When Carianne Takeuchi ‘25 boarded a plane from Aiea, Hawaii, to Wichita, Kansas, to begin college in the middle of a global pandemic, she had never stepped foot on Newman University’s campus.
But the gamble paid off. Over the next four years, Newman became a place where she not only found clarity in her career path but also overcame obstacles that shaped her as a person.
“Being thousands of miles from home, I was terrified in a brand-new environment in every way possible,” Takeuchi said. “Coming to Newman University not only taught me academically and athletically but also socially, as I was able to adapt to what I’d have to call my second home.”
Takeuchi graduated in May with a degree in sports media and promotion and will continue her education this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she’ll pursue a Master of Arts in strategic communication. Her ultimate goal is to work in analytics and operations for a Division I collegiate baseball program.
“If you had asked me after freshman year if I would move home after graduation, my answer would be yes in a heartbeat, but my opinions have changed a little and I have a greater appreciation for the mainland,” Takeuchi said. “I can say with confidence that my time in the Midwest actually made me realize that there are endless opportunities and a life I could live away from Hawaii.”
Formative challenges at Newman
Takeuchi’s collegiate journey wasn’t without its hardships. Head Bowling Coach Billy Murphy recruited Takeuchi for the women’s bowling team, which she described as a “true honor.” But during the summer between her sophomore and junior year, she underwent spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis. The operation sidelined her from competition and led to a medical redshirt.
“Being medically redshirted in my final season at Newman was nothing short of depressing,” she said.
As challenging as it was for Takeuchi to adjust, she had the opportunity to continue traveling with the team as their social media manager.
“Coach Billy Murphy and the team spirit he instills within us all is something I will forever be grateful for,” Takeuchi said.
Memorable Newman mentors
Takeuchi credits several other Newman staff and faculty for helping her navigate both her personal and professional growth.
“Opportunities to intern with Zach Brake were also a truly eye-opening experience into what my professional career post-undergrad would be like,” she said. “With people like him, Professor Audrey Hane, and so many others, I do not believe I would be the same person I am today without my experiences at Newman University.”
Hane, assistant dean for the School of Arts and Sciences, spoke highly of Takeuchi’s “outstanding character.”
“Carianne is quietly competent, meaning that she doesn’t draw attention to herself, but she produces outstanding work, diligently meets deadlines and forms meaningful relationships with her peers,” Hane said. “It has been a joy to watch Carianne develop personally and professionally during her time at Newman.”
Hane wrote Takeuchi a recommendation letter for the UNC’s competitive program. She said Takeuchi’s acceptance is “a testament to her hard work,” noting her ability to balance academics, athletics, part-time work and internships with grace.
Claiming space in the sports media field
Takeuchi is passionate about challenging stereotypes and broadening the scope of who belongs in sports media.
“Heading into a male-dominated professional field, I plan to be a unique sports marketer who defies the norm,” she said. “It is important to believe and understand that being different from your peers is not something that should scare you but, better yet, inspire you to be yourself.”
Though she originally arrived at Newman as a marketing major with “no intention of ending up on the professional path I am on today,” Takeuchi said she is leaving confident and ready to face her next chapter head-on.
“I fell in love with sports and the marketing aspect of athletes,” she said. “Making my way through my physical struggles, I was able to find my true passion through the sports media and promotion major, and I now am inspired in more ways than one to work towards my professional goals.”
Explore the sports media and promotion degree
Students in this cross-disciplinary program have the option of selecting a concentration in either media or entertainment and promotion.
