Student Spotlight: James Michael Hodgetts '24, Sports Communication Major Student Profile

Why did you choose Point Park’s sports communication program?

I started as a broadcasting major and made the switch to sports communication when it launched in 2021. I love everything sports and wanted to be involved with this hands-on program.

When did it all come together that you made the right decision to major in sports communication at Point Park?

It was the spring 2022 semester when I realized the courses in my major were designed to help me achieve my career goals. The professors are insightful and knowledgable, teaching so many aspects of the sports media industry through photography, podcasting, public relations, advertising, marketing and broadcasting. Taking these classes and knowing the industry is when it all came together. I realized that the sports communication program was the perfect choice for me.

What activities have you been involved in on campus?

I am a member of the Sports Communication Club and U-View.

In the Sports Communication Club, we work towards elevating certain aspects in sports media and incorporate them in our athletic programs to provide valuable content. My roles have varied, but have been more on the broadcast side as an on-air personality. I've done play-by-play/color commentary, in-game hosting, public address announcing and gained experience as a pre-game/halftime analyst.

Photo by Joey Bova

I'm also a member of U-View television and work on the show Pioneer Sideline. U-View airs student-produced programming 24/7. My time on Pioneer Sideline has also been as an on-air personality. I've delivered sporting news through our school and on a local and national scale.

These activities provide valuable experience for the real world and also reinforce my passion of sports.

What resources are available to commuter students like yourself?

Point Park provides a plethora of resources to commuter students. There are accessible places to eat and programs to help make transportation easier, such as the U-Pass Program to provide fare-free rides to all full-time undergraduate students in on-ground programs. These resources have helped me ease into city life and mesh better with my surroundings.

How is Point Park helping you to become career-ready?

Point Park has helped me become career-ready through hands-on experiences in my field that I wouldn’t have at other schools, while also providing valuable information and skills to help me achieve my future goals. 

@pointparku Follow along with Sports Communication major, James Michael Hodgetts '24, as he covered the Point Park Men's Basketball journey to the playoffs after they won the River States Conference! 🏀👏 #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #SportsCommunication #SportsComm #SportsTikTok #RiverStatesConference #MensBasketBall #PointParkSports ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

More About: athletics, U-View, School of Communication, sports communication