By Anne Evans
In the spring, I landed my dream internship. I was hired as a Graphic Design Intern for Major League Lacrosse, and I was so excited about it. For the internship, I was required to move to Baltimore for the summer. This would’ve been my first time living alone and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Then Covid-19 hit, and everything changed.
Suddenly, I wouldn’t be moving to Baltimore anymore. Instead I would be working from home, from the comfort of my childhood bedroom. It certainly wasn’t what I had dreamed of, but I knew I still had to work just as hard, even though the circumstances changed.
Typically, the Major League Lacrosse season runs from May through October. However, due to the circumstances the MLL followed suit behind a number of other professional sports leagues and created a “bubble” for the 2020 season. I was lucky enough to be a part of the MLL Bubble, and it was an extremely unique experience I will never forget.
To be in the bubble, we were required to go through numerous health checks such as Covid-19 tests and daily temperature screenings. If our temperature read too high, we were sent home. While the MLL bubble is far different from typical professional sports games, it was still an incredible experience I will truly never forget.
Upon arriving in Annapolis, I had no idea what to expect. I have worked in plenty of sports before, but never one that was going to be broadcasted on ESPN. I was nervous beyond belief, but as soon as I arrived the entire MLL staff made me feel at home.
Throughout the shortened season, I was tasked with simple graphics and photographing the games and training camp. I spent most of my time on the sideline in the 100-degree weather. But, in the end it was worth it, as I got to watch some of the most decorated lacrosse players in the world like Lyle Thompson play from such a unique perspective.
The rest of my time was spent in the media room, where I got to collaborate with some of the most unique and creative people I have ever met. It was there that I got a behind-the-scenes look at how sports media functions on a game day, and had to learn some of the fast-paced skills required to thrive in that kind of environment.
One of the biggest takeaways from my experiences working the MLL this summer are the connections I’ve made. I got to work alongside so many amazing people that are all highly experienced in the professional sports industry. These connections I have made will pave the way for the rest of my career.
Throughout high school, I was always the yearbook girl with her camera on the sidelines at sporting events. My dream has always been to work in professional sports media, and thanks to the MLL I got to live out my dream this summer. It was truly a once and a lifetime experience, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities the MLL granted to me.