Crystalynn Cardenas, 2026
The Boys and Girls Club is a great organization to partner with. I had the greatest support and the most amazing time navigating this experience. I learned a lot about myself, the internal logistics of youth sports, and the importance and impact I had when creating my football league.
Words of Wisdom
- Have patience and ask questions!
Yaotong Liu, 2026
As an international student, this Culminating Experience at Victory Sports was a very meaningful opportunity for me because it was my first time working with a local youth sports organization in the United States. Everything was new to me at the beginning, so this experience helped me understand how community sports programs are run here and allowed me to contribute in a way that connected me with the local community. My main responsibilities included contacting potential sponsorship partners, creating simple design materials for different programs, and gathering information from churches for our outreach and future partnerships. Through this work, I learned how important communication, organization, and consistency are when building relationships with outside partners. I also improved my design skills and gained a better understanding of how youth sports organizations market themselves and expand their reach. Overall, this experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it strengthened my interest in continuing a career in sport management.
Words of Wisdom
- Don’t be afraid to step in and help wherever needed
Chase Cross, 2027
I was responsible for reaching out to potential sponsors and building professional partnerships for the Follow the Money podcast. This meant researching businesses and individuals who might be a good fit, contacting them, and explaining the value of supporting our show. I also created customized sponsorship proposals that outlined what the podcast could offer and how a partnership would benefit both sides. Through this work, I helped secure the podcast’s first-ever sponsorship deal, collaborating with sport management professor Jon Heidtke. Working through the entire process from initial outreach to final agreement taught me real-world communication, marketing, and partnership-building skills.
Words of Wisdom
- Have great communication with your business partner.
Filippa Henderson, 2026
My Capstone Experience was with Athletes In Action and I worked alongside their marketing team this semester to creating promotional materials for various events they hosted. I worked with Megan to create a social media calendar that reviewed posts and content that could be posted about programs to promote brand identity and increase following. This project taught me that having a social media presence is based on how intentional you are with creating content. Megan and I also collaborated on TV graphics, Instagram stories, and printables for the Leanna Crawford Concert to increase attendance. Additionally, I worked on creating promotional materials for a Flamenco concert, dinner, and field trip that shared the heritage of Flamenco and had important dates. These projects taught me how to use Canva and various rules of tone, font, weight, and bleeding. Throughout this experience I have built my confidence in collaboration and learned new skills. Overall, I have really enjoyed my time with Athletes In Action and the opportunity they gave me to gain real-world experience that I will take with me into future career.
Words of Wisdom
- Do not hesitate to ask questions because that is how you will gain the most experience from this project.
- Have fun learning if this is something you will want to do in your future career.
Tucker Flatt, 2026
I worked with Victory Sports, which is a youth catholic sports program in Bryan, Texas. My main project was creating a two-minute promotional video that Victory Sports will use in its efforts for expansion. I had experince filming game days, planning media days for short-form social media content, and editing on Adobe Premiere Pro. I enjoyed getting to learn tangible skills that I can apply to future jobs or industries. I also liked how the work I did had meaning and went to an organization that has a great mission: to form disciples, strengthen families, and foster community by providing parishes with a Catholic alternative to secular sports that fosters healthy competition, develops children spiritually in accordance with Church teaching, and hones athletic skill through fundamentals-focused coaching and training plans.
Words of Wisdom
- I would say work hard because you have no idea what doors will open. Also, take advantage of reaching out to people who are actually in the workforce/industry in which you are interested. People are very likely to help, especially if you mention that you're a student. .
Kylee Crow, 2026
During my time with Athletes in Action, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in operations and research. I planned and budgeted a three-day trip for two people in detail. Through data of past expenses, I proposed a budget for an international mission trip for 20 people. Athletes in Action had me research ways to improve in areas that they struggled in, this being recruiting and partnerships. I did extensive research on the best ways to create greater outreach to their target audience. I then used my research to make a 30-second promotional video that they could post to social media to create more interest in their international missions.
Words of Wisom
- Communicate with your business partner and delegate your time wisely.
Abby McKee, 2026
My Culminating Experience allowed me to gain hands-on insights into event planning, communication, and professional collaboration through my work with TexAgs. Throughout the semester, I contributed to multiple events—ranging from sponsor lunches to gameday tailgates—and was able to see firsthand how much coordination, adaptability, and teamwork go into executing successful experiences. Each event offered something new to learn, whether it was managing setup, preparing materials, organizing check-in processes, or adjusting to last-minute challenges. I was able to strengthen my problem-solving skills, build confidence in high-pressure environments, and grow more comfortable working with staff, sponsors, and vendors.Beyond the technical side of event operations, this experience helped me understand the importance of clear communication, strong relationships, and consistent professionalism. I learned how to anticipate needs, collaborate with a team, and contribute meaningfully to creating positive experiences for attendees. Overall, my Culminating Experience was extremely rewarding and shaped both my academic and career goals by giving me real-world experience in a fast-paced, people-centered environment.
Words of Wisdom
- Be adaptable: things will change no matter how well you plan, so stay flexible and ready to problem-solve. Communicate everything: clear, early communication with your team makes every task easier and every event smoother.Say yes to opportunities: the more you jump in and get involved, the more you’ll learn and the more confidence you’ll build.
Nathan Mihills, 2026
I had the amazing opportunity to help launch the registration campaign for Victory Sports' upcoming basketball season. Each week was spent planning and developing the different aspects of the campaign to maximize its reach, traction, and success. Some of my tasks included updating the website to simplify the consumer experience, creating registration flyers that promoted the coming season, and designing the team uniforms using a jersey builder platform. Everyone that I interacted with during this project was so supportive and enjoyable to work with, and I gained a lot of valuable experience that I fully believe will help me be successful in my future endeavors.
Words of Wisdom
- The most successful people ask the most questions
Zachary Sylvester, 2026
My culminating experience was awesome! I assisted with Athlethes in Action to help coordinate a round-robin format basketball scrimmage with an Australian basketball team. Not only did I meet great connections, but it also taught me a lot about how to be a professional in the business world. It was also a great opportunity to grow while pursuing something that I knew would help a great organization like AIA.
Words of Wisdom
- FInd a project that will intrest you! Do not just choose something your friends want to do.
Trent Nieto, 2026
For my Capstone Experience, I had the opportunity to work alongside Meredith Mitchell, Director of Business Operations for Texas A&M Women’s Basketball, where I gained firsthand exposure to the operational demands of an NCAA Division I athletics program. Throughout the semester, I supported a wide range of responsibilities, including organizing and distributing team gear, managing equipment inventory, assisting with travel logistics, preparing itineraries, supporting preseason activities, and helping with game day operations. This experience allowed me to move beyond classroom learning and develop a practical understanding of the coordination, organization, and attention to detail required to successfully support a collegiate athletic program.
Words of Wisdom
- Be Proactive
- Be adaptable
- Appreciate the experience