UNF graduating senior turns passion for sports into a career playbook
Molly Springer, a graduating senior in sport management at the University of North Florida, has made the most out of her time on campus — both in and out of the classroom. From internships with professional teams to organizing high-profile events, including two Super Bowls, Molly’s UNF journey has been defined by real-world learning and leadership experience.
A native of St. Johns, Florida, Molly chose UNF because of its strong sport management program and proximity to home.
“I could picture myself being really involved with the school, and that’s exactly what happened,” she said.
During her time at UNF, Molly served as president of the Sport Management Club, where she led initiatives to connect students with valuable industry experience. She organized and hosted the Sport Industry Professionals Panel and Networking Event, creating opportunities for students to engage with leaders in the field. Molly also served as team manager for UNF’s men’s soccer team, was a member of the PRSSA Club and an ambassador for the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.
Her dedication extended beyond campus through a series of impactful internships. Molly served as an intern at not one, but two Super Bowls in 2024 and 2025, helping enhance the fan experience while gaining a front-row view of the extensive coordination and effort required to manage a major event.
She also worked behind the scenes with the Jacksonville Icemen ECHL hockey team, which was especially formative.
“It taught me so much about the importance of the workplace environment,” Molly shared. “The Icemen staff truly cared. They worked with us, laughed with us and supported us — and that set a standard for what I want in any workplace.”
She also gained communications and marketing experience interning with Sporting Club JAX, where she helped get information out to the public, including through social media plans and player bios. It was an experience she loved so much she accepted a full-time job with the organization.
Molly’s achievements earned her recognition as the SCOEHS Outstanding Undergraduate Sport Management Student and recipient of the Sport Management Leadership Award, honors that highlight her leadership, initiative and contributions to the program and her peers.
Throughout her journey, Molly was guided and supported by UNF faculty and staff. She points to mentors like Professor Bobbi Doggett, Drs. Kristi Sweeney, Liz Gregg, Jennifer Kane, Dean Steve Dittmore and academic advisor Marilyn Heth.
“Every single one of them stood by me, supported my ideas and cheered me on, even when my plans changed. My failures became lessons because of their encouragement,” Molly said.
Looking ahead, in addition to her full-time job, Molly plans to stay at UNF to pursue a master's in communication management with a focus on leadership. She will also serve as a graduate assistant for Sweeney.
As she embarks on this next chapter, Molly remains grateful for the experiential learning that helped shape her future.
“These internships and experiences gave me connections and skills that most people don’t get until they’re out of college. I’ve been able to show what I can do and set myself up for success.”