By Meagan Lee and Jaclyn Galvin, PRSSA Members, Spring 2019
Alyssa Roenigk, a feature writer for ESPN the Magazine, spoke to the Sports Public Relations class about her journey, her career and her goals for the future. Although Roenigk is a journalist, many of the topics she discussed related to the public relations field. Her career has taken her throughout the world meeting fascinating people along the way. As a graduate of the University of Florida, Roenigk never imagined she would have had the opportunities she has had.
Roenigk spoke about her “reckless” approach to working in the sports industry. She said that as long as she felt comfortable with the opportunity to do something, she would never say no to it, helping create unforgettable memories along the way. Roenigk recalled one of her favorite memories,was when she went snow camping and splitboarding with professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones in the Sierras. She discussed the hardships she faced on the trip: losing a pole and getting stuck in the ice and how as the only woman on the trip she was determined to keep up. Through these hardships, Roenigk explained how the athletes that accompanied her gained a deeper respect for her and have subsequently become some of her go-to interviewees. As communications students, we learned that this applies to our careers because saying “yes” when asked to try something new often open opportunities up for you. Creating relationships with people in many different fields can further careers in a variety of ways. The athlete’s fame does not matter as it still makes for a great story because it is all about connection and gaining new experiences.
Speaking to Alyssa Roenigk was an incredible experience and we were so lucky to have someone as skilled in her field be able to speak to our Sports Public Relations class. It is fair to say that she continues to live her life to the absolute fullest as she travels the world meeting new people and she has certainly gained some new people reading her work here at Emerson College.