This Fall, the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority welcomed five new talented interns. Helping in the areas of Marketing, Event Operations, and Athletic Affairs, these five students jumped straight into the action by gaining hands-on experience at the Houston Sports Hall of Fame Induction. Each intern brings a unique perspective with backgrounds ranging from social media management and content creation to playing in a college football championship! Keep reading to get to know more about their backgrounds, why they wanted to intern at HCHSA, and much more!
Daniel North
Hometown: Katy, TX
School & Major: Sam Houston State University, M.S. Sports Management
Internship Position: Event Operations
Who is your favorite athlete? Lebron James
If you could be a pro athlete what sport would you play? I would choose to be great at football. It has always been my favorite sport and I have played since I was in elementary school. Having also played in college, there is no other sport I would rather play.
How would the people closest to you describe you? They would describe me as always having a smile on my face, a caring person, and a little goofy.
What is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement was making the football team as a walk-on at Sam Houston State.
Ian Cardona-Nguyen
School & Major: University of Houston, B.S. Sports Administration
Internship Position: Athletic Affairs
What do you think you bring to the table as an intern?: With my prior experience I bring clear communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, youthfulness, and great teamwork attributes.
If you could be a pro athlete what sport would you play? I would love to play professional European futbol. The atmosphere and loyalty that fans bring to their club is indescribable. Also, being able to visit all of the European countries would be a dream come true.
Why do you want to work in sports? Sports have shaped the person I am today. Sports are very powerful. Sports can bring peace and unite nations. Sports is an avenue for personal and physical growth, teamwork, and discipline while providing opportunities for social interactions and entertainment.
Who is your role model? My role model is my father because he works tirelessly every day. I aspire to be just as great as him.
What is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is receiving this internship opportunity because I am very thankful that the HCHSA is giving me an opportunity to showcase my abilities.
Matthew Kovich
School & Major: Sam Houston State University, M.S. Sports Management
Internship Position: Event Operations
Who is your favorite athlete? CJ Stroud. He played at the Ohio State and is now on the Houston Texans.
Favorite sports team? Staying on the topic of football, my favorite college team is the Ohio State University, and my favorite professional team is the Seattle Seahawks because Marshawn Lynch was my favorite player growing up.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? I haven’t been on vacation in a long time, but my favorite place I’ve ever been is Alaska. I’ve always really loved cold weather and the sights and landscapes you see in Alaska are unbeatable.
Jun Choi
Hometown: Queens, NY
School & Major: Rice University, B.A. Sports Management/Business
Internship Position: Social Media
How would the people closest to you describe you? Loud (in a good way), chaotic, and motivated.
Favorite sports team? My favorite sports teams are the New York Knicks and New York Jets.
Why do you want to work in sports? Sports has been a piece of my identity for my entire life. Being able to work in this industry is the next best thing compared to being an athlete.
What is your greatest achievement? Getting a scholarship for Rice, especially after all the hours of work I put into my essays and extracurriculars throughout high school.
Kennedi Williams
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
School & Major: Texas Southern University, M.A. Communications
Internship Position: Marketing and Communications
What made you want to intern at HCHSA? I wanted to intern with HCHSA because I wanted the opportunity to grow professionally and academically at the same time.
Who is your favorite athlete? A’ja Wilson
Why do you want to work in sports?: I really enjoy being apart of things that are bigger than myself and I think that’s what attracted me to the sports industry. The WNBA is currently having its own personal renaissance and I would love to be a part of it.
What is your greatest achievement?: My greatest achievement was picking up and moving to Houston by myself. I have no roots here, but I made the leap and I’m proud of myself.
