Jason Arnold, 2027
My capstone experience was creating and editing informational videos for Penry Advisors. This included finding a location to film, recording content, and editing finished footage into completed videos. This project also included creating title cards, adding visual effects, and editing content professionally. Through this experience, I have improved my skills with content creation, time management, and professional communication. I have learned more about creating professional content and I have picked up new editing skills. This project was very enjoyable and I would like to thank Dr. Penry for helping me through all of it!
Words of Wisdom
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Erica Eastman, 2027
My culminating experience with Athletes in Action was an opportunity to integrate my academic knowledge with hands-on leadership, service, and ministry in a real-world setting. Throughout the semester, I was able to develop skills in communication, teamwork, and coordination while working closely with AIA staff. I learned how to effectively lead in high-energy environments, build meaningful relationships, and integrate sports into my faith. More importantly, this experience shaped me personally and professionally by strengthening my leadership confidence and deepening my sense of purpose. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, take initiative, and reflect on how my values align with my future goals. Through my time with Athletes in Action, I not only grew in my professional abilities but also gained a clearer vision for how I want to use my passions and skills moving forward.
Words of Wisdom
Have faith and believe in yourself and what you can do! If you feel called to do something, do it!
Carter Tunnell , 2027
For my Culminating Experience, I worked with the Texas A&M Football - Coaches' Video Department. During my time with this department, I was able to meet lots of people that I would have never had the chance to meet. I also was fortunate enough to work with an amazing staff who all clearly cares for one another. I spent time making a new student hand guide for them to help in training their new students that come to work for them. I spent lots of time talking with the department heads to make sure that this project was perfect for their new students.
Words of Wisdom
The biggest word of wisdom that I can offer to a student going into their Culminating Experience is to not be afraid to speak up. Believe it or not, a lot of these organizations want to hear your opinion! Do not be afraid to share it.
Jessica McBrayer, 2026
My culminating experience consisted of designing and implementing a structured game curriculum for an Awana youth ministry program over a twelve-week period. Throughout the semester, I created forty lessons, each including three games, resulting in a total of one hundred twenty games. These games were intentionally designed to be engaging, adaptable for different age groups, and connected to specific biblical lesson themes. Each week, I spent time preparing materials, leading game time, and evaluating how well each activity supported engagement, behavior, and lesson understanding. I also incorporated research on positive reinforcement, physical activity, and inclusive play to improve how the games were structured and delivered.In addition to planning, I actively led and managed game time, which required real-time problem solving, communication with leaders, and adaptability when challenges arose, such as changes in group size or space limitations. I implemented strategies such as minimizing wait time, rewarding positive behavior with Awana bucks, and ensuring all children were involved in some way. This experience allowed me to develop leadership, organization, and program design skills while creating a fun and meaningful environment for children to learn and participate.
Words of Wisdom
Work hard!
Conner Monroe, 2026
This was a great first experience for me to gain knowledge and insight in the basketball field. My first experience working in basketball, it gave me a great knowledge and understanding of what I was getting into. I honestly never thought about pursuing youth basketball before doing this. Other than reassuring myself that this is what I want to be doing, it gave me the valuable experience that I needed to jumpstart my career. Gaining knowledge and connections in the industry, this forced me to get the ball rolling.
Words of Wisdom
Give it all your attention. Make this your main focus and main job. Put it first. This is your real-world experience; take advantage of it
Colby Chaplowe, 2026
Athletes in Action was first introduced to me at the tail end of last semester, as I was approaching the decision to pick a culminating experience, I was unsure as to where I would end up. That's where my introduction to Steve Harrell came in, and I knew I would learn and benefit from what was to offer with Athletes In Action. Throughout my time, I was fortunate enough to make connections with many within the industry and physically be involved with the hard work and time it takes to put together large-scale events that bring hundreds together. From behind-the-scenes budget and responsibility planning to waking up at 4 AM for preparation on the day of the event, my time has been nothing short of an experience in which I am truthfully grateful.
Words of Wisdom
Persistence is KEY to standing out.
Nicholas Kern, 2026
For my Capstone Experience, I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. For my project, I was tasked with running a Play4Kay event to raise money and bring awareness to all cancers that affect women. This experience was so fulfilling to me as I was able to make a true impact in my community through my own hard work and dedication. I will forever cherish this experience and the opportunities it created for me to learn about the sports fundraising world.
Words of Wisdom
With a special work ethic and relentless mindset, you can achieve anything you set your sights on!
Reese Vivaldi, 2026
The purpose of this capstone project is to design and implement a comprehensive summer sports camp program that enhances youth engagement and supports the Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley's mission. There are a few primary goals for this project that I have been tasked with. One of the main primary goals I have had the opportunity to tackle is organizing the individual sports camps. This included finding and contacting multiple people in this area who would be qualified enough to run these camps for us and be willing to do that as volunteers. Another primary goal of this project was to find facilities that would be willing to host these camps in the summer. These facilities also could not be political or religious. Luckily, for most of the camps, the Boys and Girls Club can utilize its own gym space to host these summer camps. I also took on some marketing roles for these summer camps, like creating flyers and promotional materials for the camps to gain attraction. There were other small things I did to help the club out, like writing thank-you cards for volunteers at the club and finding t-shirt businesses locally that could make the shirts for leagues and the summer sports programs at the club. In total, I got basketball, football, indoor soccer, and volleyball camps lined up for the summer. This was a huge success and it was very rewarding to help the club out in all of the various ways!
Words of Wisdom
It is so important that you make great connections in whatever culminating experience you choose. Representing Texas A&M and yourself well is always the priority during this experience, so be very diligent and hardworking, and be willing to go above and beyond in whatever you do.
Guy Kohler, 2027
This has been a very fun experience as I have been reaching out to coaches and players, trying to get them to attend a combine we are putting on in North Carolina. There is still more to come from this experience, as the Combine is not until May 30th, but it has been a great experience working with a team of people all over the US. Communication is very important for me because it has been all remote work, but I am very happy with my choice to work with the National Scouting Combine and Jimmy.
Words of Wisdom
Communication and organization are key.
Jackson Carey, 2028
My Capstone Experience consisted of working with Dave Campbell's Texas Football, where I focused on promotions, outreach, and digital content within high school sports media. Throughout the semester, I supported multiple initiatives including promoting their live streaming platform, assisting with their online voting competitions, and driving awareness for their UIL State Championship Recap Shows. My role centered on communicating with athletic directors, coaches, and booster clubs across Texas through email, phone, and other outreach methods to increase visibility, engagement, and participation. I also helped build and manage contact databases, track engagement, and contribute to promotional strategies that connected schools and communities to digital sports content.This experience allowed me to gain hands-on exposure to how media, sponsorships, and digital platforms work together in the sports industry. By contributing to real campaigns and adapting to challenges like low response rates and limited contact information, I developed skills in professional communication, strategic outreach, and problem-solving. Overall, my Capstone Experience provided practical insight into sports marketing and business operations while helping strengthen relationships between media platforms and high school athletic programs.
Words of Wisdom
Consistency and Adaptability.