The 5-Star Sports Media Academy connects aspiring young professionals with experienced mentors from media, photography, broadcasting, public relations, business, and the broader WNY sports community.
Apply to Be a Mentor @keyframes pulse{0%,100%{opacity:1}50%{opacity:0.3}}We're building a mentor community that gives Academy students access to real professionals — people who have done the work, learned the lessons, and are willing to share both with the next generation.
You don't need to be famous. You need to be generous with what you know.
Mentor involvement is flexible. Options range from a single guest speaker session to ongoing one-on-one track mentorship. We work around your schedule — not the other way around.
Most mentors contribute 1-3 hours per month. We never overbook your time — you decide what you can give.
Mentors can contribute in whatever way fits their expertise and availability.
A single session — share your story, your career path, and what you know. Powerful, low-commitment, and often the moment a student figures out what they want to do.
Review student stories and recaps, give editorial feedback, and help reporters develop their voice and craft over their track assignment cycle.
Review student photo galleries, teach technique in the field, and help photographers understand how to see a story through a lens.
Coach students on interview preparation, on-camera presence, and how to deliver a compelling segment or podcast episode.
Guide students through press releases, organization stories, and sponsor communications — the professional writing skills that translate to every career.
Help students in the Sports Business track understand how careers are built, how sponsorships work, and what Beyond The Game really looks like.
Tell us about your background and how you'd like to contribute. We'll follow up within 48 hours to find the right fit for your expertise and schedule.
We've received your mentor inquiry and will follow up within 48 hours to discuss how you can contribute to the Academy.