Getting to Know You: Ryley Petoff

Ryley Petoff – Sport Management

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Year in school: Senior

Hometown: Poulsbo, WA

What are you studying at WSU?

Sport Management with a double minor in Business Administration & Communication

Why are you studying this? What do you hope to do with that after you graduate?

I like how big of an influence sport has in society and how it can inspire people. I would love to work in fan engagement at the collegiate or professional level. I want to be a problem-solver and make someone have the best experience possible when they walk into a stadium.

Why did you choose WSU?  

I wanted to feel the community atmosphere of a big college town and once I got here, I knew I couldn’t leave.

What’s been your favorite part of the WSU experience thus far?

My favorite part has been the people I’ve met and the support I’ve received. This school has brought me my second family and I wouldn’t have accomplished nearly as much without them in my life.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far?

The biggest challenge for me was learning to grow from your mistakes instead of dwelling on them. When you’re a freshman and you miss your first assignment it feels like the world is ending, but in reality I just learned to rely on my planner more.

As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?

I want to be there for people and show them that someone cares. This year I took on the role as New Member Educator in my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. I wanted this position to show incoming members (mainly freshmen) that college is challenging and can consume you if you don’t prioritize your mental health. This was just a small step on the big path to invoking change, but if I could be assistance to one person and make them feel valued, I would be content.

Favorites

Food: Pasta

Book: The Help

Song: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You

TV show: New Girl

Place to visit: Kauai, HI

Dream vacation spot: Greece