Red Knights Meet with Wolves and Lynx Executives

By BSM's EPIC Marketing & Communications Intern Julia Lealos '24

On Thursday, Feb. 16, nearly two dozen BSM students attended a Careers in Sports event hosted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx at their downtown Minneapolis headquarters. During the event, Red Knights had an opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with senior vice presidents of the NBA and WNBA franchises, learning first-hand how to work towards a career in the sports industry.

Junior Josephine Lealos who attended the event said, “I myself am an athlete and wanted to see the behind-the-scenes of a professional sports team.” For Mel Peacock ‘23, the event provided a look inside operations of the organization. “I thought it was super cool being able to hear from people who worked for the Timberwolves and Lynx, hearing how much work and time goes into just one night of the basketball game.”

Timberwolves executives who participated in the panel discussion were Matt Lloyd, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, Ashley Armstrong, Vice President of Membership Service, Heather Meyer, Vice President of Marketing, and Jeff Munneke, Vice President Fan Experience. Munneke noted how valuable it is for high school students to attend events like the Career in Sports Night and learn about the evolution of one’s career path.

“It was very interesting to hear the stories of the vice presidents about how they got to their positions,” said Judah Johnson-Nixon ‘25. “This opportunity showed me what it would be like if I wanted to major in finance in college. More importantly though, many of the financial advisers there did not start out wanting the job they had. This is important to me because it tells me plans can change.”

The networking event with the Timberwolves and Lynx is the latest in a variety of real-world experiences available to students at Benilde-St. Margaret’s through the EPIC internship program. “BSM wants students to have opportunities where they can connect with executives and individuals in real world careers,” explained Dr. Steve Pohlen ‘86, EPIC program coordinator, “Our goal is to provide an education that prepares each student for life after graduation.”

While at the event, BSM students also participated in networking conversations with representatives of basketball operations, membership services, fan experience, and marketing, learning first-hand about the benefits of internships, soft skills, and career preparation. Kate Voss, Sales and Service Account Manager, spoke with one group of BSM students, commenting on her unconventional path to a career in sports. Voss said, “I think it’s helpful for kids to hear that you don’t need to have it figured out.”

For the Timberwolves and Lynx staff, the event allows them to give back to the local communities. “We enjoy having high school students with us, providing them exposure to the sports industry,” said Emma Hassen, account manager for the Timberwolves and Lynx. “For many students, this is their first chance to learn about different roles and jobs, and we like informing students about how many opportunities exist with a career in sports.”

After the Careers in Sports event concluded, the Red Knights were guests of the Timberwolves at their game that evening against the Washington Wizards.

The EPIC internship program is available for all senior high students at BSM as they consider and explore options based on interests and talents. In the coming weeks, rising freshman, sophomore, and junior students will learn about EPIC for the 2023-2024 school year, choosing from internships, job shadows & site visits, events, and mentorships & classroom engagement options. Each EPIC offering is unique, providing students with innovative ways to learn and discover. Peacock noted, “The executives told us how internships and the college major we choose really impacted how they ended up here, so I’ll definitely be thinking about what kind of internships I want to consider in the future.”