February 11, 2025 — Marist Center for Sports Communication recently sent five students to cover Super Bowl Week in New Orleans. While experiencing the lead-up to the biggest game of the year, the students delivered week-long coverage, including content from opening night, radio row, and events across the city.

The students fully immersed themselves in the Super Bowl experience, taking on various media responsibilities. With NFL media credentials in hand, they attended nearly a dozen events leading up to the big game, gaining direct access to NFL players, coaches, celebrities, and sports media personalities. They captured as much content as possible from key figures and delivered it in engaging and creative ways across multiple platforms, including Center Field, Marist Center for Sports Communication, and official Marist accounts.

“A big part of my job is to hunt down and facilitate as many experiences as possible for our students that bring them into contact with the industries they aspire to be a part of,” said Dr. Andrew Elrick, Director of the Center for Sports Communication. “The Super Bowl is an example of this at the highest level, but we also have students who will travel with Marist athletics to conference tournaments and on high-profile regular season road trips. These experiences can be equally, or even more, valuable for students working towards careers in sports media.”

Dan Aulbach interviews Marist Alum Sean Stellato ’02. Photo by Cara Lacey '27M.

"This experience has been life-changing in more ways than one," said Luke Sassa '25, a communication major with concentrations in sports communication and journalism. "The opportunity to gain direct access to some of the most notable names in sports during Super Bowl week is something that only a small handful of college students have access to. To be among that group and receive full support from Marist has allowed us to create portfolio-worthy work and leverage networking opportunities to advance our sports media careers."

NFL RedZone’s Scott Hanson gives Marist Sports Comm students advice on how to break into the industry. Photo by Cara Lacey '27/M.

Throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl, the students seized the opportunity to engage with some of the biggest names in sports, conducting interviews and asking questions to high-profile figures such as Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, among others. They used social media and digital platforms to share their coverage through interactive videos, reels, written content, blog posts, photo albums, and behind-the-scenes story updates.

“It’s been mesmerizing to see athletes and media personnel I’ve watched on TV for years,” said Nicholas Chiarito '26, communication major with concentrations in sports communication and journalism. “The moment I asked a question to Patrick Mahomes, I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s acknowledging me.’”

Cara Lacey ‘27M steps in for ESPN’s Pat McAfee on his live set at Radio Row New Orleans. Photo by Luke Sassa '25.

“This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the more time we spend here, the more I realize that this does not have to be something I only experience once,” said Cara Lacey '27M, communication major with concentrations in sports communication and advertising, on track to receive a digital marketing master’s degree. “I am more excited than ever to start a career in sports media. This experience is a great way for all of us to get a foot in the door of the sports media world. From the unique experience of interviewing athletes to other journalists and more.”

Marist students departing radio row for the last time on Thursday, Feb. 6. Photo courtesy of Daniel Aulbach '25. 

“This experience is priceless,” said Daniel Aulbach '25, communciation major with concentrations in sports communication and journalism. “The opportunity to handle interviews with players, coaches, and media professionals around the NFL has changed my life and has given me confidence about my professional career.”

“The experience has been truly extraordinary,” said Eugene Barbieri ’26, communication major with a concentration in sports communication. “I was always a massive sports fan. To see all the people I grew up watching on TV in one place while taking in the sights and sounds of New Orleans has been an experience that I will remember forever.”

“The five students who went to New Orleans are some of our best and most engaged,” said Dr. Andrew Elrick. “They all earned this opportunity through their hard work and commitment. They did great and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Check out more about the students’ experience in New Orleans on their blog, posted on Center Field.