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UT students hit the 'jackpot' as they prepare to head out to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl

Two UT students talked about their dreams, heading out to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, and why this is both a blessing and a push outside their comfort zone.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Nine University of Tennessee students hit the "jackpot" before they even stepped foot in Las Vegas. They're headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.

They'll work behind the scenes on a game watched by millions. UT calls it the "Big Orange Combine." It's a partnership between the Haslam College of Business and the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. 

JaKya Moore, a Lady Vol volleyball player at UT and a grad student in human resources and management, said it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

"I'm super excited to go to the Super Bowl," Moore said.  "I've never been... I think it's one of the biggest sporting events in America."

The students get to see how professionals from a bunch of industries like sports, marketing and business work together to create this worldwide experience. 

Students who wanted to go to the Super Bowl had to apply and go through a process of evaluations. Some of the interview questions asked about what they love to do.

"I love playing volleyball," Moore said. "I love teaching, coaching volleyball, and I think just aspiring younger volleyball players to be the best they can be."

Julia Thompson, a junior in the Haslam College of Business, said her interests are mostly around hospitality. One common denominator that brings them all together is the Vols. 

"I eventually want to start my own hotel company," Thompson said. "I'm very passionate about football, any game that we play here on Rocky Top, I'm at front and center cheering the Vols on."

Credit: JaKya Moore

 Debbie Mackey, a professor at the Haslam College of Business, said many people contributed to support this trip. 

It's a chance for these students to apply skills, Mackey said, but also just see how big this event is, and experience something that might even change their career paths. She said this trip isn't all fun and games. 

"It is hard work," Mackey said. "It's a long week, but also prepares them they're representing UT, be excited, be energetic, and then talk about networking and how you might gain a contact that could be good for the future."

The Department of Athletics said its goal is to further their athlete's experience.  

While this trip is completely paid for by donations, that's not the real jackpot.

Joshua Liddell, the assistant director for Student-Athlete Development, said the payout will arrive when the students get there. 

"It's a huge opportunity... it is very special for them to go and represent the university and their families and go take a trip to the Super Bowl and to meet with different organizations and network with so many people that can help them to pursue their future career interests," Liddell said.

Credit: Julia Thompson

Big dreams push people outside one's comfort zone.

For Thompson, the challenge will be adjusting to the new environment among many new people. 

"This experience is gonna pull me out of my comfort zone and honestly push us all to the best that we can be," Thompson said. "So, I'm excited about that we'll be able to network with professionals while we're there and just work the biggest event America has to offer."

For Moore, it's also about adjusting while recognizing how she's going to land in a completely new and different world than what she's used to. 

At the end of the day, both Thompson and Moore said, they have a lot more to gain than letting a challenge or two hold them down. 

"I think I'm from a pretty small town. I'm not usually around a whole bunch of people and I know Vegas will be full of hundreds and thousands of people. So I think there's a little anxiety just being around a lot of people," Moore said.

Moore said athletics is more than just a game, fun, and fitness. 

"I think that sports bring people together," Moore said. "It's a universal language that everyone can participate in."

   

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