I was unsure of what communications track I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted to spark
change. As my interests shifted between various topics within communications, my ambivalence
led me to work in a variety of fields. Between print media in the marketing world to administrative duties in the sports industry, I kept my options open to prove my versatility to future employers. Ultimately I decided on public relations and in May of 2022, I graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing Applications.

An internship with a semi-professional hockey team enabled me to work closely with their marketing director to create in-game audio and visual content for the arena’s jumbotron. Working with a small organization, I also got a taste of managerial roles. I remembered how much I enjoyed my time as an athletics student assistant at the University of West Florida and wanted to explore at a higher level. My love for sports and college intertwined and blossomed into a new passion.

Being a detail-oriented professional has proven to be a great strength when working at a university. My time as a graduate assistant for the Virginia Educational Science Training (VEST) Doctorial Fellowship Program at UVA showed me how prepared I am to enter this industry. As a future athletic administrator, I believe institutions’ athletic programs are a more publicized extension of the university. The relationships created between the institution and its athletes are worth far more than any donation. My enthusiasm and love for sports can pay big dividends.

Upon completion of my Master of Education in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education with an emphasis in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, I hope to inspire and advocate for student-athletes. Although my professional goals have shifted throughout my collegiate career, my passion for helping others coupled with my various experiences in administration, athletics, and previous coursework, will allow me to burst into intercollegiate athletic administration and alter the course of young professionals’ lives. I believe investing myself in higher education will provide a rewarding future that allows me to capitalize on my strengths.