East Tennessee State University students are spending their summer on the diamond, working side‑by‑side with the Johnson City Doughboys, a minor‑league baseball franchise that partners with Boyd Sports.
The interns rotate through a suite of functions that keep the ballpark humming, from curating social‑media content to selling tickets, from preparing food and beverage stations to orchestrating gameday logistics.
Flannery Newman, a social‑media intern, steers the team’s online presence, crafting posts that capture the excitement of each game and engaging fans across platforms. Sara Lutz, the ticket‑sales intern, ensures that seating options are accessible and coordinates promotional giveaways that draw crowds. Cade Story, the food‑and‑beverage intern, focuses on the fan experience, turning a simple snack into a memorable moment. Cole Horine, the gameday‑operations intern, manages the flow of activities that make a game run smoothly, while Olivia Lamb, the marketing and promotions intern, designs contests and themed nights that keep the atmosphere lively.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Scoreboard
These positions give students a rare chance to apply lessons from brand strategy and sport‑management courses in a real‑world setting, while building a network of contacts in the sports industry.
Adaptability proves essential; interns must pivot quickly when a rain delay hits or when a sudden surge in demand requires a rapid response, all while maintaining a focus on listening to fans and delivering a seamless experience.
The partnership benefits more than just the interns. By enhancing accessibility, coordinating promotions, and creating lasting memories, the Doughboys enrich the community’s summer entertainment, and ETSU’s career services leverages these experiences to guide students toward future opportunities.