WKU News

“I have always had a strong passion for sports, both as a fan and as someone who loves being a part on and off the field,” said Ireland Latkovski, a graduating senior from Louisville. “Sports bring people together, create lifelong memories and teach valuable lessons about teamwork, and I wanted to be a part of that impact.” 

At WKU, Latkovski, a Sport Management major, developed her passion by volunteering with sports tournaments, joining the Sport Management Club, studying away with Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, interning with Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, and now interning with the Tennessee Titans. She also built lasting friendships in Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Centered on this desire to bring people together through sports, Latkovski saw her dreams come together on the Hill.

“I have had several opportunities to put my classroom knowledge into real-world experiences,” Latkovski said. “I volunteered with Southern Kentucky Soccer’s Kick or Treat Tournament, where I helped coordinate event logistics and assisted volunteers. I also completed an internship with Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, where I supported daily programs, helped with event setups and interacted with guests to make sure everything ran smoothly.”

In the internship, Latkovski recalled working at a Special Olympics event in April, and her meaningful experience with activity coordination and supporting athletes and families throughout the day. “It allowed me to see the true impact of inclusive recreation. The event strengthened my communication and event management skills while showing me how important it is to create supportive environments for all participants. This experience allowed me to feel a sense of connection, joy and community.”

As the NFL season has reached the midpoint, Latkovski continues to learn from behind-the-scenes activities in professional football through her internship with the Tennessee Titans.

“I work directly with fans on gamedays – helping with tickets, guest questions and ensuring everyone has a great experience. This internship has given me an incredible behind-the-scenes look at how professional sports organizations operate,” Latkovski said.

Evidence of her dedication shows around those who work closely with her.

“Ireland’s commitment to gaining first-hand experience is one of her greatest strengths,” said Associate Professor Dr. Drew Czekanski. “The work she has done, from local tournaments to her internship with the Titans, has given her a strong understanding of what it takes to create memorable sport experiences for participants and fans.”

As a Sport Management major, Latkovski participated in the Sport Management Club to connect with her peers and went as far as Hawaii for a Study Away course with others in the program. 

“The Sport Management Club has been another big part of my WKU experience. Through this organization, I’ve had the chance to network with others who share the same passion for sports, visit different venues and get a first-hand look at what it is like to work in the industry,” she said.

Referring to her time in Hawaii, Latkovski said, “This experience allowed me to explore sports and kinesiology from a different perspective, while learning how sport and recreation operate in other parts of the world. Each of these experiences has strengthened my confidence and given me skills I’ll carry with me into my career.”

Dr. Czekanski said, “Those hands-on experiences helped her build confidence, develop practical skills, and see the meaningful impact sport can have on a community. Because she has embraced every experience with purpose, she is entering her career prepared, mature and ready to contribute on day one.”

The community she found at WKU highlighted Latkovski’s college experience.  

“The best part of my WKU experience has been the people. The connections I have made with classmates, professors and peers have impacted me both personally and professionally. My professors have pushed me to grow and supported me through every step, and the friendships I have made will last a lifetime. WKU truly has helped me become the person I am today,” Latkovski said.

“Being a part of Alpha Omicron Pi for two years helped me find my place on campus and build friendships that made WKU feel like home. It gave me a strong sense of community and connection to everything else I was involved in,” she said.

On December 12, Latkovski will graduate Summa Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, and she plans to continue her academic journey at WKU pursuing a Master’s in Recreation and Sport Administration. Ultimately, she hopes to work with a collegiate or professional sports team in fan engagement or event management, where she can create memorable experiences for fans and continue doing what she loves. 

“When I first visited WKU, it instantly felt like a home away from home. There was something about the campus that made me feel welcome and comfortable. Over the past three and a half years, WKU truly has become my second home. The memories, friendships and experiences I have had here have shaped me in so many ways, and it’s hard to imagine saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much to me,” Latkovski said.

#WKUGrad series: For more stories on graduating students in the #WKUGrad series, visit https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187