What drew you to Sport Management as a major?

Growing up, I didn't speak English, but sports were always a part of my life. No matter where I was or who I met, sports connected people through a universal language. They gave me confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging long before I could communicate with words.

When I arrived at Rice University, I initially planned to pursue a different career path. However, something felt off, it felt like a part of me was missing. I grew uncertain about my future and questioned whether I was on the right path. During my first semester, imposter syndrome hit hard. I wondered if I truly belonged at Rice and whether my chosen career path would genuinely bring me fulfillment.

Everything changed when I attended a soccer tournament. Watching people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds unite through their shared love of the game reminded me why sports had always meant so much to me. In that moment, I realized I wanted to dedicate my education — and ultimately my career — to something that gave me purpose.

I decided to take a leap of faith and switch my major to Sport Management. It allowed me to combine my lifelong passion for sports with my desire to create opportunities that bring people together. Reflecting on it, I do not regret this decision one bit.

How did you get involved with working at the World Cup?

Professor Stallings shared an email with students about opportunities to work at the FIFA World Cup. The moment I saw it, I applied to every position I was eligible for; I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something I had dreamed about since childhood.

When I was invited to the interview, I was incredibly anxious. It was my first professional interview, so I didn’t know what to expect. When the offer arrived, I screeched in excitement! I felt incredibly grateful and humbled to be selected as a Broadcast Liaison Assistant with Host Broadcast Services. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and the beginning of an unforgettable experience.

What did your work with the World Cup look like?

Over the course of seven FIFA World Cup matches, I worked alongside talented broadcasters, engineers and media professionals from around the world to support the massive broadcast operation that delivered each match to billions of viewers.

As a Broadcast Liaison Assistant, my primary responsibility was serving as the link between international broadcast partners and venue operations. I helped media crews navigate Houston Stadium, located their assigned broadcast positions and ensured they followed venue protocols and broadcast procedures. The role required strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to think quickly under pressure and problem solve in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where every second mattered.

One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. From global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo to internet personality IShowSpeed, and even the King of the Netherlands, I was able to witness high-profile interviews and media operations firsthand. Being trusted to help these moments run smoothly is something I'll never forget.

What many people don't see behind each broadcast is the enormous team working around the clock to make every World Cup match possible. While millions of fans dream of attending just one World Cup match, I was fortunate enough to help deliver seven of them. That perspective gave me an even greater appreciation for the planning, teamwork and precision required to produce an event of such global scale.

Ultimately, it was the people who made the experience unforgettable. Every day, I collaborated with professionals from different countries, heard new languages, and learned about diverse cultures. At first, navigating different accents, communication styles and cultural differences was a challenge. But by the end, it became the most rewarding part of the internship. It reinforced what I had learned as a child: no matter where we come from or what language we speak, sports bring people together.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world. I hope to one day give back to my village and other underserved communities around the world by building public soccer fields and basketball courts where children can play, grow and dream. I also want to expand access to education, because I believe that sports and education combined have the power to transform lives, create opportunities and inspire future generations.

This experience has solidified my passion for sports management on an international level. It has shown me that my career can bridge my love for sports with my desire to connect human beings across the globe. For a child who once watched the World Cup on a small television in a refugee village, standing behind the scenes of the world's biggest sporting event once felt impossible.

Now, it feels like the beginning of a dream that’s just getting started.

-Pu R., Martel ‘29 (Published on 7/28/26)