Alumni Spotlight: Will Gough (B.S. ‘16, M.S. ‘18)

Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 • Chloe Moore : [email protected]

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on Will Gough, a distinguished graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington College of Business and a key leader in the finance world of professional sports. As VP Finance for the Dallas Mavericks, Will plays a pivotal role in the strategic and financial operations of one of the NBA’s most recognized franchises. His journey from UTA to the front office of the Mavericks is a testament to the power of hard work, vision and a strong educational foundation. Hear from Will how his time at UTA helped shape his success.  

 

Tell us about yourself!
I grew up in Frisco, Texas, but now live in Mansfield, TX, with my wife Jordan and our three kids: Liam, Noah and Charlotte. I enjoy playing board games, going for runs or hikes and playing outside with my kids! 

Why did you choose to attend UTA? 
When looking at colleges, I wanted to stay in DFW and attend an affordable school with a great accounting program…that led me to UTA.  

What drew you to study accounting? 
I initially wanted to become a high school teacher and basketball coach. However, when I took an accounting class during my senior year of high school, I found that it made sense to me, and I enjoyed it. This class was the catalyst that led me to pursue a degree in accounting.  

Describe your experience at UTA; how did UTA help you prepare for your career? Were there any professors, courses, or experiences that had a lasting impact on your professional journey?  

The time I spent at UTA was some of the best years of my life. This was primarily due to the relationships I developed and the experiences I had with the UTA Men’s Basketball team as a student manager, the University Catholic Community, Beta Alpha Psi (an honor society) and the Goolsby Leadership Academy. These experiences taught me what it meant to take accountability, allowed me to grow in my faith, provided me with a sneak peek into the professional world of accounting and gave me the confidence to become the best version of myself.  

Describe your path to your role with the Dallas Mavericks. What advice would you give current UTA students wanting to work in the sports industry? 
My accounting path started with internships. I was fortunate to be given internship opportunities at three incredible companies: PSK LLP, Ernst & Young and the Dallas Mavericks. For any student looking to work in the sports industry, take advantage of internship opportunities while at school, as that’s one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. When it comes to the sports industry, the DFW metroplex is one of the leading sports hubs in the world. The opportunities are here; you just need to proactively seek them out.  

Looking back, what’s your most memorable UTA moment—academic, personal, or otherwise?  
It’s hard to choose one, but during my senior year I was given the opportunity to travel abroad to China with the Goolsby Leadership Academy. That one definitely stands out primarily because of the relationships I developed and memories that were created. I’ll forever share a bond with everyone from that trip, and those memories will last a lifetime.   

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?  
At UTA, specifically in the Goolsby Leadership Academy, I learned the importance of emotional intelligence, and that has become a foundational core of who I am and how I interact with others each and every day.   

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?  
UTA offers everything you need to be a successful business professional. Take advantage of every opportunity, stay true to who you are and treat others the right way. If you do those three things, you’ll set yourself up for success.  

Anything else you would like to share? 
Ms. Neilson is AWESOME!