media platform can do for a business. We even collaborated with Sandy’s Donuts, creating and marketing our own donut. Getting that hands-on, real-world experience was what made the class so enjoyable.

On the psychology side, I’ve loved both Sports Psychology and Advanced Developmental Aging. Sports Psych has taught me a lot about what it takes to be a strong coach or parent in athletics, while Advanced Developmental Aging gave me the chance to learn about the aging process firsthand, including spending time at Eventide playing games with the residents. Both classes offered meaningful, hands-on experiences that really connected theory to real life.

How has being a student-athlete on the Cobber women’s basketball team influenced your leadership and teamwork skills?

Being on the basketball team has taught me so much about communication, trust, and accountability. On the court, every player has a role, and learning to work together toward a common goal has strengthened my ability to collaborate, motivate others, and step up as a leader when it’s needed. Those lessons translate directly to group projects, board responsibilities, and even work settings.

What role has the Marketing Club played in your college experience?

The Marketing Club has been a huge part of my college experience. It’s given me opportunities to apply what I’m learning in class to real-world projects, connect with peers who share similar interests, and grow my leadership skills as an officer. It’s been both fun and practical, helping me build confidence while exploring the creative side of marketing.

Why did you join Women in Business, and what impact has that organization had on your personal or professional growth?

I joined Women in Business to connect with other driven students and learn from inspiring women in leadership. Being involved has helped me build a strong professional network, develop my organizational and leadership skills, and gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in business as a woman.

You’ve been involved in multiple organizations on campus. How do you balance academics, athletics, and extracurriculars?

Balancing everything takes planning, focus, and a lot of energy! I rely on staying organized, setting priorities, and being intentional with my time. It’s not always easy, but being involved in athletics, boards, and work has taught me discipline, time management, and how to make the most out of every opportunity.

My professors and mentors have been incredible.

How have professors or mentors in the Offutt School of Business supported your journey?

My professors and mentors have been incredible. They’ve provided guidance, encouragement, and real-world advice that goes beyond textbooks. They’ve challenged me to think critically, supported my leadership roles, and helped me make connections that I know will benefit my future career.

What advice would you give to students considering joining the Marketing Club or Women in Business?

I would tell them to go for it! These organizations are a great way to gain experience, build connections, and grow as a leader. Don’t be afraid to take on a role, share your ideas, and get involved. It’s one of the best ways to make the most of your college experience.

Looking ahead, what career goals excite you the most after graduation?

I’m most excited about pursuing a career in sports marketing, where I can combine my love for sports, brands, and understanding consumer behavior. I’m eager to create experiences and campaigns that connect with fans, build loyalty, and bring creativity and strategy together.

What does the Concordia community mean to you, especially as someone who’s been so involved?

Concordia has been home for me. The community is supportive, inspiring, and full of opportunities to grow. Being involved in athletics, boards, and campus organizations has given me friendships, mentors, and experiences that I’ll carry with me long after graduation.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind for future business students at Concordia?

I hope to leave a legacy of leadership through involvement and collaboration. I want future students to feel inspired to take initiative, step into leadership roles, and make the most of every opportunity, both in the classroom and in the broader Concordia community. I want to show that you can be a student-athlete and still contribute time and effort to extracurricular activities!

^{Published November 2025}