Across the United States, thousands of high school football players dream of advancing to the next level, taking their skills to a top-tier university program. Those who find themselves in the high-intensity position of linebacker, facing down stubborn offensive lines week in and week out, represent the heart of a team’s defense, combining brute strength with strategic agility.
But like all great endeavors, only a select few get the chance to continue their journey at prestigious schools. For those hopefuls headed to UVA Football, a team of dedicated individuals, including students like Aren Arduino, are behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in making those dreams a reality. As a Linebacker Recruiting Assistant, Arduino has a keen eye for hunting down talent, and his dedication to both his colleagues and the sport has made him an integral part of the recruitment process that UVA’s defensive coaching staff relies on.
Arduino, a third-year Commerce major from Sleepy Hollow, NY, has always had a deep connection to football. Growing up, he played the sport throughout his youth and high school years. “It’s my favorite sport,” he says. “I love watching it and love playing pickup whenever I can.”
That fascination with the game didn’t fade when he arrived at UVA. Understanding early on that his own playing skills would not be enough to pursue the game as a player, he sought other ways to stay connected. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in football,” he recalls. “So I directed my energy into an area where I knew I could succeed.” That drive led him to his part-time role with UVA Athletics.
His role is both demanding and rewarding. Arduino reports that he typically dedicates 10 to 15 hours a week to the team, balancing this commitment with his rigorous academic schedule. The work peaks during the fall, when the football season is in full swing, and includes tasks such as assisting with recruitment events, chaperoning recruits during home games, and scouring various platforms like X and Hudl for potential talent. “We use a variety of other software systems to gather information about athletes, whether it’s transcripts, their favorite song, or how fast they run the 40-yard dash,” Arduino explains. The goal is to identify athletes who not only excel on the field but also fit the academic and cultural standards of the University.
Recruitment is a massive undertaking, involving the review of thousands of high school athletes each year. “It’s hard to narrow it down with very limited information. You’re not seeing these kids in the flesh, right? You only have video, and that can only tell you so much sometimes. What you see on paper isn’t always what you get,” Arduino notes. Despite these challenges, the process is deeply gratifying for him. “There’s a great sense of fulfillment for me when I can see someone I recognize. I remember when I was a freshman and we were initially evaluating this player and student and look at them now, and they’re starting or playing.”
Strictly Business
While football is a significant part of Arduino’s life at UVA, it’s not his only focus. He’s also studying at McIntire, where he plans to concentrate in Finance and Marketing. This dual focus aligns well with his broader interests in business, a passion that was nurtured from a young age. “As I became a young adult and became cognizant of what my parents actually did when they left for work, I was intrigued by the process of maintaining business operations and promoting oneself,” he says, reflecting on his upbringing in a family of independent contractors. This early exposure to entrepreneurship led him to take an Economics class in high school, which solidified his interest in finance and business.
At McIntire, Arduino is determined to make the most of his time. “My plan as of now is to fully pack my McIntire experience,” he says. He aims to pursue two concentrations and two tracks, foregoing a minor or additional major to focus entirely on his business education. This commitment is part of a larger goal to build a strong foundation for a successful career. “I wanted to make sure that the foundation I had was very, very strong and that I’d be able to pivot and kind of launch out of Charlottesville into a career I was happy with.”
During the summer between his second and third years at UVA, Arduino completed an internship with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, working with the marketing operations and delivery enablement team. The experience provided him with a real-world perspective on corporate life, which he found both challenging and exciting. “It was really cool to be in a setting where I was providing something that mattered and that they were counting on me,” he says. The pharmaceutical industry, with its strict regulations and unique marketing challenges, pushed Arduino to develop a level of “scrappiness and resourcefulness” that he hopes to carry into his future career.
Despite his packed schedule, Arduino still finds time to engage in extracurricular activities. He’s a member of the Advertising and Marketing Association at UVA, where he’s participated in case competitions, and he’s involved in his fraternity, Sigma Nu, where he served as the Recruitment Chairman. Additionally, he holds a leadership role in United Against Inequities in Disease (UAID), a club that recently revitalized its chapter at UVA and focuses on raising awareness for health-related causes.
Looking ahead, Arduino is open to exploring various career paths, though his immediate focus remains on his studies and his role with the football team. “I’d love to work in sports or in some kind of business function or environment where sports or entertainment are involved,” he says. He’s also made it clear that whatever route he does take, it must involve supporting people in some capacity. It’s what attracted him to business and studying at McIntire in the first place.
“I really wanted the opportunity to mesh my passion for business with helping others and providing service,” he says. “I enjoy speaking with people and working with people, and business provides a unique opportunity to not only be involved in a variety of different industries but touch many different lives for the better.”
