Park University (MO)

Working for the Sports Information Department at Park for almost three years was a dream come true. I come from a country where college sports don’t exist, so having this experience meant the world to me. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of sports and education, and being able to support student-athletes and help improve their experience was incredibly rewarding. This role made me even more passionate about continuing a professional path in higher education. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and for the amazing people I’ve met, this is a truly special team.

I’m an international student from Brazil, a student worker with Sports Communication, a Park volleyball athlete, and a Resident Assistant. I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to stay involved across campus—whether it’s helping promote athletics, supporting my teammates, or building community in the residence halls. Park has given me the chance to grow in so many areas, and help me become the leader and person I am today. I’m grateful to be part of it.

My name is Nicolas Tenius, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I am a Senior Student Athlete at Park. I played all my 4 years as a Pirate and I can say that the Park University became my 2nd home.

I'm Filipa Dupont Machado; I started liking and getting interest on photography when I was about 14. I got my first camera back then and I would use it to take some volleyball pictures or ask my friends to be my models. It was just for fun and never thought about it as a job, but it was something I became more interested about and wanting to know more. Today, it is my job and even being still a hobby, I want to know more and more about it.

I'm proud to help and be behind the scenes of the pirate's choice awards, our women's empowerment event, and also our game days. I had a lot of fun designing one of the shirts for the department and helping to organize our events. I love working with everyone from the athletic department and I'm happy to be a Pirate

I'm from the Bahamas and compete with Pirates Track & Field. I wrapped up my junior year at Park with two years in the sports communications department as a student worker.

I'm from Raytown, Missouri and I've worked with Park's sports communications department during my sophomore year. I run track at Park and the work with the department has helped me come out of my shell and meet new people on campus.

I'm from Brazil and I finished my first year at Park on the women's volleyball team. I helped with all sports this past year in the sports communications deparment as a broadcast director and also did some photography.

It’s taken 11 years to get here, and I’m carrying with me everything from every place I’ve been, every struggle, every sacrifice, every doubt, and every heartache. And now, standing on this campus in this moment, I know without a doubt that it was all worth it. I don’t just take pretty pictures or make pretty videos—I share with others the same love I’ve received from Christ our Lord, reminding others that they matter more than they realize. I get to tell them their story has purpose. To think that I get to do that—it means everything to me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I loved the opportunity to understand the different areas behind the scenes that really make a collegiate game atmosphere come together. Whether that be the statistics, broadcasting, or game promotional aspects. I especially enjoyed my time on play-by-play and having the chance to interview athletes after their big moments on the field or court. My goal is to be an athletic director on day and I will always appreciate my time at Park for helping get me closer to that stage.

It doesn't seem possible that I have been a small part of Park University athletics for almost 20 years. Two of my friends and I were the scorebook, scoreboard and shot clock operations for men's and women's basketball after having been 'recruited' by the late Joe Meriwether. I've witnessed some exciting moments during this period. I'd have to say I'm proud of myself for the patience and flexibility to adapt to a fast and demanding role as the 'shot clock guy'. I've learned to focus on what's happening on the court and ignore everything else around me. I'm ready for basketball season to start again a week after the season is over.

I'm a proud alumni of Park University and got my start in the industry with an opportunity from Steve Wilson. Fastforward and I own my own entertainment business and have called over 500 Park sports events. Once a Pirate always a Pirate!

Name is Tanner Collins. I Played division 1 college golf at southern Illinois University Edwardsville and now I’m pursuing my career in Play by Play broadcasting. I’m very thankful for the experiences I’ve had at Park with the men’s and women’s hoops programs at Park. I’m most proud of calling a couple of the biggest wins in recent memory on Claude English Court.

Most proud of balancing being a full time husband, father, employee and student. It is a blast getting to meet and interview the students. Especially after a big win.

When I’m not volunteering at Park University I work at OCLC supporting academic libraries in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. My role there focuses on Access and Public Serviced. While at Park, my volunteering focuses on supporting athletics through photography and hosting of the pictures I take. Catching athletes in action during competition is one of my favorite activities.

At Park, I’m fortunate to connect with our students in the classroom as a communication professor and on game day as the voice behind the public address and play-by-play announcing. I’m most proud of watching them grow academically and athletically, whether that’s delivering a great speech or making big plays on the field!

The first time I worked a basketball game at Park, I immediately fell in love with the vibe and the people. I can’t find the words to describe how special the place is. I am proud to be a small part of the athletic program and the university.

I recently retired after 27 years in education as an administrator, teacher, and coach. I am the former head girls basketball coach at North Kansas City High School. What I like best about my role at Park is the opportunity to still be involved in a small capability with basketball and get that “rush” at Gametime. I really enjoy and appreciate being a contributor to the Park University athletic department. My wife Brandi and I have a blended family with five children.

I truly enjoy sports. Being able to fill in as PA announcer allows me an up close seat to share my enthusiasm for collegiate athletics. I am always impressed with the talent, drive, and competitive spirit that the student athletes showcase at Park University. I’m grateful for any and all opportunities on the microphone and love supporting Park University athletics. Go Pirates!

I'm stationed at Fort Leavenworth as a Behavioral Health Tech with the rank of Staff Sargent (for the second time, the first time being 2015-18), and I've been fortunate enough to work for Park on both occasions in different capacities, ranging from public address announcing to broadcasting events online to writing recaps of events. Prior to joining the Army in 2010, I earned a college degree in Mass Communications, had worked in sports media relations in college, and been a sports writer for 15 years. So, having the opportunity to work for Park has given me a chance to continue doing something I enjoy, even as I serve my country. The atmosphere at Park athletic events is always exciting, and I look forward to working at Pirate games and matches for as long as they'll have me.

This past year I got the opportunity to broadcast Park baseball, softball and men's volleyball on the Heart of America Conference Network. The energy and excitement around the Pirates this past year was palpable and it made my experience behind the microphone fantastic in so many ways. I'm proud to support the Park Pirates in a small way and the experience grew my skills as a broadcaster so much.

In the past, I've been honored to work with some dedicated and passionate folks from Park's department (including Jordan Brown, Tyler Price, Steve Wilson, and Nadine), and I've been pleased to be able to work with the young athletes who helped call the games for basketball and volleyball.

I've been working in the Park University Communications office for 18 years and am now the Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations. I collaborate often with athletics to help with media coverage. I've been to the final site NAIA tournaments for women's and men's volleyball teams for over 10 years. Go Pirates!

I've been in the Kansas City area my whole life and had the goal to work in college athletics since my college years at Baker University playing baseball. Working with the students and staff at Park is a tremendous honor and I appreciate the Park community. I've truly been transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ in college and now it's my sincere goal to give the glory to God in all aspects of my life and help others trust and know Him. My wife Marley and I reside in Lawrence, Kan. with our son Miles and our dog named Ames.