UNOH Students make their Debut at the Big Dance

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022

UNOH Students in New Orleans for the NCAA Final Four Tournament

“The most amazing experience of my life,” said UNOH international student Leah Dawson who calls Australia her home when she was asked about interning at the NCAA Final Four tournament. “I have always loved American sports and this experience has made my love for my major grow even more.  I’ve made so many new connections with other students in my program as well as within the NCAA organization.”

Ten University of Northwestern Ohio Sport Marketing and Management students, along with two professors, made the trek to New Orleans, Louisiana to assist with programming and general event support for the Final Four portion of the NCAA March Madness tournament in 2022.

Students were originally signed up to volunteer for the Final Four tournament planned for Atlanta in 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to the entire event.  This year, the Host Committee reached back out to UNOH professors after noticing the students’ involvement with the Super Bowl.  Being able to have the opportunity for students to experience a major collegiate sporting is another feather in the cap for UNOH Sport Marketing and Management Students.  Up until this point, many of the events students have volunteered for have been at the professional level such as the NFL Draft, MLB All Star Game, and three previous Super Bowl events.

“Experiencing events and attractions related to professional sports is great exposure to the top level of the industry,” said UNOH professor Julia Etzkorn. “But being able to show students how much of an impact intercollegiate sports has on the overall sport marketing and management world is priceless. Students not only worked the events, but they each had the chance to network with professionals working for the NCAA and member schools which potentially could lead to internship or job opportunities in the future.”

“My favorite part of the trip was seeing the Duke vs. North Carolina game because it was such a historic rivalry and we witnessed the last game Coach Mike Krzyzewski will ever coach,” said student Will Roberson. “But outside of being able to watch the games, we worked the home run derby, tailgate fan fest, and the music festival. The final day we even had an early morning meeting with the woman who organized the Final Four event and it was so inspiring to hear her talk about the many opportunities the sports world has to offer.”

All ten students expressed their gratitude for being able to volunteer at events like the Final Four tournament.  Many Sport Marketing and Management students are athletes, former athletes, or people who have a genuine passion for the sport industry.  These internships help solidify their choice to attend UNOH and choose a major within the sports world.

“I can’t see my life without sports.  Growing up I always loved competing in sports, going to different events and analyzing the results of a sports competition,” said student Spencer Elking. “Following my heart and doing something I enjoy is the reason I look forward to my future in the sports world.  The UNOH Sport Marketing and Management program provides students with so many opportunities to gain real world experience for my future and this experience at the Final Four will be something that I’ll never forget.”

For more information about the Sport Marketing and Management Major at UNOH, visit https://www.unoh.edu/academics/college-of-occupational-professions/sport-marketing-management.html

Category: Business, Health, and Occupational Professions

Keywords: Sport Marketing and Management, NCAA, Final Four