Like millions across the U.S., on any given Sunday Glendalyn Junio can be found watching football hoping her team, the Washington Redskins, is victorious. But for Junio, this is more than a weekend activity. It is her job as the team’s marketing manager.
From underwater hockey to volleyball and everything in between, Junio learned to cover collegiate and professional sports during her days as sports editor for Ka Leo at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Not only did she get the opportunity to cover NCAA sports, but her role with Ka Leo allotted her access to a number of professional sports that made their way to the islands—including the NFL Pro Bowl.
Junio recalls many life-changing opportunities during her time at UH Mānoa. “I had the experience of interviewing professional athletes including the Los Angeles Lakers during their summer camps in Hawaiʻi, and former quarterback Kurt Warner who is a now a huge broadcast sports analyst,” she said.
Junio says that she will always value the memories and the real world experience that UH Mānoa provided for her, and the chance to take these into the workplace with her.
After graduation, Junio worked as a paid intern with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the union for professional football players in the NFL. They were extremely supportive and she had the opportunity to write media releases, undertake public relations functions and interview players and alumni about their charitable efforts.
After the NFLPA, Junio joined the team at Comcast SportsNet (CSN). She was able to reconnect with her high school and hometown community of Washington, D.C., by launching campaigns like a holiday card contest, where the winning art was featured on the CSN holiday card. Eager to grow her network, Junio joined the D.C. Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE), where she took on responsibilities including serving as the social media chair and chapter president.
In September 2015, Junio joined the Washington Redskins as marketing manager, fulfilling her dream to work for her hometown team.
Her advice for UH students: “Show passion and dedication in internships, grow your network, and seize new opportunities while at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Going ‘above and beyond’ will demonstrate a commitment to the position and your future.”
