NCCU VOLLEYBALL ATHLETE RUNS THE BASES IN BOSTON VOLLEYBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE KIERRA SHIPMAN, a junior recreational management major, spent her summer as a Fan and Youth Development intern for the Boston Red Sox. The internship involved tracking Red Sox fan data and working with the street team and as mascot for events. “The sports marketing classes that I’ve taken at NCCU helped prepare me for my internship,” Shipman said. “I had prior knowledge of business marketing, which gave me an advantage.” In addition, Shipman had the opportunity to present on the best marketing practices she observed during her internship to Red Sox marketing leaders. “It’s very humbling to have the opportunity to work for such a prestigious sports company such as the Boston Red Sox. I know this experience will not only prepare me for my next step as a studentathlete, but also in life,” she added. In 2016, the student athlete was named to the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball AllAcademic team in recognition of her high academic achievement. During her first year at NCCU, Shipman
was honored with the MEAC Rookie of the Week award. “Kierra is great student both in and outside of the classroom, she takes a constructive approach to learning,” said Anthony F. Patterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of Physical Education and Recreation. An Atlanta native, Shipman plans to earn a master’s degree in sports administration and work as an athletic director for a Division I school or as a marketing officer for a professional sports team. “Kierra’s success in the classroom can be attributed to being a student-athlete. She is methodical and persistent when learning new material and also communicates well, which impacts her performance in the classroom,” Patterson added.
SPORTS IN BRIEF Former North Carolina Central University baseball catcher CONRAD KOVALCIK (Detroit, Mich.) has signed a professional contract to play for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers and third baseman ELLINGTON HOPKINS (Lansing, N.Y.) has signed a professional contract to play for the Alpine Cowboys. Conrad Kovalcik
56
NCCU NOW FALL 2017
Ellington Hopkins