Featuring Maelee Beacom of Hooper, Neb., who is majoring in Mass Communication (Sports Media) at Wayne State College.
When Maelee Beacom is shooting photos and video on the sidelines during Wildcat athletic events, she says it’s the perfect marriage of sports and media for her. Beacom, a senior from Hooper, Neb., who is majoring in Mass Communication (Sports Media) at Wayne State, is this week’s subject of the Student Spotlight Series.
“I came to college as a communication major, not quite sure what I wanted to do with it,” said Beacom. “After talking the sports media workshop, I knew I wanted to have that as my major. The first time I picked up a camera was about halfway through my sophomore year, and I quickly fell in love with capturing photos and specifically sports photos.”
Beacom credits a former classmate as being a big influence.
“John Campbell (a WSC alumnus now working at Vanderbilt University) was doing all the media for Wayne, and he was a big influence on me,” said Beacom. “He was always open to me asking questions and coming along to photoshoots. Overall, as someone that has been involved in sports my whole life, I think that piqued my interest in this career, along with just loving capturing sports from all different angles.”
Beacom’s talent landed her a job with Wayne State’s Sports Information Department, a position she’s held for two and a half years.
“Not only is Maelee incredibly gifted in shooting photos and video, but she has tremendous time management skills as well,” said Mike Grosz, director of Wayne State’s Sports Information Department. “She balances work, classes, and the schedule of a student-athlete without any problem. She’ll be a tremendous asset wherever she lands after graduation.”
Beacom’s path to Wayne State began when she decided she wanted to compete in cross country and track while getting an education.
“I come from a very small town, so I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere too big and Wayne was the perfect size for me,” said Beacom, a 2022 graduate of Logan View Public Schools. “Wayne State truly is a home away from home. The thing that has impressed me the most about Wayne State is how helpful and kind everyone is at all different levels. My teachers and coaches were always there to support my goals, and they helped me every step of the way.”
Wayne State students learn sports journalism and broadcasting with hands-on experience. They get to try new skills by covering Wildcat athletics, from broadcasting games to interviewing coaches and players. They also get to work in the Wildcat press box at the football stadium, complete with a level just for media.
The popularity of sports is in full force in today’s culture, but sports is more than just the game. The world of sports and athletics is made up of not just the teams, but also the event facilities, support staff and trainers, fans, marketing, sports information, ticketing and operations, and media relations. All these things contribute to success in sports – and managers are needed to guide such success.
At Wayne State, Beacom has been a member of the Wildcat cross country and track and teams for four years, and she completed a sports media internship with the Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team last summer. She’s also involved with the Wildcat Catholic organization (Wayne State’s Newman Center).
Beacom will graduate from Wayne State on Saturday, May 9. She intends to pursue a career in sports media with a college or university, capturing photos and video for its social media platforms.
Fun Fact: “A week after graduation, I’m running a marathon in Utah!”
To gain a deeper understanding about working in the sports industry, you can attend Wayne State’s Sport Management Alumni Symposium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, April 24, in the Niobrara Room, located in the Kanter Student Center on campus. The public is invited.