Thanks to the generosity of our donors, especially Dru Hancock, the Sports and Society Initiative was able to sponsor students to gain invaluable work experience at both the NCAA Men’s Tournament t first-round games in Cleveland, and the Women’s Final Four in Tampa. Here is a look at their experiences:

Men’s NCAA Tournament, First and Second Round, Cleveland, Ohio

Adlai Kwofie

Being a media coordination volunteer for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was an incredible opportunity that provided invaluable insights into sports media and event operations. From assisting with credentialing to ensuring smooth press conferences, I gained hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, reinforcing my passion for sports management and event coordination.

A major takeaway from this experience was the importance of communication and adaptability. Working directly with media personnel, I had to stay organized and provide clear information. Whether it was helping reporters find seating or coordinating postgame interviews, I learned how crucial it is to remain composed under pressure and anticipate the needs of media members.

Witnessing the tournament’s energy from behind the scenes was a personal highlight. Seeing the collaboration between NCAA staff, team representatives, and media professionals gave me a newfound appreciation for the planning required to execute such an event. I was particularly impressed by how every small detail, such as press room setup and real-time stat distribution, contributed to the overall experience for athletes, coaches, and fans.

This experience has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in sports media relations and event management. I am grateful to SSI and the College of Arts and Sciences for supporting me in this opportunity. Their commitment to hands-on learning has been truly impactful, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to my future career.

Jaclyn Karpinsky

Attending the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Cleveland was an amazing experience for networking and gaining hands-on knowledge in the sports industry. I’m grateful for the support from SSI and the College of Arts and Sciences, which made it possible for me to attend.

Throughout the weekend, I worked alongside the NCAA and Mid-American Conference media operations team. I managed media credential check-in, organized materials, and delivered game stats.

My key takeaway was the importance of professionalism and attention to detail. Even simple tasks, like stat running, are crucial to the success of the event. During one game, there was an error with the officials' names on the lineup sheets, which had already been distributed to the media. Correcting this mistake was a quick but necessary adjustment that taught me the value of teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

While the highlight of this trip was watching the tournament unfold behind the scenes, I also enjoyed meeting new people and reconnecting with industry professionals. This experience has helped me grow as a professional and enhanced my skill set for future job opportunities in the sports industry.

Cameron Moone

There is something truly special about the pageantry of collegiate athletics. Participating in such events offers incredible opportunities to network and discover career paths that otherwise might go unnoticed. From March 20-23, I had the privilege of joining the Ohio State Sports and Society Initiative in Cleveland for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. We assisted the Mid-American Conference in running the event.

On the first day, Garrison McDaniel, Olivia Riley, and I were involved in crucial tasks. Right away, we realized how necessary our roles were to the event’s integrity and how much teamwork played a part in the weekend’s success. Olivia and I distributed credentials while networking with media members. As I soaked in everything around me, I felt lucky to be a part of something so much bigger than myself.

As the games progressed, I fully embraced the opportunity. Jeremy Guy, the head MAC media coordinator, guided me in my assigned duties, which included working as a photocopier operator and will-call attendant. With his help, I could contribute effectively to the smooth operation of the event.

During our free day on March 22, Olivia, Garrison, and I made the most of our time in Cleveland by enjoying brunch and watching other tournament games. By the final day of the event, we had become so familiar with our roles that everything ran smoothly.

The relationships I built and the networking I did were unforgettable. I’m grateful to the Sports and Society Initiative and the MAC for providing such a meaningful experience, and I enjoyed every moment.

Olivia Riley

I’m deeply thankful for attending the first and second rounds of March Madness in Cleveland this year! Thanks to SSI, I had the chance to meet amazing individuals in the sports information field and gain firsthand experience in media relations at a major event.

While I already had a strong sense of my career direction after graduating in May, this experience has solidified my goals and passion for sports communication at all levels. Throughout the weekend, my responsibilities varied, giving me a clear understanding of the many moving parts involved in such a large-scale event. I helped with credentialing, guided local and national media, and ran statistics for broadcasters during the games. Additionally, I distributed game books, box scores, and lineups pre- and postgame.

The highlight of this experience was definitely the networking! I met students from different schools and majors, each with unique journeys in the sports industry. I also had the chance to hear from professionals about their paths to success. Their advice was invaluable.

I feel incredibly fortunate that Ohio State offers opportunities like this. The scholarship made a big difference—I likely wouldn't have been able to attend without it. SSI and the College of Arts and Sciences are fantastic resources for students pursuing careers in sports, and I hope more students take advantage of opportunities like this in the future!

Ryan Sauline

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work the first two rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. This experience gave me excellent hands-on exposure, and I was able to network with professionals pursuing similar career paths.

On Thursday, with no games scheduled, I had some free time. I found Olivia Riley, whom I had previously met while working for Ohio State’s Athletics Communications Department, and connected with the group she was with. I formed a strong connection with Garrison McDaniel and Cameron Moone, as our career goals align in many ways. After a relaxed first day, we stopped by a nearby Irish pub, where we discovered more mutual connections. I also networked with Jeremy Guy, my supervisor, who works in communications for the MAC. He shared stories of his experience running the MAC tournament the week before, including a grueling 23-hour workday.

On Friday, I was in charge of media credential check-in, a responsibility I’ve handled in other jobs. During this task, I met a former Ohio University student who now works with Riddel. We talked about her current role. After a long Friday, our group went out again while Garrison wrapped up his duties. We became more comfortable with one another and deepened our professional relationships.

Jeremy was an incredibly flexible supervisor. He supported me in balancing track and field coverage while working my shift, even adjusting my Sunday schedule so I could assist with the women’s lacrosse game in Columbus before returning to Cleveland. Overall, this experience was one of the coolest I’ve ever had in terms of working, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.

Women’s Final Four, Tampa, Florida

Mason Jarrell

As I sat down to write this reflection, vivid memories of my time in Tampa, Florida, working at the Women’s Final Four flooded my mind. An overwhelming sense of gratitude filled me as I thought about the experience and the invaluable lessons I gained. It's difficult to condense it all into a few paragraphs because of the depth of the experience, but I'll try.

Throughout the trip, I found myself stopping to take a deep breath, often pinching myself because it all felt surreal. The fast-paced environment of such a monumental event made a 14-hour shift fly by.

I had the privilege of meeting many incredible people, each with their own unique story of how they got to where they are. These conversations led to relationships I know will last a lifetime. Before arriving in Tampa, I didn't know exactly what to expect, but leaving, I had a completely new perspective. The amount of work and coordination required to pull off such a massive event is mind-boggling. If one person misses their cue or doesn’t do their job, the entire operation could fall apart—like a game of Jenga.

This experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in sports. Standing on the court during the trophy ceremony, feeling the confetti fall around me while playing a role in the event, was a sensation I can’t quite put into words. It was a rush of pure awe and excitement, a moment I will never forget.

I’m deeply thankful to the Sports and Society Initiative for making this opportunity possible. Their generosity ensured everything ran smoothly, and without their support, I might not be as sure about my path in sports as I am now. With only one year left until graduation, I’m more committed than ever to pushing forward in the sports industry. I hope others who share this dream will have similar opportunities, as experiences like this offer not only professional insights but also the chance to learn about yourself and handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Caitlin Kachurik

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to attend this year’s NCAA Women’s Final Four in Tampa. I want to thank Dru Hancock, Aaron Klein, Nicole Kraft, and Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative for making this experience possible. It was an unforgettable event, and it will stay with me forever.

Our time in Tampa was incredible, and I learned so much from those I met and connected with. My role involved distributing credentials, assisting with press conferences, and being courtside to offer help where needed. We worked closely with Populous, an architecture company that also handles accreditation. They were kind, helpful, and shared valuable advice about their careers, including their journey to Populous and tips for life after college.

We also connected with directors from the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, and the NCAA, all of whom guided us throughout our time in Tampa.

Working in sports is a continuous learning experience, and this trip reinforced the importance of adaptability. While things may start with a plan, events change, and you have to adjust quickly. The key is resolving any issues swiftly and ensuring the event runs smoothly. Another major lesson was the importance of not taking an opportunity like this for granted. Though the days were long, I truly appreciated the experience.

A highlight for me was being courtside for all three games, especially watching UCONN lift the championship trophy amidst the confetti. That moment felt unreal—it was something I never imagined I would get to experience.

These opportunities wouldn’t have been possible without Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiatives. This program has shaped my career in ways I never anticipated, offering me experiences that have solidified my desire to pursue a career in sports. Without their support, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you to everyone involved, from donors to deans to all those at the Sports and Society Initiative. Your contributions made this life-changing experience possible.

Jaclyn Karpinsky

The Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida was an unforgettable experience, one that’s difficult to fully capture in words. The opportunity to work directly with the NCAA alongside their most experienced and knowledgeable professionals was remarkable.

Three key lessons stand out from this experience. First, I spent significant time in the credential office working with a team from Populous Architecture. Not only did I build strong relationships with them, but I also gained valuable insights into their careers and how they manage large-scale events like the Women’s Final Four and the Super Bowl.

Second, I learned how to be efficient and make informed decisions independently in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment. My goal was to lighten the NCAA’s load by contributing in ways that didn’t require constant supervision but instead added value to the team.

Finally, I discovered that networking in the sports industry is different from other fields. It’s not just about business transactions—it’s about building genuine, lasting relationships.

One of the highlights came at the conclusion of the championship game. My responsibility before the trophy ceremony was to assist the NCAA timeout and commercial coordinator. I had to wait for ESPN to officially sign off before alerting the media team that the floor was clear for non-ESPN photographers and videographers to enter for the trophy presentation. This precise role was crucial, as the timing was critical, and it was a high-stakes position.

This trip reinforced my passion for the sports industry and provided amazing hands-on experience. It has inspired me to pursue more opportunities in sports while continuing to strengthen my network.

When I chose Ohio State four years ago, I wanted a university with a broad range of resources and opportunities. I had a strong sense that it was the right place for me to grow in communications, but I never imagined how transformative my involvement with SSI and the College of Arts and Sciences would be.

I am incredibly grateful for everything I’ve experienced through SSI and the College of Arts and Sciences. The programs, scholarships, mentors, networking, and career opportunities have given me a head start in my career. Most importantly, I’ve had once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I’ll carry with me forever.