COB Hurricanes intern witnesses Stanley Cup run
Being a go-getter helps increase the odds of East Carolina University College of Business students having successful careers and, thus, a comfortable lives. However, this Pirate work ethic can sometimes get in the way of special moments — like raising the Stanley Cup.
“Unfortunately, I was not at game one or two of the Stanley Cup Final because my internship with Capital Association Management had begun in Washington, D.C.,” said College of Business rising senior Dante Martini. “However, I was fortunate enough to return to Raleigh for the final week of the season, including being at the Lenovo Center watch party during Game 6 and the championship parade.”
Since last September’s preseason, Martini has been a public relations game night intern with the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. He had been there for 41 sold-out games, supporting the media relations team, local and national media and supporting the overall fan experience. The Hurricanes had a magical season that included an extended playoff run that ended with the team’s second Stanley Cup title — the first in 20 years.
“Winning the Stanley Cup was special to me, both as someone who grew up in the Raleigh area (Holly Springs) and as a lifelong Hurricanes fan,” Martini said. “The support for the Canes at watch parties all the way up the East Coast and in Raleigh specifically has been special.”
Despite not being there for the finals, Martini had some unforgettable moments during the playoffs. He was at ice level for the game-winning overtime goal in Game 2 of the opening round.
“The playoffs were an unreal experience. The atmosphere and intensity were unmatched and unlike any sporting event I’ve ever attended, let alone worked,” the business administration and management major said. “Behind the scenes, there was lots more to manage, including relaying stats to many additional broadcasters, including TNT and ESPN and assisting at a press conference with the losing coach, winning coach, and two players from the winning team.”
While this sounds like, and was a dream for Martini, it was a ton of work. The whole time he was interning for the Hurricanes — traveling from Greenville to Raleigh — he was also in his third year interning with ECU Athletics with its media relations team. In the fall, Martini was with the Hurricanes, ECU soccer and football. In the spring, he was with the Hurricanes, ECU lacrosse, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Plus, he carried 15 credit hours for the spring semester. And — he has a 3.3 GPA.
“Finding time to enjoy my personal life was a challenge,” Martini said. “However, it was something I became better at as the year progressed.”
This summer, Martini is a special projects intern with Capital Association Management, an association management firm. In this position, he gets to do a little bit of everything — from marketing and financials to conference preparations and creating webinars. This is his fourth internship; he also previously worked the Greenville Yard Gnomes (baseball). This fall he will enter his fourth year of interning with ECU Athletics. On top of that, he has been an ECU Ambassador (freshman and sophomore years) and received the Silver Service Award for completing more than 50 hours of community service.
Martini is another example of the COB’s formula for student success — students take what they learn in class and apply it in real-world opportunities, like student groups and internships. They then get out and network through the ever-expanding Pirate network.
“The COB has helped me tremendously,” Martini said. “The curriculum instills confidence and intangible tools young leaders need to succeed.”
Martini also credits one professor in particular – Dr. Tilwanda, teaching instructor with leadership and professional development – for helping him to get to this point in his journey. He said she helped him in and outside of the classroom.
“Dr. Steinberg was one of the first people to see potential in me and helped me secure my first internship outside of ECU with the Greenville Yard Gnomes of the Coastal Plain League,” Martini said. “Having professors who genuinely want to see you succeed beyond the classroom and are willing to advocate for you can make a huge difference.”
After he graduates in May, Martini aims to pair his experience in sports media and public relations with his business degree. His goal is to ultimately work in the front office of a professional sports organization. For his senior year, Martini is looking to get more involved with the COB and attend conferences, business trips and networking events to ensure the job of his dreams becomes a reality. In the meantime, as busy as he is, he’s trying to let the past year’s Stanley Cup run sink in.
“This internship was an incredible experience from top to bottom and one that I would highly recommend to anyone pursuing a career in public relations, communication or sports management,” Martini said. “I am extremely grateful to Madison White and Michael Sundheim(of the Carolina Hurricanes) for their mentorship and for providing me with the opportunity to be part of such a special season.”