This morning, I woke up full of anticipation for the day ahead. Today is the day that I’m starting my internship with the Connecticut Sun, Connecticut’s professional women’s basketball team. I couldn’t wait to see what tasks I’d be given! As soon as I arrived, I found out some amazing news. Despite it being my first day, I would be lucky enough to work both of the day’s scheduled games: the Chicago Sky vs. the LA Sparks, and the Connecticut Sun vs. Chinese National Team.
The other interns and I were given our first task, which was to roll hundreds of t-shirts in preparation of them being given to fans during quarter breaks, media timeouts, and halftime. The next task our supervisors gave us was to put boxes of pocket schedules in front of the sales table and both main arena entrances. For the last part of the pre-game set up, we had to prepare the fan making table, which is where anyone can draw on a fan and bring it into the game.
Once these duties were completed, we reported back to our supervisors, who divided us up into teams of two and assigned us to the jobs that we’d be doing during the games. I was given the job of photographer, which required me to take pictures of the fans that were picked as contestants for the events that occurred during quarter breaks, media timeouts, and halftime. I also took pictures of fans that posed with Blaze, the Connecticut Sun Mascot. The best part? I was able to actually go on the court during the contests! The first day was a long 8-hour day on my feet, but it was definitely worth it.
The next morning, I woke up even more excited. Since I knew what my day was going to be like, I couldn’t wait for it to start. My second day also had two games scheduled: the Chicago Sky vs. the Chinese National Team, and the Connecticut Sun vs. the LA Sparks. After the other interns and myself completed the pre-game set up, our supervisor assigned us jobs that were different than the day before. When I was told what I would be doing, my excitement faded and fear set in.
I was tasked with going around the arena and asking fans to participate in our court contests. I usually have a very outgoing personality, but having to talk to an arena full of people was a daunting task. During the game, I was successful in getting a few fans to participate. Despite my initial fear, I ended up enjoying this very much; more than yesterday’s photographer role. I got comfortable going up to fans, after a while, and felt my confidence growing. Once the other intern and I picked the contestants, we were responsible for setting up the props that they would be using in the contests. My second day went by faster, and I went home knowing that each day will be better than the last.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Connecticut Sun season has in store for me. I think my internship will not only provide me with an experiential learning opportunity that can’t be captured in a traditional classroom, but it will also teach me to step out of my comfort zone and experience new environments. This summer is going to be a memorable one, thanks to the amazing opportunity given to me by the Connecticut Sun.
Olivia Sutherland
Major: Sports Management
Team: Women’s Basketball Team
Year: Junior
Hometown: Wallingford, CT