Most Impactful Sports Event of My Life

` There are seconds left on the clock. Graduate guard Sarah Andrews has the ball and goes for the long shot, but misses. The buzzer sounds, and Hailey Van Lith and the TCU Horned Frogs celebrate as confetti rains down while they hoist the Big 12 women’s basketball tournament championship trophy.

I was there not as a fan, but as a volunteer for the 2025 Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. While the Horned Frogs’ victory over the Bears still stings to this day, that isn’t why this event was memorable to me. Volunteering at the Big 12 basketball tournament was the most impactful sports event of my life because it allowed me to develop my communication skills, connect with professionals and immerse myself in the high-energy atmosphere of a major sporting event.

As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to take on a wide range of tasks. I wrote game notes for all 15 games of the men’s tournament, helped set up press conferences and handed out stats to members of the media. These responsibilities taught me not only how to manage the pressure of a high-stakes environment but also how to make connections with career professionals.

I had the chance to meet communications staff such as Josh Conrad and David Waxman from the Big 12 communications department, who encouraged me as I pursue my career path. Knowing that I can reach out to professionals like them for guidance or potential opportunities is invaluable. On top of that, I made lasting friendships with fellow student volunteers, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.

Sharing the tournament with my peers was part of what made it so unforgettable. Spending two weeks with other college students in Kansas City, Mo., added to the excitement and made me look forward to the career ahead of me. Some moments stood out in particular: during the women’s tournament, a group of elementary school students filled the stands, their cheers echoing through the arena. Later, in the men’s tournament, I witnessed a sold-out T-Mobile Center packed with Kansas Jayhawk fans roaring for their team. It was an electric environment, and one I’ll never forget.

Spending those two weeks in Kansas City at the T-Mobile Center reinvigorated my passion for working in sports. From the practical skills I gained to the friendships I built and the unmatched atmosphere I experienced, the Big 12 basketball tournament will always stand out as one of the top moments of my career.