Name: P'hariz Watkins
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Year: Junior
Major: Communications and Sport Management
Minor: Media Technology
Sport(s): Men's Basketball

I chose to attend Heidelberg because ...
The men's basketball coaching staff was the first staff to reach out to me, and give me a shot at achieving my dream of playing college basketball. On my visit to Heidelberg, the campus felt like home in a sense. I had feeling in my gut that this University would help me place myself in important positions that would contribute to the future success that I would obtain in my career. 

The best part about playing a sport at Heidelberg is ...
The small knit community throughout campus. Heidelberg is a smaller campus so everyone is able to support everyone. Most of campus is attended by student-athletes, so all student-athletes support each other year around, and it's really one big family. 

Heidelberg is unique because ... 
Of how they find ways to interact with their students. All of the HYPE & PALS events, game day events, and more. Heidelberg is unique because they find ways to reach all the types and styles of students that attend the university. 

My career goal is ... 
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts (BA) Degree in Communication, a Bachelors of Science (BS) Degree in Sports Management, along with a minor degree in Media Technology. My career goals are coaching at the highest levels of the game of basketball -- professional or collegiately at the Division I level. Then after my coaching days I'm interested in becoming an Athletic Director, Director of Basketball Operations, Vice President and more. Lastly towards the end of my career, I have interest in being a sports commentator & analyst for collegiate and professional sports.

Describe your most unique experience at Heidelberg (top internships, study abroad, etc.) ... 
I have two very unique experiences so far during my time at Heidelberg. First was the internship opportunity I was able to receive at Georgia State University. I received two actually, I was a social media marketing intern along with being a ticket office marketing intern as well. My time at GSU was phenomenal, I learned so much from everyone I interacted with from the Athletic Director to the President of the University. GSU made me feel at home and I thank them. My second unique experience happened this past January, when I was granted by the NCAA and our conference (OAC) to attend the NCAA National Convention in Anaheim, California. Being able to attend the convention was a life-changing experience. I was able to meet and build a connection with so many wonderful people that I will be working with in the future. The sessions I attended at the convention, gave me a better understanding of the career field that I am pursuing. In addition to that, the convention helped me realize that I can achieve every career goal that I have, if I stay focus and grind my way to the top with right connections needed.