Student Name: Nyron Odom
Major/Program: Sports Management and Recreation, minor in Business
Internship Site: Keystone College Cheerleading Team
Role/Title: Assistant Coach
Semester/Year: Spring 2026

Working as an intern with the Keystone College Cheerleading Team, I learned how to become a more effective leader. I gained experience leading athletes, providing constructive criticism and maintaining a positive atmosphere during training sessions. At first, I lacked confidence when it came to speaking up, but I gradually overcame that challenge. This internship has helped me become a stronger leader who can communicate effectively with team members.

Before this internship, I did not realize how much work goes into being a coach. I expected to assist with the team, but I quickly learned that coaching involves significant planning and responsibility. Coaches must consider safety, coordination and motivation. This experience gave me an entirely new perspective on what it takes to be a coach.

One challenge I faced was transitioning from being a team captain to becoming a coach. This was a new experience, and it took time to become comfortable coaching rather than participating alongside the other team members. However, I learned to adapt to my new role and communicate effectively as a coach rather than a player. Although the transition was difficult at times, I stayed focused on supporting the team and becoming a positive role model for its members.

One fun part of my experience was that even though I was a coach, I still felt like part of the team. It was rewarding to watch each member develop their skills and improve while still having opportunities to joke around and maintain our team spirit. Already knowing the team members also helped make practices more enjoyable.

My advice for future interns is to never hesitate to ask questions or take the lead. Even small actions can make a meaningful impact. I would also encourage future interns to stay organized and practice good time management, especially when balancing several responsibilities at once.