Thomas Conner Ralston
Sewickley
Summary
Dynamic and passionate owner of Ralston Shooting Academy, leveraging effective communication and problem-solving skills to inspire youth in hockey. Proven leadership in marketing and scheduling, fostering community engagement. Committed to enhancing the consumers everyday experience, while maintaining a strong work ethic and respectfulness in all interactions.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Shooting Coach
Ralston Shooting Academy
Sewickley
03.2024 - Current
- I started Ralston Shooting Academy after the end of my senior year of hockey. Inspired to give back to my community and game that I love, I used social media to market myself and attract customers. RSA has taught me many things including interacting with children of all ages, marketing, scheduling, and good communication skills.
Referee
USA Hockey
10.2022 - Current
- Having this job has taught me how to act professionally and talk to adult coaches as well as improved my decision-making.
- Officiated games, ensuring adherence to hockey rules and regulations.
- Maintained focus during high-pressure situations on the ice.
Volunteer
Learn to Play Hockey/Avonworth Hockey
01.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: RMU Island Sports Center
- I participated in Learn to Play when I was 4 years old. Learn to Play helped me learn the fundamentals of the game and also develop a joy for playing hockey. Volunteering here is a way to give back to the game I love and the community I am a part of.
- Assisted youth players in learning fundamental hockey skills and techniques.
Apparel Associate
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc
Pittsburgh
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate apparel and gear for their activities.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of merchandise displays on the sales floor.
- Provided product knowledge to customers, enhancing their shopping experience.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly and professionally.
Volunteer
The Education Partnership
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Company Overview: Local nonprofit
- The Education Partnership is an inspiring local nonprofit that provides school supplies to teachers at underprivileged schools that cannot afford to provide these supplies for their students.
Volunteer
Play it Forward
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: Toy drive in Pittsburgh
- Play it Forward is a toy drive in the city of Pittsburgh where I volunteer around the holidays to sort and distribute toys.
- Toy drive in Pittsburgh
Contestant
CGI Engineering Challenge
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Company Overview: PPG
- At the CGI Engineering Challenge, I developed skills in marketing, creativity, and design. The goal of the challenge was to improve the gameday experience at PPG Paints Arena to retain first-time customers.
Job Shadow
Vollmer of America
07.2024
- I gained valuable experience through my involvement in this program by learning about engineering and the steel industry. I spent time with the president of the company and several engineers.
Job Shadow
David Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center
07.2024
- During this experience, I was able to observe patient treatment and gain knowledge about the education and career of physical therapists.
Job Shadow
Hesse Mechatronics, Inc.
06.2024
- I learned a great deal about the job of engineers and was able to observe the installation of engineering equipment in their quantum computing laboratory.
Education
Gifted Education Program -
Avonworth
Sewickley, PA06-2025
High School - College-prep curriculum
Avonworth High School
Sewickley, PA06-2025
Sports Management -
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA07.2024
Architecture Program Career Connections Real World Learning Experience -
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Pittsburgh12.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Work ethic
- Respectfulness
- Team collaboration
- Leadership
Affiliations
- Business Pathway
- STEM Pathway
- Chinese Club
- Investment Club
Extracurricular Activities
Amateur Hockey, I have been playing amateur hockey since I was 4 years old. This has become very important to me and has helped me to develop many skills and dispositions such as teamwork, problem solving, resiliency, dedication, and commitment. I play at the Tier 1 level, which is the highest level of amateur hockey. School Hockey, Avonworth hockey, 4-time varsity player and captain, Penguin Cup Champion, 1 time JV champion, 1-time middle school champion and captain. Avonworth Hockey has been an unbelievably rewarding experience, teaching me leadership, accountability, and respect, and nurturing the passion I hold in my heart for hockey by letting me play the game I love with my school friends. Band, I have participated in the school concert band since 4th grade playing the oboe and have been in the honors band since sophomore year. The band has taught me many skills, most importantly the importance of practice and dedication. It has also nurtured my love of music, and also enabled me to build relationships with other students in the program. High School Golf, I have greatly enjoyed learning the sport of Golf. I have also learned that etiquette and proper behavior on the course is an important aspect of the game. Golf has taught me to act respectfully while enjoying the activity I am doing. Church of Ascension, I worship at the Church of Ascension, an Anglican Church in the city of Pittsburgh.
Awards
- PIHL Varsity Player of the Month - 11/01/23
- PIHL Scholarship winner
- Varsity All-Star Senior Year
- Varsity All-Star Junior Year
- PIHL Varsity All-Star Sophomore year
- PIHL Academic All-Star from 2019 to Present
- Junior High District Band
- Middle School Hockey Captain
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Apparel Associate
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc
05.2025 - 08.2025
Job Shadow
Vollmer of America
07.2024
Job Shadow
David Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center
07.2024
Job Shadow
Hesse Mechatronics, Inc.
06.2024
Owner/Shooting Coach
Ralston Shooting Academy
03.2024 - Current
Contestant
CGI Engineering Challenge
01.2024 - 02.2024
Volunteer
The Education Partnership
07.2023 - 10.2024
Volunteer
Play it Forward
07.2023 - 07.2024
Referee
USA Hockey
10.2022 - Current
Volunteer
Learn to Play Hockey/Avonworth Hockey
01.2021 - Current
Gifted Education Program -
Avonworth
High School - College-prep curriculum
Avonworth High School
Sports Management -
Point Park University
Architecture Program Career Connections Real World Learning Experience -
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Some College (No Degree) - Engineering
University of Pittsburgh