Sports Communication Student Spotlight: Matthew Palange '26 Covers Mountain East Basketball Tournament Student Profile
Photo by Chris Denver '26
Meet Matthew Palange '26
- Major/Program
- Sports Communication
- Minor
-
Broadcast Production
- College Activities
- Sports Communication Club, U-View, Resident Educator
- Hometown
- Parma, Ohio
- High School
- Valley Forge High School
- Dream Job
- On-air personality for ESPN or SportsCenter
- Hobbies & Interests
- Sports, music, singing, spending time with friends, playing video games and going to the gym.
"I have been a sports fan all of my life, and with so many opportunities available to sports communication students, I was sold on attending Point Park University."
Why did you choose Point Park University’s sports communication program?
Point Park was one of several schools I applied to. Bernie Ankney, dean of the School of Communication, contacted me by email and we had a Zoom call to talk about the B.A. sports communication program. I have been a sports fan all of my life, and with so many opportunities available to sports communication students, I was sold on attending Point Park.
What activities have you been involved in on campus?
At Point Park, I've been involved in a variety of student media and organizations, including U-View, Sports Communication Club and The Globe. I am also a Resident Educator.
You recently covered the Mountain East Basketball Tournament in West Virginia for SportsNet Pittsburgh and WV MetroNews broadcasts. Tell us about that opportunity.
Roger Lenhart, a remote sports producer and my sports broadcasting instructor, offered this opportunity to me and Brynn Rees (my classmate). This was such a fun, hands-on experience! As part of my responsibilities, I got to set up and work the cameras, run the scorebug for the broadcast, update the score on the broadcast, and run commercials, among other tasks. Our days were long, but I smiled through it all because I enjoyed it so much.
How has your college experience thus far prepared you for this role?
The hands-on experience I've gained from U-View and the Sports Communication Club prepared me for this role. As a member of the Sports Communication Club, students get to broadcast all of the University's home athletic games, which involves setting up/tearing down the cameras. I've also learned how to communicate effectively and dress professionally.
What are your career goals?
I want to continue improving my communication and professional skills, secure internships/jobs and grow my portfolio/resume. I hope to land an on-camera role for a broadcast crew or an athletics team after I graduate from Point Park.