NW Valley Times

GCU students recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of the Final Four, gaining valuable experience and creating lasting memories. Among these students was Shelby Link, a sports and entertainment management major, who highlighted the significance of connecting with people during such events. Link expressed, "In the end, it’s about the people. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You connect with everyone, you can talk about anything. That’s what’s great about it."

Another student, Joseph Missurelli, emphasized the impact of the Final Four on the entire city, noting, “One of the biggest things I realized was how (the Final Four) impacts the entire city. It takes an entire city to hold a Final Four. There’s so much to it.” Missurelli also commended GCU for its involvement and the trust placed in the university by the NCAA for hosting such significant events.

Shay Milshteen, a sophomore sports management major, reflected on his experience and the honor of meeting prominent figures in the sports industry. Milshteen shared, “For me, hearing those names, those are people I grew up watching and learning about. So when they mention them in a conversation with me, it’s already an honor.” He also expressed aspirations for his future in basketball, aiming to gather experiences and wisdom along the way.

The students, including Madison McClelland and Oscar Hogan, took on various roles during the Final Four, from assisting with media to ensuring smooth operations for the events. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident throughout the tournament, with each individual contributing to the overall success of the Final Four.

As they navigate their paths in the sports industry, these students have gained invaluable experiences that will undoubtedly shape their futures. The Final Four not only provided them with practical skills but also allowed them to forge connections and create lasting memories that will serve as inspiration for their careers ahead.