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One of the Crew
At one of only 10 Major League Soccer stadiums in the United States, Lauren Wilcher joined the staff of the Columbus Crew at a meeting with the MLS Commissioner. Just as the league was preparing to announce the players for 2005's All-Star game, the Columbus Crew was preparing to host the late summer event. And the strategic communications major was excited that she would be working to promote it.
As a member of the public relations department, Welcher found that her duties were different each day. In the week before a home game, she updated the team's goal card, researched competitors, and updated the "Crew Notes," the team newsletter. She also organized a comprehensive list of the team's media affiliates.
The excitement rose on game days. After a 2 p.m. staff meeting, Wilcher organized materials for the media and spoke to the press. She spent home games in the Crew press box broadcasting statistics, reporting fouls and plays to the field, and calling other press boxes for updates.
Wilcher grew up playing soccer; her dad and grandfather were both coaches. She said this internship was a great way to get her foot in the door of this ever-growing sport. "It's made me realize that I'd love to do something like his when I graduate," she said.
When she was accepted into the Urban Leadership Internship Program, it was something she couldn't pass up. "It's definitely a life-changing experience," Wilcher said.
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