#PittsburghMe: Meet Alexandra Gradwell, SAEM Major & Washington Wild Things Summer Intern

Meet Alexandra Gradwell

Major/Program: Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
Graduation: May 2018
Scholarships: Athletics, Vice Presidential
Hometown: Cheswick, Pa.
High School: Springdale Jr./Sr. High School
Dream Job: Working for a professional sports team

"Point Park’s Downtown location forces me to step outside of my comfort zone and provides so many opportunities for networking and employment.”

Alexandra Gradwell

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I chose Point Park for the unique SAEM program. This major allows me to combine my interests of art, sports and business, and is preparing me for a wide range of potential careers. Point Park's Downtown location forces me to step outside of my comfort zone and provides so many opportunities for networking and employment. I also love that there's always something going on in the city.

You're a summer intern with the Washington Wild Things. Tell us about that experience.

Opening weekend is coming up on May 19and I'm excited to get started. I will be running the fan social media accounts, writing game summaries, preparing stat packs and live-tweeting play-by-play updates of home and away games. It's going to be a lot of hours at games and working from home, but I'm very excited to dive into a position that I'm passionate about!

How do you balance life as a student athlete?

It can be difficult as a student athlete to balance your time between your sport, school, work and everything else that's going on. I find that keeping a set weekly schedule is very helpful. You do have to give some things up to commit your time to the team, but it's worth it. You learn a lot from playing a sport and being part of a team.

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What's it like to play your home soccer games at Highmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds?

It's incredible! Our field is nicer than any other field I have played on, and the view of Downtown Pittsburgh is a bonus. I think we take it for granted sometimes, but we are really lucky to have a field so close to campus. It's very convenient for our team and I'm fortunate to play on the best soccer field in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh has the best food scene. Where is your favorite place to eat in Market Square?

Right now my favorite spot is City Works. It's the newest restaurant there and has a great modern vibe. They always have music playing and all the sports games on TV. The whole atmosphere is great and the food is delicious!

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Find yourself in college. Do what makes you happy and take advantage of all the opportunities at your fingertips. The sky is the limit!

#PittsburghMe: Meet Alexandra Gradwell, SAEM Major & Washington Wild Things Summer Intern Student Profile