For the Love of Sports by Peyton

For the Love of Sports by Peyton - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

There was a time when it was difficult for me to enjoy the moment. When I decided to step away from playing volleyball and softball post-covid, I had to find a way to regain my love for sports. Knowing college was right around the corner, majoring in sports management was perfect. I could combine my academic studies with the excitement sports always gave me.
With earning a sports management and marketing degree, I plan to work in the front office of a major sports company one day. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, great sports influences have surrounded me. From being an avid Chicago Cubs fan and watching them win the World Series 7 years ago to honoring the legacy of Michael Jordan every time the Bulls play at the United Center have been core childhood memories that have added to my infatuation with sports.
When sports were on pause, the only ways for fans to connect with their favorite players was through social media and tv. Social media is one of the biggest ways the world communicates many things. Growing up in the generation with technology, creating things on social media platforms brings out the creative side of me. Sports marketing is all about team and fan connection. Improving the fan experience whether in the arena or through pictures and videos piques my interest. I had the privilege of being invited to a sports management summer program through the National Student Leadership Conference this past year. Over the course of the week, I was exposed to many different sports connections and learned lots about how the sports industry changes with current trends over time. The program was a great learning opportunity and environment to engage with sports business professionals.
Aside from wanting to work with major sports teams, giving low-income children and families an equal opportunity to experience sports at the highest level is a goal of mine. For example, hosting charity events, donating sports equipment, and conducting sports camps for less fortunate youth are ideas that I could implement within my community. I have a passion for exposing African American youth to new ideas and life experiences around sports. Often, children get caught up in the dream of wanting to be the all-star athlete or being in the limelight; however, I feel that what separates my goals is wanting to actively impact and have a connection to sports with behind-the-scenes activities. I would love to educate children about the plethora of jobs and opportunities sports has for people without being an athlete. My desire is to encourage the children within my community to see beyond the horizon which is in front of them and develop a new generation of innovators. I believe with my strong work ethic and curiosity of the advancement of sports, I will be able to achieve all of my career goals and aspirations.