When we asked 20-year-old Jackson about his dream profession, he wasn’t sure what his job title would be. One thing was certain: it would be in sports.
Jackson was introduced to Connecting Champions by his local children’s hospital survivorship clinic. As a senior in high school at the time, he thought it would be most beneficial to enroll in the exploratory mentorship with the opportunity to meet multiple mentors from various walks of life.
His first two meetings were with Chris, a 20-year professional who has worked in many different industries in the sports world. Through his experience in e-sports and working with the NBA, Chris provided a unique perspective on the business side of sports.
“I always liked business,” said Jackson, “and it’s cool how he combined the two interests of business and sports.”
During their calls together, Jackson picked Chris’s brain on how to stand out in internship applications, the importance of networking, and how sports business is so much more than just the product on the field.
Their main topic revolved around Jackson’s upcoming college decision, including which university and major he would choose. With Chris’s guidance, Jackson felt more confident when searching for his dream college experience.
Jackson’s second mentor, John, the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ training facility, introduced him to another side of the industry he had never considered. “John was a great guy, and I’m grateful for that experience,” Jackson said. John told Jackson about his day-to-day and shed a light on what facility management consists of.
His third and final mentor was Michael, an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates. As a former player working in his favorite sport, Michael talked about the highs and lows of scouting talent. “That was a really cool experience from a career standpoint and what I want to do in the future but also from a fan perspective, hearing all of his takes and ideas,” Jackson reflected.
Following Jackson’s meetings with his three mentors, it was officially time for him to decide on what college he would attend. After leaning on the perspectives and advice of Chris, John, and Michael, Jackson chose to enroll at Penn State University.
In addition to enrolling, he applied for and received a role as a student manager with the football team, wrapping up his rookie year this semester. “I’m a first-year student at Penn State, the university I always dreamed of going to,” he said. “Every Saturday, I was glued to the TV watching Penn State football. Now, I’m working for them.”
When asked what helped him begin pursuing a career in sports, Jackson credited the mentors who broadened his perspective and clarified his goals. “I think I’m steps ahead of where I should be right now,” Jackson said. “Before this experience, the path was really blurry. I can see the finish line now. I know the road to get there. Although I may not know it fully, I do have a good understanding of it.”
When Penn State kicks off its 2026 season in the fall, look closely on the sidelines, and you might just see Jackson living out his dream.
