For many college students, the dream of turning their classroom passion into a professional opportunity often feels like a long and winding road. But for Bowling Green State University (BGSU) senior Emma Wilson, that journey took a dramatic leap when she landed an internship with one of the NBA’s most storied franchises—the Cleveland Cavaliers. What began as late nights in design studios and countless hours fine-tuning Adobe Illustrator files has transformed into real-world experience that now sees her contributing to the visual identity of a major professional sports team.
Wilson, a senior majoring in Visual Communication Technology, had always been captivated by the intersection of sports and design. From designing mock-up jerseys as a freshman to crafting promotional graphics for university events, she had slowly built a portfolio that married her love for athletics with her artistic flair. But like many young creatives, the big break felt elusive—until an email from the Cavaliers’ creative services department changed everything.
The opportunity came through BGSU’s close ties to the sports industry and its hands-on approach to learning. Professors in the Visual Communication Technology program regularly encouraged students to apply their talents in real-world settings and to seek internships with organizations that aligned with their passions. For Wilson, who had long admired the Cavaliers not just for their on-court success but for their compelling visual brand, applying for the internship was a no-brainer. Still, she knew the competition would be fierce. Hundreds of applicants from across the country vie each year for a chance to join the Cavs’ design team, an elite group responsible for everything from arena signage and merchandise mockups to social media graphics and promotional campaigns.
What set Wilson apart wasn’t just her technical proficiency—it was her ability to think like a storyteller. Her application portfolio featured a blend of fan-centric concepts, clean layout design, and forward-thinking brand executions that demonstrated she understood the emotional power of sports branding. From a series of campaign ideas titled “For the Land,” which tied into Cleveland’s broader civic pride, to her concept rebranding of the team’s G League affiliate, her work showcased both creativity and strategic thought. That combination earned her an interview, and soon after, the position.
Once on board with the Cavaliers’ creative team, Wilson found herself in a fast-paced environment where expectations were high and collaboration was essential. She joined a cohort of interns and full-time designers working under tight deadlines and with multiple departments—from marketing and digital media to game presentation and fan engagement. One of her first tasks involved creating graphics for the team’s annual youth basketball summer camps. Although it may have seemed like a small assignment to an outsider, the project offered her a glimpse into the scope and scale of the Cavs’ branding ecosystem. Every piece, no matter how minor, had to align with the team’s visual identity and tone, which meant consistent typography, color palettes, and design hierarchies.
She quickly learned that in the world of professional sports, aesthetics matter as much as accuracy. A misplaced hex code or misaligned logo could mean the difference between a successful campaign and a brand misfire. Fortunately, Wilson’s meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic made her a standout. Her supervisors began assigning her more complex projects, including in-game animations and promotional materials for upcoming theme nights. One highlight came when she was asked to help concept and design assets for a “90s Night” celebration at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The project pushed her creative boundaries, requiring her to balance nostalgia with contemporary design elements, all while maintaining the integrity of the Cavs’ core brand.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the internship has been the sense of community within the Cavs organization. Wilson describes the design team as “an incredibly supportive and collaborative group” that welcomed her input from day one. Weekly design critiques were not only a chance to receive feedback but also an opportunity to see how ideas evolve from concept to execution. Her teammates included seasoned professionals with backgrounds at global ad agencies, as well as former interns who had turned their opportunities into full-time roles. Being part of that environment gave Wilson both confidence and clarity about her future in the industry.
Beyond the technical skills and professional experience, the internship has also given her a deeper appreciation for what it means to be a creative in the sports world. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about capturing emotion, telling stories, and creating moments that fans will remember. Whether she’s working on a digital ticket layout or a social media teaser for an upcoming game, Wilson sees each task as part of a larger narrative that connects the team to its fanbase.
The timing of the internship couldn’t have been better. As the Cavaliers continue to evolve their roster and branding strategy in the post-LeBron James era, there’s a renewed focus on building a youthful, dynamic identity that resonates with a new generation of fans. Wilson’s work has fit seamlessly into that vision. Her fresh perspective and design sensibility align with the team’s forward-looking approach, and her ability to understand the nuances of Cleveland’s sports culture has made her a valuable contributor.
Back at BGSU, her professors and peers have been nothing short of proud. The university has highlighted her achievement on multiple platforms, showcasing her as a prime example of how experiential learning and career-focused education can yield incredible outcomes. Wilson, for her part, is eager to give back. She’s already spoken to underclassmen about her journey, offering tips on portfolio preparation, interview strategy, and how to network effectively in the sports design industry.
She’s also working with faculty to help shape future curriculum enhancements that reflect the evolving demands of creative roles in professional sports. As more students express interest in combining design and athletics, Wilson’s insights are helping bridge the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations.
Looking ahead, she’s uncertain exactly where her path will lead—whether it’s continuing in the NBA world, exploring opportunities in college athletics, or branching out into brand consulting. But one thing is clear: the Cavaliers internship has transformed not just her resume, but her mindset. It’s reaffirmed her belief that passion, preparation, and perseverance can create opportunities where others see obstacles.
For now, Wilson is savoring every moment—walking through the corridors of a pro sports arena she once only saw on TV, seeing her designs light up the scoreboard, and hearing fans cheer as they engage with the content she helped create. It’s the culmination of years of effort, late nights, self-doubt, and resilience. And it’s only the beginning.
In an era where students often feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and underwhelmed by results, Emma Wilson’s story serves as a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. From the classroom at Bowling Green to courtside with the Cavaliers, her journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big—and designing even bigger.
