Learning Fund Helps Grad Secure Position in Pro Baseball

The Student Experiential Learning Fund, created in 2018, helped pave the way for Garrett Steiger ’18 (pictured, left) to land a full-time position in professional baseball.

In 2018, the Sport Management Department established the Student Experiential Learning Fund to provide select students with financial support for travel, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred during developmental opportunities.

The inaugural recipients of the fund were Garrett Steiger ’18 and Derek Raux ’19. Steiger spent the summer as a social media intern with New Hampshire Motor Speedway while Raux worked for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

As a result of the opportunity over the summer, Steiger earned the experience and skills that helped him secure a full-time position as the graphic design manager for the Mississippi Braves, the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. He is responsible for creating social media content, managing team accounts, and overseeing game day events at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi.

Raux will graduate in May and is currently pursuing full-time opportunities in professional sport.

“The Student Experiential Learning Fund gives students the chance to engage in study abroad programs, attend professional conferences, or participate in other activities that enhance their professional profiles and gives them an edge in the job market,” said Dr. Todd Harrison, associate professor and chair of the department.

For more information about the Student Experiential Learning Fund, please contact Harrison at tharrison@sjfc.edu. Individuals can make a financial contribution to the fund through our online form. Once there, select “Choose Others or Additional Funds,” and type Sport Management Department in the search box, then check the box before completing the form.