By: Griffin Barfield

Sarah Buford graduated from Clemson in May 2025 with a B.S. in Marketing and a double minor in Accounting and Sports Communiction. She received the Markvan Bellamy Endowed Scholarship in Sports Marketing in 2024. During her time at the University, she worked with IPTAY and Clemson Athletics Marketing and Fan Experience teams.

How have you utlilized your major/concentration in sports to help your career?

I have utilized my Sports Communication minor to help with my career sports many times, especially when I speak with Season Ticket Holders about why they love coming to Drive games. Throughout the classes I took in my minor, sports being a unifying factor was always something we discussed, and it is very evident in my career.

What is your role, where, and what do you do?

Currently, I am an Account Executive at the Greenville Drive. My main responsibilities include working with our Season Ticket Holders, selling new season tickets, groups, and hospitality spaces, and creating relationships with people throughout the Greenville area.

What was your journey like since graduating from Clemson?

Four days after graduating from Clemson, I began working at the Drive since baseball season had already started. It was a very quick transition, but I was able to jump in and start helping soon after because of the knowledge I gained from my time at Clemson and previous internships.

What advice would you give to future Brooks scholars as they approach post-grad?

My biggest piece of advice is to find a job that interests you and go for it because you never know what opportunities could come from it.

By Katie Gerbasich

Grace O’Donnell was a former Editor/Events Assistant intern with the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute. After graduating from Clemson, she is now working for Clemson Football in the recruiting department.

What does your job in the recruiting department with Clemson Football look like? 

One of the things I love most about my job is that no two days ever look the same. While we’re in season, a large part of the position is preparing for gameday when we have anywhere from 80 to 120 prospects and their guests coming to town. I’ll do event set up and take down, check guests in when they first arrive and gather some personal information for our records, direct guests once they’re inside the stadium and generally serve as a point of contact for them. When it’s not game day, there’s always a lot of office work to be done: sending out graphics to our guys, logging game day reports, creating new content to send out and much more. I really respect my boss’s and the hard work they’ve put into making Clemson recruiting one of the highest standards in the country.

How have you taken what you learned with the Institute into what you’re doing now?

The Institute set me up for success in ways I never could have imagined. Most of my previous work experience came from being Sports Editor of The Tiger, which is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. However, I began to feel like I had boxed myself into a corner with sports writing and I didn’t want that to be the only thing I did/only career field I could look into. When I interviewed with the Institute, they offered me a split role: Editor/Events Assistant so that I could start building experience on the event operations side. Our events lead, Kyler, did an amazing job setting everything up and working with vendors, and I loved watching her and gaining some insight. After helping with the inaugural RECESS Symposium, I knew my future lay in event operations and giving people the best game day experience possible.

What are your future plans looking like?

Once this season ends, I’ll be applying for a full time position in event operations with an NFL team or another college program. I love Clemson and the almost five years I’ve spent here, but I’m also super excited to take what I’ve learned here and bring it into the real world. I truly enjoy serving people and want to continue finding unique ways to do that in the world of football

What advice would you give to current students regarding the Institute?

Apply, apply, apply! The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute may sound like an intimidating place, but the people and the work could not be more fulfilling and welcoming. I don’t come from a strong STEM or research background, but the Institute found a role that was perfect for my strengths. Whether you’re a more hands-on, scientific person or someone studying marketing and communications, there’s a spot for you on the team. A huge shout out to Kayla, John, Taylor, Natalie, Kyler, Katie and all our RHBSSI fellows for making our Wednesday afternoon meetings something I genuinely looked forward to.

By Evelyn Lane

Melody Chambers graduated from Clemson in 2024 with a B.S. in Marketing and minors in Sports Communication and Brand Communications. She received the Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarship in 2024. During her time at Clemson, she worked with the Clemson University Athletic Department as a Clemson University Marketing Intern and a Client Services Intern.

How have you utilized your major/concentration in sports to help your career?

My degree has been invaluable in building the foundation for my career in sports. Courses like Sports Marketing I & II with Amanda Cooper Fine taught me the strategy behind brand partnerships, fan engagement, and sponsorship activation – all concepts I apply daily. Those classes, paired with real-world projects integrated into other core courses, helped me develop both the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in the industry.

What is your current role, where, and what do you do?

I am the Coordinator of Partnership Activation for the Milwaukee Brewers. I manage key relationships between our corporate partners and the club, helping bring their brands to life through on-site activations, in-stadium experiences, and community initiatives that connect with Brewers fans and the greater Milwaukee community. 

What was your journey like since graduating from Clemson?

After graduating from Clemson, I pursued my MBA from the University of South Florida while working as a Partnerships Fellow with the Tampa Bay Lighting. I joined the Milwaukee Brewers full-time in July of 2025, where I now support our Partnership Activation team during an exciting time for the organization.  

What advice would you give to future Brooks scholars as they approach post-grad?

Be confident in your journey and trust the timing of your path. Take the time to build genuine relationships, ask thoughtful questions, and stay open to opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Lastly, keep showing up with curiosity, humility, and gratitude; it will take you farther than you ever expect. 

By Evelyn Lane

Scarlett Lawhorne graduated from Clemson in 2021 with a degree in Recreational Therapy. She received the Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarship in 2020. During her time at Clemson, she interned with Clemson Campus Recreation as a fitness assistant and a recreation specialist to help grow her skills in the recreational therapy field.

How have you utilized your major/concentration in sports to help your career?

Recreational therapy enhances my role by helping me design inclusive programs that support physical, emotional, and social well-being.  I use therapeutic recreation techniques to adapt activities so that individuals of all abilities can participate fully and confidently. Whether it’s through adaptive sports, inclusive camps, or community events, I focus on creating environments where everyone feels valued and engaged. This approach strengthens community connections and aligns with the core mission of parks and recreation — to serve all.

What is your current role and where are you located?

As the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Coordinator for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Recourses in Florida, I use recreational therapy to design and deliver programs that promote inclusion, wellness, and community connection. Through the P.A.I.R. program’s five pillars — Adaptive Recreation, Para Sports, RECreate Your Mind: Mental Health Awareness, Cultural and Consciousness Programming, and Accessible Recreation — I apply therapeutic recreation strategies to meet diverse needs and remove barriers to participation. Recreational therapy is not just a tool — it’s the foundation for building a more inclusive parks and recreation system.

What was your journey like since graduating from Clemson?

Since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of working with Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, where I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Starting my career here allowed me to dive directly into inclusive programming and community engagement. Over the years, I’ve developed and led initiatives through the P.A.I.R. program, focusing on accessibility, adaptive sports, mental health, and cultural awareness. Along the way, I’ve built strong relationships with coworkers, community partners, and participants — all of whom have shaped and inspired my work. It’s been a rewarding journey rooted in service, innovation, and a passion for creating spaces where everyone belongs.

What advice would you give to future Brooks Scholars as they approach post-grad?

As you step into your career, stay open to learning and lean into every opportunity to grow — even the small ones. Build genuine connections with your coworkers and community; those relationships will become your greatest support system and source of inspiration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, and advocate for inclusion wherever you go. Most importantly, remember that your passion and purpose will guide you — trust it. Keep learning, stay curious, and remember: impact often starts with simply being present.