By no means am I a professional photographer. I would consider myself far from it. But I am the person who likes capturing moments. I like taking pictures not necessarily for artistic value (though I do try that sometimes) but instead, to remember everything. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And for me, when I look at pictures, I love remember how I felt during that moment, the emotions behind it and the significance of being there.

These days, pictures and social media go hand-in-hand. It is important for everyone to post pictures at one point or another on their Facebook, Twitter, etc. Having something visual to look at is comforting to consumers, friends and followers. We like seeing products from Under Armour as they’re posted on Facebook. We like seeing pictures from events that Under Armour throws on their Twitter feed. It affirms that it does exist or it did happen.

I love being the person who captures moments for everyone else to treasure or envy because of the way it makes me feel. I love the feeling of being able to inspire others with what I’ve taken, or sparking a memory for someone and hearing them say, “Hey! I remember that!” I like lugging around a camera or whipping out my phone at opportune moments just so others can see how cool, interesting, funny, clever or incredible something is.

Pictures are a way of documenting life. Social media is the new venue where adventures can be shown.

So who better to help Under Armour document their adventures than the girl who loves doing it?

Today, I got to experience something amazing. As a sports marketing intern, I got to work promotions at the pre-season exhibition game between Michigan Lacrosse and Denison. So why is this exciting? Well…this is Team One—the very first Varsity Michigan Lacrosse team ever. Each time before, we have only had a club team. 

This year it’s different. Getting to work this game was unbelievable. It was my first ever experience not only working lacrosse but actually seeing a lacrosse game. And honestly, props to lax players! I don’t think I’ve “Ooo”-ed and “Ahhh”-ed or “Ouch!”-ed as much as I did today in my entire lifetime. It’s exciting, scary and fast-paced all at the same time, and the sports fan in me really adored lacrosse. I know I’ll come to many more Michigan Lacrosse games in my tenure here at Michigan.

So what exactly did I do at work today? Well, besides keep my eyes open for flying balls coming our way (and believe me, there were a few close calls that made my heart rate go way up), I did some true marketing. I took the challenge of getting demographics from the lacrosse fans that came to the game today. A survey had been made by the department and it was my job to get people to take the time to fill it out. And using communication skills, finding connections between fans and myself, and just straight up being friendly, I got over 100 fans to fill out the survey. And honestly, I hope they know how much this really means to the department because in the end, all we want to do is make fan experience (this case at Lacrosse) BETTER. We always strive to LEARN and become BETTER. And that’s incredibly important and this mentality is instilled in me. 

Finally, I just wanted to give a shout-out to the Michigan Lacrosse team. Congratulations to all of you on your win today and I seriously can’t WAIT to see more of you. #TEAMONE

I’ve decided that each week, I will write about one person (or maybe a group of people) who inspire me. I think this is an awesome way to get a sense of my work ethic because these people are those who I truly look up to. Their work ethic is incredible and I do my best to model after them. They are my role models.

Week 1: David A. Brandon

Dave Brandon is technically my boss’s boss’s boss. As the Athletic Director at one of the athletic powerhouses in the country here at Michigan, saying he’s an important guy is the understatement of the century. This guy runs Michigan Athletics. Every major decision goes through him, and he represents the University of Michigan Athletics.

Yet he is so humble about it. I look at him as the CEO of Michigan Athletics, a “company” that I am a sports marketing intern for. And even though I’m just a “lowly intern,” Dave Brandon has always said, “Hello” and asked me how I’m doing in passing. And with a smile on his face. He is so gracious, praising us for our hard work and the fact that he notices it means the world to us. He jokes with us interns at times and has a bit of a sarcastic tongue, and it honestly feels like he’s an old friend. This is the AD of Michigan Athletics (to remind you again). How many CEOs around the country joke around and continuously thank their interns? A small percentage.

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Pictured above is Robby Ginepri, an American tennis player sponsored by none other than Under Armour. I am a huge tennis fan…and I mean HUGE. Played the sport for a good portion of my life and I’m the girl that will wake up at 5am EST just to watch the Australian Open. Yes, I’m crazy for sports and I love it.

But this year, I did notice the lack of Under Armour at the Aussie Open. And it made me think…Under Armour needs to make a bigger presence internationally. Yes, UA is an American brand but giving it even more depth by going international is only beneficial. And I think the best outlet for that is through tennis and of course…social media.

Tennis is by far one of the most international sports. It is the top individual sport in the world and one of the most played sports as well. The thing about sports to remember is that it isn’t tickets that is making the most money for the sports industry… it is Sports APPAREL. People play tennis. And although UA does sell a few tennis things, I think it is time for them to put more focus on the area because people trust the brand enough to start converting to UA for the sport. Sponsorship of more top tennis players on the tour is the ultimate start.

So how would Under Armour get the word out about their international self? Social media of course! The fastest, easiest and most widespread way to spread information. Getting the word out about new products, ways for international customers to purchase these products, when sponsored players are playing and making huge pushes to inform people on when those players win. Because winners are what Under Armour produces. Winners are who #ProtectThisHouse

It’s true. Around the Michigan Athletic Marketing Department, I am known as “Hashtag.” I am introduced to people by staff as “Hashtag, aka. Maggie Chang.” After the full time staff began to follow me on Twitter (@hashtagmaggie), they realized how much I loved it with my constant postings about social media and my excitement about sports too, which led them to associate social media and I together. And I absolutely love it. 

Words cannot describe how obsessed with Maryland’s uniforms I am. Cutting edge, new, and people are going to criticize, but hey, you recognize them, don’t you? Exactly.