Megan Popplewell
Contributing Writer
mpopplewell@murraystate.edu
Junior advertising major Mason Schmidt joined a sports podcast to chase his dream of becoming a sports analyst.
Schmidt said his passion for sports originated when he was young. Upon graduating high school, Schmidt came to the realization that he had a love for sports analytics.
During his freshman year, Schmidt majored in computer science; however this did not stop him from chasing after his career goal of sports reporting and analysis. Schmidt made the decision early on that he was not going to push his love for sports aside while being in college. Instead, he decided to join his friend’s podcast called “The Penalty Box.” Jacob Fogle started this podcast in 2019 to provide commentary on different games and topics within the sports industry.
“I always thought it was cool that Jacob had a podcast about sports,” Schmidt said. “So I thought, why not be a part of it and add something to the podcast that Jacob can’t—sports analytics and my own commentary.’”
Schmidt made his first appearance on “The Penalty Box” in April 2020, where he came to the realization that he had found his passion for sports commentary. Not only did Schmidt love reporting and analyzing, but he also realized that with this podcast came a lot of advertising. Thanks to Schmidt’s debut on “The Penalty Box,” he changed his major from computer science to advertising with a minor in sports communication.
Within this major, Schmidt found his home in Wilson Hall where he has been inspired by the faculty, especially Assistant Professor of Advertising Kenneth Kim. Schmidt has only had Kim as a professor for two months, but Schmidt said that he is already having a significant impact on him as a person and future sports analyst.
“My first impression of Mason was that he is a polite, well-behaved person who has a strong passion for journalism, media and communications,” Kim said.
Kim said he sees potential in Schmidt for a future career in advertising.
“I see Mason being a great media critique writer,” Kim said. “Within two months, Schmidt’s potential has already been seen by those who have had very little interaction with him.”
Schmidt said “The Penalty Box” is a podcast that pertains to a targeted audience of those who value unedited reactions, opinions and commentary on sports. Schmidt plans to do whatever he can in order to grow the podcast as a whole and reach bigger audiences. As long as it involves sports, Schmidt plans to be a part of it.
Tune in weekly on listennote.com to keep up with Schmidt and his sports analytics on “The Penalty Box.”