As a part of a continuing series, we turn the spotlight on members of the UConn Sport Management Program (SMP) Alumni Community, focusing on the diversity of experience and breadth of knowledge they have gained within the industry. Designed to help current and future SMP students learn to navigate and understand the real-world intricacies of sport management, we thank SMP alumni for their valuable contributions and insight. Today, the focus is on UConn alumna Taylor Kielpinski-Rogers (Sport Management, 2012), currently working as a Communications Coordinator for the Boston Celtics.

From collegiate athletics, professional teams and league offices, advancing my career has always been a priority for me. I have been fortunate to broaden my experience through unique jobs and internships, and as a current member of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, I am incredibly grateful for a role that allows for involvement in both business and basketball operations.

My experiences have also led me to many of sports’ most notable events, such as the NCAA Final Four, NFL Draft and NBA All-Star. While those experiences elevated my career aspirations in the sport business industry, the opportunity to work on one of the largest sport and entertainment events in the world made an even larger impact.

My main responsibility leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII was assisting with the accreditation process for all media. We accepted applications throughout the season, and after carefully combing through each request, granted more than 5,000 credentials to credible outlets.

Game week featured many memorable moments, including working at NFL Honors. The night before the Super Bowl, the NFL celebrates its best players and plays from throughout the season with a star-studded awards show. As a public relations assistant, I was tasked with escorting current and former players on the red carpet pre-event, as well as accompanying award winners on their interview tours.

At the conclusion of the big game, I reported to the press conference room to announce media availabilities for the Head Coaches, General Managers and various players from each team.

The opportunity to work at Super Bowl XLVIII was one of many highlights of my career thus far and an experience I will always remember. I am thankful to the Boston Celtics, as well as the NFL Communications department, for allowing me to travel to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX to serve as a public relations assistant this year as well. Working at the NFL provided me with a chance to gain a deeper understanding of league operations while enhancing my professional background. Most importantly, my time there taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.