A remarkable event took place on April 28, where the Seton Hall Center for Sports Media gathered to showcase its achievements and outline future prospects. Under the guidance of CSM executive director B.J. Schecter and founder Bob Ley, the gathering not only celebrated student work but also unveiled partnerships with leading media organizations that promise exceptional learning experiences.

During the engaging 90-minute session, both Schecter and Ley highlighted the accomplishments of the Pirates in the Field Program during its inaugural year. This program provided students access to prestigious events like the Super Bowl and Final Four. Additionally, they announced upcoming collaborations with ESPN and NBC Sports. Two standout students, Belle Wiseman and Jackson Shank, were recognized as the Center’s Students of the Year for their contributions and dedication. Ley, an esteemed veteran of ESPN with four decades of experience, emphasized the growing importance of digital platforms in engaging younger audiences within the sports industry. He encouraged budding sports journalists to embrace these tools effectively.

The Center continues to foster growth among students by offering numerous experiential learning opportunities throughout the year. Through the Pirates in the Field initiative, students have been granted credentials to attend major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four. These experiences allow participants to produce content while honing their communication skills, significantly enhancing their professional development. Looking ahead, Schecter introduced a new collaboration with NBC Sports that will extend from campus classrooms to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. A specialized one-credit course focusing on live sports production will be led by Amy Rosenfield, senior vice president at NBC Sports. Furthermore, select students will gain internship opportunities at NBC's Stamford headquarters during the Olympics. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to Wiseman and Shank, acknowledging their exceptional achievements in sports media.

Beyond the accolades and partnerships, the message was clear: students are encouraged to seize control of their futures and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available through the Center. With such robust support systems in place, there has never been a better time to explore sports media at Seton Hall. As the field evolves, the university remains committed to nurturing talent and fostering innovation among its students, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the dynamic world of sports journalism.