From the adrenaline of the control room to the technical precision behind every live replay, the Big Ten Network’s StudentU Productions is more than just a training ground, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of sports media professionals. In this episode of Storyteller, we sit down with Lauren Day, StudentU Los Angeles’ Production Manager, who transitioned from being a student in the program at the University of Michigan to now leading the West Coast operation. Lauren shares how StudentU provides thousands of hours of live production opportunities across 18 campuses, giving students hands-on experience in every role.
The Mission: Professional Experience for Every Student
The heart of the StudentU Network lies in its educational mission: bridging the gap between a college classroom and a tier-one professional control room. By standardizing the technology and philosophy across all 18 Big Ten schools, Lauren and her team ensure that students aren’t just pushing buttons, they are learning the “language” of broadcast used at major networks.
“Our goal… is making sure they have the technology, the education, the materials at their disposal to learn and be successful. It’s really an educational mission while at the same time giving these Olympic sports coverage on Big Ten +. The students are learning how to be broadcast professionals.”
Building “On-Ramps” for New Audiences
Growth in sports media isn’t just about the technology; it’s about accessibility. Lauren emphasizes the importance of creating “on-ramps”, entry points that make sports like soccer and volleyball easy for new fans to understand and engage with. By utilizing modern platforms, the network lowers the barrier to entry for the next generation of fans.
“I keep saying ‘on-ramps,’ but I think that’s the key, really just opening those doors for new fans to come in and look at these players, these teams, these programs. It’s about how we reach basketball fans and soccer fans and expose them to these athletes and create more on-ramps.”
The Reward of Mentorship and Watching Growth
For Lauren, the most rewarding aspect of her role is witnessing the transformation of a student from an intimidated freshman to a confident senior director. This cycle of mentorship ensures that StudentU alumni are now found throughout the entire sports industry, often working side-by-side with fellow graduates at major networks.
“To see other students be exposed to live sports and live broadcasts for the first time and fall in love with it… it changed the trajectory of my career. You see that growth right in front of you, where the StudentU Network goes post-college is crazy. You look around the industry, they’re everywhere.”