Meet the Interns: LUC X ECFC's MarComm Internship Program
- Gareth Mullins
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
As a part of an ongoing partnership with Loyola University Chicago (LUC), Edgewater Castle FC (ECFC) has provided interns the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and experience via the club's front office. Over the past few months, Ramblers from Loyola's School of Communication have been learning from professional mentors while capturing content, writing articles, and maintaining ECFC's social media presence.
For many in the club's front office, the interns' work has had a noticeable impact on the season. Reflecting on LUC's impact on the club, ECFC President and General Manager Andrew Swanson is grateful for the current and future relationship.
"For many years now, Loyola University Chicago students have had first-hand experience helping our club grow and succeed as interns during our summer seasons," Swanson said. "We have also been fortunate to continue working with many former interns to this day as members of our staff, and the current cohort of interns so far in 2025 has been our most hard-working and talented yet."
We talked with the Summer 2025 cohort of interns from LUC about their experiences so far.
Andi Revesz, Staff Writer Intern
Journalism Major, Sports Management Minor, Class of '26
"I learned from my time at ECFC the real ins and outs of the world of sports and how quickly articles need to get out for timeliness. I also learned that you shouldn't procrastinate when writing an article because the quicker you get it done, the quicker the article gets out, and the more people can know about what is going on," Andi Revesz said.
"For those looking to get into an internship like this, I would say to make friends with everyone along the way. Not only will that make your internship experience much better, but you're also forming connections that can be beneficial for your future," Revesz said.
"This internship has prepared me for when I get a job in the sports industry. By getting more experience, getting to work with different people and different teams, and working in a sport that I was not previously familiar with, this internship has been setting me up for the kind of job I want to have in the future," Revesz said.
"Without Loyola, I wouldn't be nearly as prepared to take on an internship role like this. What I learned in classes and what I've learned with different organizations reminded me of what I want to do and why I want to do it. I have found that both with things I have done at Loyola and what I've done here at ECFC, they have reminded me that this is what I want to do, and this is how I want to spend the rest of my life," Revesz said.
Gabi Vuong, Staff Writer Intern
Advertising & Public Relations Major, Studio Art Minor, Class of '26
"I learned at ECFC how to be a journalist! I've never taken any journalism classes before, and writing is just different when you're out on the field rather than being in a class. I've learned how to write articles, how to do interviews, and how to transcribe," Gabi Vuong said.
When asked about what she would tell future prospective interns, Vuong said, "I would say to like your job! If you don't like going out to games or doing interviews, then don't do it, because you wouldn't be having fun if you don't like this kind of stuff.
This internship has definitely improved my writing skills, especially someone who might go into the PR industry. It's important to have good writing skills and to know how to write a professional paper or article for such, and my time here has prepared me.
Loyola definitely broadens up the horizon of different opportunities for its students. I would have never found out about this internship if it wasn't for Loyola and ECFC's collaboration with them."
Nate Varda, Videography Intern
Multimedia Journalism Major, Class of '26
“Working for Edgewater Castle has taught me so much about what it takes to work as a videographer for a professional sports team. Working under my supervisor Tyler Navas, I’ve already learned so much about the news industry and the expectations and deadlines that come with it," Nate Varda said.
“Learning at both Loyola and Edgewater Castle has helped me master my reporting skills, whether it be filming, editing, writing, interviewing, or any other skills that go into being a one-man-band reporter,” Varda said.
Ryan Lane, Grassroots PR Intern
Advertising & Public Relations Major, Marketing Minor, Class of '26
"I’ve learned how to connect and network with partners and build strong, meaningful relationships both within and beyond ECFC. This internship has prepared me in a lot of ways, including teaching me how to collaborate with other businesses, plan events, and create a wider outreach for the club," Ryan Lane said.
"Together, Loyola and ECFC have encouraged me to test myself and step out of my comfort zone, reinforcing and putting to use the work we do in the classroom and build on these lessons in a meaningful way," Lane said.
Jenna Horak, Social Media Intern
Advertising & Public Relations Major, Class of '26
"Though I have only been at ECFC for a short time, my experience here has already been extremely valuable.
I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professionals who work in the advertising and public relations industries and learn about their career experiences, which inspires and excites me for the opportunities that lie beyond my time at Loyola," Jenna Horak said.
"As a Loyola student, interning at ECFC has been especially rewarding because of the tight-knit community environment created by the team, staff, and Loyola interns," Horak said.
"My advice to those thinking about interning at a place like ECFC would be to really dive right in and absorb all information that you can! I remember I was very nervous to start this position because of my lack of soccer knowledge, but the welcoming staff and familiar Loyola faces immediately eased my nerves," Horak explained.
"I am excited to take the skills that I have gained from this internship experience into the classroom these next semesters, and into my career beyond," Horak said.
Erika Estrada, Social Media Intern
Advertising & Public Relations Major, Class of '26
“I think interning at ECFC has really pushed me to come out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned so much about team work and how pivotal it is to anything communication-wise. Being a Loyola student and interning at ECFC has prepared me to think efficiently, work hard, and always support myself and my team," Erika Estrada said.
