Ballpark Operations

Ella Smith

Hi! My name is Ella Smith and I am from Portland, Oregon. I’m a sports management major at St. Bonaventure University in western New York and I’ll be graduating in 2025. I’ve grown up playing sports my whole life but my primary sport has always been soccer. I love traveling and getting to see new cities so I can’t wait to see what the Midwest has in store for me!

Nick Oberding

Hello, I’m Nick Oberding. I’ve been passionate about sports since childhood, and that is one of the many reasons I’m thrilled to join the Duluth Huskies Baseball Team as a Ballpark Operations Intern. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a minor in Marketing from the University of Minnesota Duluth, I’m excited to apply my academic insights to enhance the ballpark experience. With a love for the outdoors, I find joy in the vibrant atmosphere of an outdoor ballpark, where my enthusiasm for sports and knack for management converge. Thriving in the dynamic realm of sports operations is where I feel at home.

Marketing & Community Relations

Nik Romero

Nik currently holds the position of Marketing/Ticketing Graduate Assistant at NM State Athletics, where he actively supports the Marketing team in crafting social media and in-game content. His responsibilities extend to executing in-game promotions and enhancing fan engagement. Having recently graduated from New Mexico State University in the spring of 2023 with a degree in Marketing. Nik is now pursuing an MBA at the same institution, committed to furthering his education and knowledge in the field.

Dea Deleon

I’m from Esko, Minnesota, a 30-minute drive from Duluth. I was a multi-sport athlete in high school, participating in volleyball, hockey, and softball. I’m currently a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota Duluth, proudly on the varsity softball team. I will graduate in May 2024 with a communications major, aiming to impact the social media industry in athletics. Alongside my passion for sports, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to intern for UMD Athletics Social Media.

When I am not playing softball, I find myself I’m watching my favorite TV show or a good movie. Otherwise, in my free time, I try to stay active or be outside, whether working out, hammocking in my backyard, or playing spike ball. A few fun facts about me are: I can play the ukulele and sing. I’m known for my energy, hard work, competitive spirit, and compassion.

Samantha Hawes

I am from Minnetonka, Minnesota and am currently a junior studying communications at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with certificates in Sports Communications, Digital Studies, and Life Science Communications. My dream job is to do social media for a professional sports team and am so excited to be apart of the Huskies team for this upcoming season! In my free time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and being active, especially in the outdoors during the summer!

Photography and Graphic Design

Caitlin Larson

I am from Starbuck Minnesota (very small town), I went to school at University Minnesota-Duluth and studied graphic design. I chose graphic design because I have always been interested in arts, typography, and designing visual identities.

This last summer two local artists and I put together an art show that was successful and very fun, and we are in the process of planning another one.

I chose the Huskies because my interest in photography is primarily based on memorializing moments in time, and I am also a baseball fan!

Production Team

Owen Potratz- Webcast Assistant Supervisor

Owen currently attends Lake Superior College studying Media and Production. He has been a Camera Operator for Snow Cross and off-road events. Owen is originally from Bemidji, MN. He enjoys hunting fishing and watching movies, and has been playing baseball since he was 5.

Aadi Hand- Video Productions/Graphics Director

Aadi is a student at Lake Superior College with an AA degree, currently in the Media Studies program. He is from Duluth and has been actively involved in sports all throughout his childhood. Aadi enjoys watching and attending sporting events. In his free time, Aadi enjoys being a DJ in the local area.

Morgan Moline- Camera Director

As a junior at the University of Minnesota Duluth, specializing in Physical Education and Health with a concentration in School and a minor in Adaptive Physical Education, I bring a passion for promoting inclusive fitness and wellness to my internship as a camera operator with the Huskies. Hailing from the picturesque town of Pepin, Wisconsin, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for community engagement and the power of athletics to unite diverse groups. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to capturing the essence of each game, I’m excited to bring my experience as a camera operator for Bulldog Productions within the UMD Athletics Department to the Huskies’ multimedia team. Having honed my skills in live sports production, I’m eager to contribute to documenting the excitement and camaraderie of the upcoming summer season. My academic background and practical experiences have equipped me with the technical skills and enthusiasm needed to excel in this role, and I look forward to immersing myself in the dynamic atmosphere of summer collegiate athletics while further honing my craft behind the camera.

Broadcasters

Jenner Graff

My Name is Jenner Graff, I grew up in the Twin Ports and I have been going to Huskies games since I was a kid. I am currently a student a UW-Superior majoring in Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Writing. I am an avid Wisconsin sports fan! During the winter, I coach basketball at Northwestern High School.

Anthony Winker

I’m Anthony Winker, I’m from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and I am a current junior at the University of Wisconsin – Madison studying journalism. I chose journalism because of my deep desire from when I was a kid to be able to be paid to be around sports, and aside from being an athlete, this is the next best thing.

At the University of Wisconsin, I was the sports director at our student radio station WSUM as well as an announcer for Big Ten Plus. Through these outlets, I got the opportunity to announce a women’s hockey national championship here in Duluth as well as the volleyball Final Four in Tampa.

Growing up, I played baseball, tennis, soccer, and hockey and baseball was the one that stuck with me the most. Our family had season tickets for the Twins when I was younger and those are some of my best memories.

I’m super excited to work with the Huskies this year due to the nature of the position, covering a team and getting a chance to forge a connection with the players, staff, and fans throughout the season, as well as the opportunity to work in one of my home state’s coolest cities.

I’m excited to get going this summer! Go Huskies!