Delaney Metikosh '24 Uses Her Degree to Support the Pittsburgh Penguins' Philanthropy Across the Region Alumni Profile
Meet Delaney Metikosh
- Job Title & Employer
- Coordinator, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
- Major/Program
- Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music Business
- Minor
- Graduation
- 2024
- College Activities
- Pioneer Ambassador for Pioneer Experience; Director of Marketing, PR, and Social Media for Pioneer Records; Marketing Coordinator for the SAEM Club
- Hometown
- Jefferson Hills, Pa.
- High School
- Thomas Jefferson High School
- Now Living In
- Jefferson Hills, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- I love being outdoors, whether that’s camping, exploring new places or simply enjoying the fresh air with walks. I’m also passionate about trying new foods, traveling, attending concerts and capturing moments through photography.
"Take advantage of every opportunity to network, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Most importantly, be authentic."
How did Point Park’s programs help prepare you for your career?
The sports, arts, entertainment and sports business (SAEM) department provided hands-on opportunities like the Pens Events Team and SportsBiz Summer Camp, where I connected with industry professionals and gained real-world experience. These experiences helped me develop skills in event planning and execution, which ultimately led to internships with both the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and the Mario Lemieux Foundation within the same semester.
Pioneer Records allowed me to take ownership of projects, discover my career path and gain practical experience in artist development, brand packages and live concert production at Stage AE.
Most importantly, the SAEM faculty like Ed Traversari, Bob Derda, Melinda Colaizzi, Paige Beal and Hagen Starz continuously pushed me to grow and be the best version of myself. They provided valuable opportunities both in and outside the classroom. It was incredibly reassuring to have professors in my corner who brought real-world industry experience into the classroom, and their mentorship and passion for their work made a lasting impact on my success.
What is the advantage of having a minor? How have both concentrations complemented each other?
Having both a major and a minor allowed me to refine my career focus while building a well-rounded skill set. I knew I wanted to work within the SAEM industries, but my minor in PR, Advertising, and Social Media helped me develop more specialized skills in marketing and communications.
This combination led me to discover a passion for blending marketing with philanthropy. While at Point Park, these areas complemented each other academically, and today they continue to intersect in my career. I’m able to apply both skill sets by working in sports while promoting our mission and engaging with a large fan base.
Tell us more about your current role and responsibilities. What does a 'day in the job' look like?
My role spans a wide range of responsibilities, including managing our Foundation’s social media platforms, coordinating donations to fellow 501(c)(3) organizations for their fundraising efforts and supporting event planning, marketing campaigns, auction development and overall fundraising initiatives. I also have the opportunity to help develop and support player-led community initiatives, such as Bryan Rust’s Seats for Strength and Kevin Hayes’ Hayes’ Heroes programs, which create meaningful connections with fans and give back in impactful ways. The work often requires long hours and quick turnarounds, but it is incredibly rewarding. The fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the role is what makes it so engaging and fulfilling.
How did your internships help with networking in your field?
My internships were instrumental in building my professional network. When I started with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, I knew only a small group of people through volunteering. During my internship, I had the opportunity to connect with staff across multiple departments, which greatly expanded my network within the organization.
Those connections also extended beyond the Penguins, as I met partners, donors and professionals from other Pittsburgh sports organizations. This ultimately led to my connection with the Mario Lemieux Foundation, where I continued to grow my network through that internship. The relationships I built during both internships have had a lasting impact on my career.
Why should students be interested in pursuing a career in the sports industry?
Working in the sports industry is an incredibly rewarding experience. The energy is unmatched, and there’s something special about creating moments that impact fans in meaningful ways.
Through my work with the Penguins Foundation, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the “feel-good” side of sports, whether it’s enhancing a fan’s first game experience or helping make a child’s wish come true. Knowing that your work can make a difference, no matter how big or small, is truly something special.
It’s also a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where you build strong relationships and feel part of a team. If you’re passionate about sports and making an impact, it’s an exciting and fulfilling career path.