U SPORTS News

U SPORTS sits down with each of its summer interns in our new interview series “Getting to know…”

  • Name: Matt Vocino
  • School: Ryerson University
  • Program: Sport Media
  • Internship position: Communications
  • Hometown: Pickering, Ont.

1. What attracted you to Ryerson and your program? 

For as long as I can remember, I have been a diehard sports fan and someone that could talk sports all day long. With that being said, over the course of my high school career I began to truly enjoy writing, and so I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Fortunately for me, Ryerson had created the Radio & Television Arts (RTA): Sport Media program when I was in Grade 11. When I finally heard about the program in my final year of high school, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me, as it would allow me to pursue my passion for sports journalism, while also being able to learn about broadcasting, marketing and other aspects of media.

Since the Sport Media program at Ryerson is the first of its kind in North America, the uniqueness of the program alone attracted me to becoming a Ram. However, as a student with a physical disability who uses a wheelchair to get around, I needed to ensure that the campus was accessible. Luckily for me, after touring Ryerson and comparing its accessibility features to a handful of other schools, I was sold.

Deciding to attend Ryerson University in downtown Toronto three years ago has been one of the best decisions I've made. Throughout my education, I have been afforded opportunities to gain valuable skills needed to work in the sport media industry on campus and in the real world. I can not say enough positive things about Ryerson and the RTA Sport Media program.

2. Why were you interested in interning at U SPORTS?  

After spending the last three years at Ryerson and watching many Rams teams find success, as well as writing pieces for the student newspaper The Eyeopener, I became increasingly interested in working with U SPORTS. Ultimately, I wanted to join the national office to help promote Canadian university athletes whom I felt were so very deserving to have their stories told.

Furthermore, I was interested in interning at U SPORTS to better understand the communications and marketing side of sports and how communications departments implement, organize and execute a communications plan.

3. What are your key learnings from your experience at U SPORTS? 

Since joining U SPORTS as a summer intern, I have developed my journalistic and editing skills while writing feature stories and press releases. I have also gained an understanding and experience in planning and executing communications strategies. Overall, U SPORTS has been a great place to learn, as all team members want to see you succeed and are always there to give you guidance to improve your work.

4. Any memorable moments over the course of your internship? 

To date, my most memorable moment had to be getting to interview legendary University of Toronto Varsity Blues swim coach, Byron MacDonald. I truly enjoyed getting to speak with him about his 40-year coaching and broadcasting career for a feature I wrote about him. 

5. What is one piece of advice you can give to someone interested in joining U SPORTS? 

The biggest piece of advice I can give to someone interested in joining U SPORTS is to be flexible. As an intern, you may think you only have one job, but that’s not the case. It’s important to be willing to help wherever you are needed and quite frankly, by doing multiple jobs you will learn a ton. Also, as a communications intern, being a strong communicator and being organized is key.

6. Why did you choose to pursue a career in sports and what is your dream job?

As someone who has always been passionate about sports and storytelling, working in the sports industry was a no-brainer for me.

In regards to a dream job, I would love to work for a newspaper, sports organization, or sports network, writing features or analysis pieces. Sports has the power to unite people and create conversation and so I'd love to be able to do just that.

7. If you could sit down with one person in the sports industry (athlete, coach, manager or professional), who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?

There are too many people to choose from, but if I had to pick one I’d say Ron MacLean. I’ve always been fascinated with his ability to be so comfortable on air and his ability to connect with the audience or the people he is interviewing. I’d love to talk about his broadcasting career, his ability to be so natural on television, and about his favourite hockey memories or stories. In my mind, there is no question that he is one of the best storytellers in sports.

8. After joining U SPORTS and gaining a better understanding of what we do, how would you describe the organization and the culture at the national office?

I would describe the culture at U SPORTS as highly-motivated, dedicated, young and welcoming. Over the last three months at the national office, I have only had positive interactions with my fellow interns and can certainly say that the full-time staff are all so supportive. There is no question that U SPORTS will continue to thrive and will certainly elevate university sport in Canada.

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from your internship and school? 

When I’m not interning or at school, I enjoy playing wheelchair hockey, hanging out with friends and family, trying new foods (I’m a foodie) and attending or watching as many sports games as possible. It doesn’t matter the sport; I’ll watch or attend just about anything.

10. What is your most memorable sports moment?

As an athlete, my most memorable moment would be winning any of the five Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) championships I have won over the last 10 years. There is nothing like working towards a collective goal with a bunch of your teammates and friends and then seeing your hard work pay off at the end of the year.

As a fan, there is no doubt that my favourite sports moment was being in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, seeing Sidney Crosby score the Golden Goal, and then celebrating in downtown Vancouver after the game with what felt like all of Canada. It was an incredible experience, and I can not thank my family and Make-A-Wish Canada enough for making it all possible.