Five Love School of Business students captured third place of 20 universities at Northern Kentucky University’s Econ Games 2025, marking Elon’s first podium finish in the national analytics contest.
Five students from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business brought home a third‑place win from Northern Kentucky University’s Econ Games 2025.
The win marked the first time an Elon team has placed in the national case competition. The roster—Ava Plage, Casey Steinert, Hannah Hawtof, Hope Rosen and Nick Daccurso—outperformed 16 universities and finished behind only the University of Dayton and Denison University with Olivia Healy, assistant professor in economics, serving as faculty advisor.
The competition was a debut for each student and, for most, a first taste of data‑driven case work.
“My goal was simply to learn more about economic consulting,” said Hope Rosen ‘28, a marketing and economic consulting double major from Morris Plains, New Jersey. “Problem solving with real information showed how classroom lessons translate to the world.”
Teamwork emerged as the week’s biggest lesson. “I wasn’t certain what role I would play on the team,” said Casey Steinert ‘28, a finance major from Long Island, N.Y. “Taking a risk on a story‑first approach showed that effort and clear communication can match advanced analytics.”
The students also gained perspective on futures in economics. “It improved my confidence and helped me realize I have the capabilities to pursue economics,” said Nick Daccurso ‘28, an accounting and economic consulting major from Howell, N.J.
Each teammate encouraged other first‑years to enter next year’s Econ Games.
“The Econ Games may seem intimidating, especially for first‑years,” said Hannah Hawtof ’28 from Baltimore, Maryland. “But the event pushes you to collaborate, speak up and become a better student.”