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Washington State University
College of Education

Getting to Know You: Hailie Palafox

Palafox on the set of ESPN’s College Gameday in Pullman in October 2018. Her duties as a production assistant (PA) included helping the crew on-site. During her four years at WSU, she has worked with Pac-12 Networks, University Recreation, IMG, and WSU Athletics’ offices of event management, marketing, and athletic maintenance. 

Palafox holds business cards of fellow alumni working for NBA teams. Shortly later, she headed to Chicago to complete an internship with the National Basketball Retired Players Association in spring 2019.

Palafox at the NBA Legends Brunch Sunday of the NBA All-Star Game 2019. The event celebrated and recognized former players; and she met Grant Hill and Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues. There were many former athletes in attendance that weekend in Charlotte including Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell.
Hailie Palafox – Sport Management Graduate Student

Hometown: Puyallup, WA

Favorite sport: Basketball

What inspired you to pursue a degree in Sport Management?

Sports provide opportunities and help develop you. Being physically active, making friends, being on a team, playing your role, and community-building are so vital not only to youth but to everyone.

Where did you complete your internship experience?

I completed my internship with the National Basketball Retired Players Association in Chicago. I shadowed the Senior Vice President of Operations and Events and was able to help with the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend. I loved it and had a ton of fun.

What advice do you have for incoming students pursuing this degree?

Come into the program with an open mind and don’t be too focused on your “dream job” because there are so many different opportunities out there and you may find something else that you like. Also, what you put in is what you get out of it. Make sure to go the extra mile by using LinkedIn and make valuable connections with your peers, co-workers, and professors.

If you could witness any event—past, present, or future—what would it be? Why?

The 1968 Olympics with the protests against racial inequality with Tommy Smith and John Carlos. Doing what they did at such a big event took bravery and has encouraged many others to use their power in sport to protest inequality.

What is an “aha moment” from a sport management course?

In Administrative Concepts in Sport Organizations, Dr. Wong talked about stakeholder theory and looking at situations from different perspectives. Currently, I work with University Recreation and oversee over 20 employees. This has given me management experience and allowed to me compare my previous experiences and see the concepts I learned come to life.

Your advice to students coping with the pandemic?

You are not alone. Everyone is facing their own struggles. Find something to do or a hobby to relax. For me, it’s painting, taking walks, and going outside. Your mind can become overwhelmed spending too much time inside.

Before pursuing a master’s degree in sport management, you earned a bachelor’s degree in the field. How do the two compare?

The master’s program is a lot more research- and concept-based. Professors emphasize it because in the sport world many don’t lean on research and use more of their experience instead. Applying a combination of research and experience could help improve the industry in the future.