Student Name: Matthew McElligott
Major/Program: Sports and Recreation
Internship Site: Columbus Blue Jackets
Role/Title: Broadcasting Intern
Semester/Year: Fall 2025
Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2025

I had the experience to meet some of my heroes in the sport of hockey. The biggest name I got to meet was Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby is one of the best players to play the sport and is an incredible athlete and human being. He took the time to sign a jersey for me and talk with me for a little after a practice. That was something I’ve looked forward to since I was a kid and meant a lot to me that I got that experience. 

It’s surprising how many departments and employees it takes to run a pro sports team. We had about 20 departments and 400 employees. It almost works as two separate entities that combine to make up the whole organization. There’s the sports side and the business side and everyone works together.

I had to overcome public speaking and the ability to interview the players. I struggled with this and was very nervous to come up with questions and talk to the players on the record. I overcame it by continuing to interview the players and trying my best to get through it. I got better over time and got the advice to treat it the same as having a normal conversation with them and to not overcomplicate my questions.

One fun fact during my experience was that I made the last second decision to follow the team to Nashville for the season opener. The day before the game I drove down with my younger brother and my friend to go work the game and get to take a quick vacation.

My advice: Understand the game and do your homework on the team you’re working for, as well as the opposing team. There’s also a “feel” of being around the players and in the dressing room to interview the players. There are times to enjoy the game and being able to work in sports, but being a professional about it at the same time.