From international competitions to iconic American sporting traditions, Asbury University Media Communication alumni and students continue to build careers and gain professional experience at some of the world’s largest live productions.
As sports fans watched many of 2026’s biggest events, Asbury University Media Communication alumni and students worked behind the scenes to bring the action to audiences around the world.
This year alone, Asbury graduates and students have worked professionally at major sporting events including the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Kentucky Derby and FIFA World Cup, with alumni also contributing to broadcasts at the Super Bowl, PGA Championship and NASCAR events.
At the FIFA World Cup, alumna Joy Marshall ’21 spent six weeks in Atlanta as a camera operator with the FIFA City Crew, producing city features and capturing match-day experiences from pitchside, the stands and around Atlanta.
It’s always an incredible honor to work alongside such talented individuals from all around the world, and this tournament was no exception!”
“It was so impactful watching storylines such as Capo Verde’s historic run as well as capturing two giants like Argentina and England battle for a spot in the Final. It was made even more special by getting to work this event on my home soil!”
Earlier this year, Asbury students joined faculty and alumni at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Media Communication students Ella Liu ’27 and Summer Hollis ’26 supported broadcast production at Olympic venues, continuing an Asbury tradition of providing students with professional Olympic experience that dates to 1984.
Across major sporting events, Asbury students and graduates are putting their media training to work in high-pressure, professional broadcast environments.
At the 152nd Kentucky Derby, alumni Will Menser ’21, Jonathan Heffley ’18, Austin Trachsel ’18, Thad Kesten ’96, Grace Bevin ’23 Coleman, Chase Fullerton ’15, Clifton Drew ’20 and Cody York ’26 joined current Media Communication student Ian Rhodes ’27. They contributed to live production, broadcasting, camera operation, replay systems and media coverage throughout Derby week. Some of their work appeared on major networks including NBC and ESPN.
We prepare our students with the highest-level cameras and related film gear in the industry within an incredible facility that includes backlots, sound stages, Atmos audio, an animation lab, and virtual production."
“Adding professional experience opportunities to this combination provides Asbury media students who are well-prepared to enter the media industry.”
The Asbury University School of Communication Arts offers Traditional Undergraduate programs in Communication, Media Communication, Multimedia Journalism, and Theatre and an Online Multimedia Design degree. Graduate programs include the M.A. in Communication; M.A. in Digital Storytelling; MFA in Film/TV Production; and MFA in Screenwriting. Learn more.
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