Story by: Kaitlin Ward

The Players Championship, Hole 18         Photo credits: Kaitlin Ward 

The Player’s Championship was held in Ponte Vedra on March 7-12. The world’s best golfers come to TPC Sawgrass to play in the tournament. The large event expects nearly 10,000 spectators to come out each day. With over 2000 volunteers helping out, UNF students were given the opportunity to get involved. 

“We had first dibs at basically getting the experience and being able to sign up, compared to everyone else,” said University of North Florida senior, Malorie Aldrich 

Aldrich typically gets her required practicum hours through work with UNF athletics. The Players allowed her a unique opportunity to get a variety of hours, working in a different sport. She is spending her time inside the PGA Tour Fan Shop. Golf is not her sport of choice but she said being at the tournament and getting to watch famous golfers has been a great experience.  

She is studying both Sports Management and Multimedia Journalism. Her goal after graduation is to be a sports broadcaster.  

Malorie Aldrich          Photo credits: Kaitlin Ward 

“I basically want to be Erin Andrews but I want to do it for basketball because I don’t want to take Erin’s job,” shared Aldrich.  

This was her second year coming, but the first year that she was able to practice her sports reporting at an in-person event.  

Aldrich is a volunteer for “Inside Swoop in 90,” the UNF School of Communication internship program that allows it’s students to create a 90-second segment. She was able to do her sports segment “Malorie’s Madness,” live from the event.  

“This was my first taste of actually doing it live at a sporting event, I’ve never done that before, I’m normally just in the studio,” said Aldrich.  

Malorie isn’t the only UNF student given the opportunity to work during the players. UNF journalism student, Nevin Jeacoma, was also able to give reporting live a chance.  

“TPC has been absolutely incredible. I am the news anchor for UNF inside Swoop in 90 and I go live at 10 every morning. So being here at TPC is an incredible feeling the energy is so high, we really lucked out being able to do our live shots here,” Said Jeacoma.  

Nevin Jeacoma            Photo credit: Kaitlin Ward  

At the tournament, he interviewed fans and got to speak with a variety of different people, while out in the field. With plans to work in Golf after graduation, UNF gifted Jeacoma an experience like no other.  

So next time you think of The Players, maybe you’ll think of these Players too.