Creating Pathways for Women in Sports Marketing at Park City High School

Park City, UT – February marks Career and Technical Education Month, and at Park City High School, students are seizing the opportunity to highlight the powerful impact of the sports marketing class. PCHS Senior Caroline Newberry is a shining example of how these programs can inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in the sports industry, demonstrating that with the right education and support, every path is possible.

Caroline, who aims to major in sports marketing, shared her motivations for enrolling in the class.

“I’ve always loved sports, but taking this sports marketing class opened my eyes to how much goes on behind the scenes,” she said. “I think I want to major in it in college. I wanted firsthand experience to learn more about it.”

The sports marketing curriculum at Park City High School provides invaluable hands-on experience, preparing students for real-world applications at no cost. Caroline appreciates this opportunity, especially when considering future college expenses.

“When I go to college, I’ll be paying thousands of dollars for similar classes, but here it’s free,” she remarked. “That’s a huge advantage."

In addition to the mechanics of marketing, the class delves into the motivations behind advertising campaigns. Caroline highlights the importance of understanding the "why" behind marketing strategies:

“The biggest thing for me is hearing the insides of all the how. You see the ads, but hearing why they're doing it gives me a broader perspective.”

Family plays a significant role in Caroline’s passion for sports. “I come from a big family, and my grandpa played football. I’ve always been the granddaughter that loved football,” she explained. “From the marketing perspective, I think it's an amazing way for women to be involved in sports without necessarily playing or coaching.”

The engaging curriculum fosters a creative learning environment through project-based assessments rather than traditional tests. Caroline emphasizes the value of collaboration and engagement:

“I would definitely say, do it, because we have such an advantage over other schools in Utah. Our CTE building is amazing. It’s a fun class with no tests, just projects.”

Initially, Caroline felt intimidated by the gender dynamics in her class, which included mostly boys.

“When we walked in, we were three girls among the boys, and I felt it wasn't normal,” she admitted. “But I see now that you can learn so much surrounded by different genders. I wish I was a little more open-minded about it.”

The sports marketing class is part of a broader Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway designed to provide students with essential skills for future careers in various fields. By participating in these programs, students like Caroline are not only developing professionally but also paving the way for future generations of women in sports.

“My hope is that more girls take these classes and realize they can succeed in sports marketing or any sports profession they choose,” Caroline said. “Every step we take is a step toward equality in sports.”