A native of Salisbury, North Carolina, his earliest memories of the College date back to childhood visits to the Sam Moir Christmas Basketball Tournament and youth track meets at Shuford Stadium. But it was a meaningful connection forged on the track in high school that ultimately sealed his decision to become a Catawba student.
“I was a thrower at North Rowan High School, and Catawba’s jumpers and throwers would come practice at our facilities,” Rudisell recalls. “They were so open, kind, and patient with me. I truly felt like I was already a member of the team.” That moment of belonging made his college choice clear.
As a Sport Management major at Catawba, Rudisell thrived under the guidance of faculty and staff who challenged and supported him. He credits professors like Dr. Duane Aagaard and Dr. Troy Carlton for fostering a strong academic foundation and inspiring him to lead with integrity. “Courses like Sports Philosophy & Ethics helped me learn how to make sound decisions and understand the deeper meaning behind sport,” he shares.
Rudisell's journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the Sport Biz Career Fellowship, a prestigious internship experience that connected him during the Summer of 2024 with 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. “I knew nothing about racing,” he says with a smile, “but I took a leap of faith. That internship opened my eyes to the world of motorsports—and I fell in love with it.”
His resume quickly filled with real-world experience—from helping the athletic director at North Rowan organize sporting events, to contributing to strategic partnership planning at 23XI, to learning the ins and outs of event operations at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Not many undergraduate students have had exposure to a team (23XI Racing), a track (Charlotte Motor Speedway), and a league (NASCAR) in this industry,” Rudisell notes. “That perspective is invaluable.”
This year, Adrian stepped into a new chapter as the Senior Coordinator for Growth Engagement and Inclusion at NASCAR. In his role, he’s tasked with developing marketing strategies that engage diverse audiences and expand the sport’s reach into new markets. “I’m excited about meeting people where they are, inviting them into the sport, and ultimately leaving it better than I found it,” he says.
“We could not be prouder of Adrian,” said Dr. Duane Aagaard, Chair of Sport Management at Catawba College. “He embodies everything we hope for in our graduates—passion, persistence, humility, and a commitment to making a difference. Watching Adrian grow from a local student into a leader in motorsports is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.”
Reflecting on his time at Catawba, Rudisell offers heartfelt advice to current students: “Make the most of your time. Grow as a person and a professional. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘When the opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.’ So take advantage of every resource and every conversation while you can.”
Dr. Troy Carlton, Sport Management faculty and mentor, added, “What I think were Adrian’s most powerful traits were his perseverance tied to his positive attitude. People can look at his story and think, “Wow, he had success at everything he did.” The truth of the matter is, Adrian earned everything he has today, even with a bunch of NO’s thrown his way. He is a living example of what happens when students work their butt off and never quit going after their dream.”
For Rudisell, representing Catawba in the world of motorsports isn’t just a professional achievement—it’s deeply personal. “This is a testament to the village that raised me. I was never put in a box at Catawba. I had the support, guidance, and space to chart my course,” he reflects. “Anyone here can do the same. I’m living proof of that.”
