Beyond the Court: Reflecting on the 2025-2026 Gonzaga Basketball Season

The buzzer has officially sounded on another incredible Gonzaga basketball season. When you’re in the stands at the McCarthey Athletic Center, the energy is undeniable. But when you’re working behind the scenes, you get to experience an entirely different kind of adrenaline

As my time as a Marketing and Promotions Intern for Gonzaga Athletics wraps up for the 2025-2026 year, I find myself looking back at the long nights, the meticulously planned spreadsheets, and the absolute thrill of live entertainment.

Stepping Up as Basketball Lead:

This season, I had the immense privilege of serving as a Basketball Lead alongside Campbell Thorner. I was tasked with managing the booking, communication, and execution for all of our halftime performers as well as leading marketing and promotions for each game-day atmosphere.

If you’ve ever watched a halftime show, you know it only lasts a few minutes. But what you don't see are the weeks of back-and-forth emails, the logistical planning, and the split-second coordination required to get performers on and off the court smoothly while the clock ticks down. It was a fast-paced environment where there was no room for error, and I loved every second of it.

Working with Campbell to coordinate all the moving parts of our basketball games was an absolute masterclass in live sports entertainment.

Growth Through Logistics:

This role pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so much about what it takes to run a seamless promotional event. A few of my biggest takeaways this season included:

- Adaptability in Real-Time: Live sports are unpredictable. Learning how to pivot and

adjust schedules on the fly was a crucial skill.

- The Power of Clear Communication: Whether we were briefing a halftime act,

coordinating with the production crew, or updating the marketing team, clarity was our best friend.

- Attention to Detail: The difference between a good show and a great show comes down to the smallest logistical details.

To the Best Team in the Business:

None of this growth or success would have been possible without the people in my corner.

A massive thank you to Kyle Hoob, Cole Harrison, M.S., and Isabella Fontaine. Your daily support, guidance, and encouragement empowered me to take ownership of my role and lean into the challenges.

You truly are the best team in the business, and you’ve made this year an unforgettable one.

As the 2025-2026 season officially goes into the history books, I am leaving with a full heart and a sharpened skill set.

I love this work, and I love this team.

Go Zags!