MARKETING TEAM

Click here to view a promotional video for the 'Cat Crew

Do you want to work in the most exciting atmosphere on campus and learn the skills to help you after graduation?
You'll learn the skills to help you start a career in the sports industry and it will give you a "leg-up" on the competition. 

You can't afford NOT to get involved before graduation!
  
Former 'Cat Crew members have begun careers with the following organizations upon graduation: 

Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB); Washington Wizards (NBA); Washington Capitals (NHL); Embry-Riddle Athletics (Daytona Beach, FL); America East Conference (Cambridge, MA), Alloy Marketing & Promotions (Boston, MA); Boston College Athletics (Cambridge, MA); Manchester Monarchs (AHL); University of Connecticut Athletics (Storrs, CT); Octagon Worldwide (New York, NY); Kennesaw State University Athletics (Kennesaw, GA); Miami Dolphins (Miami, FL); Disney (Orlando, FL); Timberland (Stratham, NH); and many more exciting positions in various industries. 
(See below for testimonials)

'Cat Crew Internship Description

• Assist the Wildcat Marketing and Promotions staff in all aspects of daily operations. 
• Oversee various responsibilities for specifically assigned sports or projects, including but not limited to:
  • Creating promotional plans for a particular varsity sport(s)
  • Organizing and implementing promotions, contests and other game day activities
  • Creating flyers, newspaper ads, e-cards, and newsletters
  • Assisting with email and direct mail marketing efforts
  • Producing game time lines and public address announcement scripts
  • Planning and executing special events for students, fans, and Wildcat Kids' Club members
  • Game day event management (including pre-game, in-game, post-game production)
  • Coordination of events and game day activities, including item distribution, contests, information/field table set-up, and on-field presentations
• Attend all home football and men's hockey games, at least half the men's and women's basketball games, half the women's hockey and volleyball games and gymnastics meets as required; as well as select play-off events, and the two men's hockey games at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
• Attend weekly ‘Cat Crew meetings with other team members. 

The 2013-2014 'Cat Crew Internship Program is now full!!

Applications for the 2014-2015 season will be available in November of 2013.

For questions about the program, please contact Mary LeRose, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator at
(603) 862-0806 or mary.lerose@unh.edu


'Cat Crew Alumni Testimonials

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew for two years, during my junior and senior years at UNH. Through my experience on the 'Cat Crew, I was able to gain valuable experience in the sports industry that helped shape my decision to enter the field upon graduation from UNH. Having the opportunity to work with individuals who shared the same passion and love for their jobs as I did was a truly rewarding experience, and one I will never forget. Lessons learned such as teamwork, leadership, and time management not only helped me as an undergrad at UNH, but upon graduation as well. I'm very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a great group of people, and I believe any UNH student would benefit from the guidance of Amber and Dot. Joining the 'Cat Crew was, without a doubt, the best decision I made while at UNH. Go 'Cats!"
Brian Norman, B.S. in Busines Administration - Marketing, '11
Account Executive, Monumental Sports & Entertainment

"I transferred to UNH before my junior year and the 'Cat Crew was one of the main reasons. After meeting with Amber to discuss the program I knew the 'Cat Crew was by far one of the top sports marketing internships in the country. Once I started at UNH, I received the guidance and support I needed to test the limits of what I was capable of in addition to learning the athletic industry from the inside and out. Today, I would not have the same drive and passion for success if it had not been for the amazing people I met as a 'Cat Crew member. Every day that passes only confirms that my involvement in the 'Cat Crew was the best decision I have ever made. I continue to follow my dream of working in sports and hope one day I can start my own internship program that will be give back some of the same amazing opportunities that I have been blessed with."
Mary LeRose, B.S. in Business Administration – Marketing, '09
Marketing & Promotions Coordinator, University of New Hampshire

"Many colleges offer great study programs focusing on sports marketing and administration. These programs teach you what to expect but very few offer a hands on learning environment where you are taught how to react to certain situations and really start your career. I was a 'Cat Crew intern my senior year and was lucky enough to also be an athlete and student assistant coach at UNH during my time. Of the three positions I believe I gained the most valuable experiences during my time as an intern. Amber gets you up to speed then guides you as you go. This allows you to be very creative and start new things while carrying out old traditions. This system holds you accountable but also creates confidence. Without my 'Cat Crew experiences there is no way I would have had the confidence to start a business and successfully market it in meetings with high level administrators. If your on the fence about applying I would definitely suggest it, you won't regret it.
Geaux 'Cats"
Chris Morgan, B.S. Sport Studies, '10
Owner, Integrative Athletic Performance

"The 'Cat Crew was an amazing opportunity. For many, it's so hard to get into a business or organization, especially in professional sports, without experience. Well, 'how do I gain experience if I can't get a job to begin with'... The 'Cat Crew internship gave me that experience right out of the gate. Amber, and the rest of the AD team, helped me develop necessary skills to prepare and mature me for the real world (god knows I needed it). Almost immediately after graduation I was offered a job in the NHL where I ended up working in marketing for 3 years. Whenever I interview, or asked how I got started, I always attribute my first experience and learning to this opportunity. Always thankful,"
Jason Rourke, class of 2006,
Director of Marketing, ProfitKey International

"I heard about 'Cat Crew when I was a freshman at UNH, but I only thought it was for seniors – my mistake! I only spent one year with the 'Cat Crew and it was by far the best decision of my collegiate career. The experience is more than just your average internship. You put in a lot of time and effort, but you actually get to see you work in action. Everything from the weekly meetings to putting up field signs and long days at the Whit, it was all worth it. I developed a confidence that I've been able to take with me into the 'real world', and although I'm currently not working in the industry, I can use what I learned from Amber, Dot and my fellow interns every day. This internship gives you more responsibility than you think you deserve and at the end of the day or season, you can look back and say to yourself, 'Wow, I actually did it.' Learning the ropes of running a Division I sport is only a part of what you will take away from this internship. I don't have enough words to describe my experiences. Don't hold yourself back, get involved and be a part of something great! Go 'Cats!"
Krysten Duarte, B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing), '09
Email Marketing Copywriter, TechTarget

"Interning with the 'Cat Crew was one of my most memorable (and valuable) experiences at UNH. Regardless of the career path you choose, you will inevitably take on a role where you are forced to manage or be managed by your peers. As part of the Crew, you will have a leadership role with a particular sport and on game day, will direct a staff of your peers. The very next day you will be on that staff at another event, managed by your fellow Crew member. The experience changed the way I viewed 'team', 'management' and 'sport'. Thank you to Amber and the 'Cat Crew for teaching me the skills I use every day of my career."
Kelly Richall, Class of 2006
Customer Service Manager and Skating Director, Flynn Rink

"Spending two years with the 'Cat Crew was the single best decision I made at UNH.  On a personal level, I learned a lot about myself as well as met some of my best and closest friends.  Professionally, I gained valuable experience and found out exactly what it takes to succeed in the sports industry. I can directly trace my current position in sports back to my time with the 'Cat Crew.  I will be forever indebted to Amber and the Athletics staff at UNH for starting me off on the right foot and giving me that cruicial first job in sports.  Go 'Cats!"
Ali Bickford, Class of 2010
Account Manager at Genesco Sports Enterprises

"Interning with University of New Hampshire Athletics and being a member of the ‘Cat Crew was the most memorable part of my 4 years at UNH. I spent 2 seasons on the ‘Cat Crew (2008-2010) working as a co-director for the football program. I feel that being on the ‘Cat Crew taught me so much about sports marketing, game-day operations, as well as working with other people. Working under the guidance of Amber and the rest of the UNH Athletics staff has made me more aware of myself as a person and a leader which has carried over into my daily life and my current employment As I look back, becoming part of the ‘Cat Crew was probably one of the Top 5 best decisions I have made in my life."
Ryan Leclerc, B.S. in Sports Studies, '10
Certified Alpine & Telemark Ski Instructor at Beaver Creek Ski Area (Avon, CO)
Guest Services Attendant at Red Sky Ranch Golf Course (Wolcott, CO) and Porter/Busser at Elways (Vail, CO)

"Only a couple years out of UNH (and now in grad school), this internship still stands as one of my strongest experiences. I interned for two years, worked with three different sports and was even able to receive class credits. I can't even begin to describe how much I learned from Amber and the rest of the department. I took away so many valuable skills than can be transferred to any position in any career path, such as teamwork, event management, and written communication. The most amazing part is that you have so much fun doing it and meet people that become life long friends! 'Cat Crew will always be my favorite memory of UNH. Go 'Cats!"
Keri Deming, Class of 2009
First year MBA student, Northeastern University

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew my sophomore year at UNH. I have been reaping the benefits of my time spent with Amber and the athletics department ever since. I not only got a behind the scenes look at marketing and the implementation of game day promotions but I also learned many valuable life lessons. The Cat Crew became like a family to me but also demanded accountability, hard work and dedication. I learned important lessons such as how to; communicate in a professional setting, work effectively within a group and how to be an effective leader. These are all skills that I bring to my current job and will bring to any future endeavors. I am very grateful for the time I spent with Amber, Dot and the 'Cat Crew. The experience shaped me into the professional I am today."
Alex Bieniek, Class of 2011
Market Research Intern at Bid2Win and Sports Club Supervisor at UNH Campus Recreation

"I can honestly say 'Cat Crew was the best academic experience that I left of college with. The 'Cat Crew gave me a well-rounded and a real world experience that the classroom cannot teach. I sincerely believe that this internship put me (and the rest of my team) ten steps ahead of my other classmates and prepared me for the real world immediately out of college. 'Cat Crew taught me anything and everything involving sports marketing and promotions but most importantly it taught me the valuable life lessons that I still reflect upon today. Although I did not pursue a career in athletics, I utilize the skills I obtained from 'Cat Crew every day including, but not limited to: writing, time management, event planning and teamwork. I am grateful for Amber's tough love guidance throughout the two years I spent as an intern. I cannot thank her and my 'Cat Crew team enough for their support as I would not be the person I am today without them. This is an experience I will never forget with the friends I will always remember. Go 'Cats!"
Sam Hafley, Class of 2010
Staff Assistant, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Postgraduate Prosthodontics Division, Boston, MA

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew my sophomore and junior year and being a member of the 'Cat Crew was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It helped me grow in so many ways, both personally and professionally. I completely believe that I would not be the person I am today without the guidance and support that I received from Amber and the Crew. Everything I learned from the 'Cat Crew can be applied to any job I have in the future and I feel like I can tackle any task I'm given in the future based on the skills I have built over the past two years. Its really remarkable how much you will learn and grow over the course of two years. The 'Cat Crew has given me some of my best friends and best memories of my college career."
Kelly Donahue, Whittemore School of Business (Will graduate in 2012)
Public Relations Intern, Manchester Monarchs

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew my junior and senior years at UNH. It was probably one of the best academic decisions that I made during my college years. I was really struggling in trying to decide a career path during my first couple years of college and once I began this internship, it opened my eyes to an amazing field and I discovered my passion for working in college athletics. Aside from learning all of the various logistics of marketing and game day operations for the 7 ticketed sports, I gained so many intangible benefits from being on the 'Cat Crew such as time management skills, leadership, teamwork and most importantly professionalism. The best part was that we all had so much fun doing it! I made friendships and connections with some amazing people that will last for a long, long time. Amber was able to assist me in getting my first paid internship right out of college because she is so well respected in the field around the country. I constantly find myself referring to my experience on 'Cat Crew on a daily basis in my current position. Dot, Amber and the entire Athletic Department at UNH helped me tremendously during my time there. I loved being able to work with people every day who shared the same passion for UNH Athletics as I did. 'Cat Crew was an invaluable experience for me, and I wouldn't change anything about it. Go 'Cats!!!"
Katie Caliendo, B.S. in Sports Studies, '11
Graduate Assistant, Duquesne University Athletics

"I was a 'Cat Crew intern my junior and senior year at UNH. The experience taught me so much about what I was capable of as an individual. Like everyone else has said- it was one of the best decisions I ever made to join the 'Cat Crew. I was a member of the 'Cat Crew for both my junior and senior year. So many of the things I learned by doing this internship had nothing to do with sports. It taught time management, teamwork, and leadership among many other things. This internship helped me grow more as a person than I ever thought possible. I became so close with so many people through this internship that I have formed life long relationships with people who I have grown to love. Amber has helped me through good times and bad and that means so much to me! Even though I did not end up in a sports related field I know that the lessons I learned through this internship have helped me get to where I am today and for that I am forever grateful!"
Stephanie Mitchell, Whittemore School of Business, '10
Sales Representative at Verizon Wireless

"Many people that attend college, unfortunately, go through the motions and never raise the bar for themselves academically or professionally. In order to prepare for the real world, it is imperative to take part in something outside of your comfort level and like many people have already stated on this page, this opportunity taught us accountability, responsibility and without a doubt made us harder working individuals that demanded the most out of our team and especially ourselves. I can't say enough about this program and will never forget the relationships I created. Thank You Team."
Ryan Hayford, B.S. in Sports Studies, '10
Marketing Communications Specialist w/ Objet Geometries, Inc.

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew my sophomore year and half of my junior year (before leaving to study abroad). I applied for the internship before I even had declared my major, and it was this experience that made me want to study recreation management and sport study. I learned so much during this internship about the business side of sports, as well as a lot about myself and what I wanted to do in life. You devote a lot of time being part of the 'Cat crew; however, it never once felt like a chore or something any of us would dread, and most importantly it was fun. The jobs and internships I have held since are because of my experience with the 'Cat Crew. It was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Thank you Linnea Fargo for talking me into applying"
Amelia Meier, B.S. in Recreation Managment & Policy, '10
Recreation Coordinator and Program Aide
Saco Parks & Recreation

"I interned with the 'Cat Crew my junior year. I was a marketing major and was also a part of the women's soccer team. The experience is something that cannot be duplicated. Although my career now does not directly relate to marketing, the skills learned during this internships helped me get here. You learn what it takes to run an elite program smoothly, you learn to understand and appreciate attention to detail, and you work as one, one team under a great leader. You make lasting friendships and you learn from one of the best. This is a great program and i encourage everyone to take this opportunity, its worth it."
Michelle Sheehan, B.S. in Sports Studies, '09
Business Analyst, Learning Technology Group- Pearson

I came to UNH specifically for the opportunity to work in the athletic department, and spent three years as a member of the ‘Cat Crew. The skills and experience I gained have been an invaluable asset to my career.  With Amber and Dot’s guidance I learned how to problem solve in any situation and work with many groups of people. Most importantly, I learned how to create and execute marketing plans and events. Although I ultimately did not end up in Athletics, all of these skills have made me successful in my current position at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Thanks to the ‘Cat Crew, I know how to interact with guests at the Zoo, work with a team, and come up with creative new marketing techniques, including using African Penguins as marketing ambassadors! Joining the ‘Cat Crew was the best decision I made in college, and the skills I learned have allowed me to be successful in my field!
Sarah Cox, B.S. in Sport Studies, '08
Lead Membership Service Agent, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore