PSU Alumni Spotlight: Jake Ignaszewski, Class of 2021
By: Kathryn Peterson kep1042@plymouth.edu
Featuring 2021 graduate of Plymouth State University, Jake Ignaszewski completed his degree in Sports Management with a minor in Professional Communications. Not only active in the PSU Marketing Association, he was an active Sportswriter for The Clock and also became President of the Sports Management Club his senior year. Jake hosted bi-weekly virtual guest speaker events and hosted Plymouth State’s first ever Work in Sports panel, which featured speakers from NESN and Draft Kings which sparked his career into the wide world of sports.
Ignaszewski took use of the resources available at PSU and worked as a Public Announcer and Event Staff for the Athletic Department, as well as starting a sports talk radio program, IGGY Sports Talk on Plymouth’s 9.17 WPCR. Ignaszewski shared some insight when asked how he obtained the job as a radio presenter at PSU, just one example of what students can achieve when they use the connections, they acquired at Plymouth State University.
“I stepped into the media room, offered the concept of a sports radio program, and through that I created the relationships necessary to interview over 70 former players and reporters.”
Now Ignaszewski is a Director of Media Content & Team Reporter for the Massachusetts Pirates and as well as the co-host of Locked on Red Sox Podcast. Some of his accomplished interviews are with Blue Mountain State football coach, Marty Daniels. As well as Chris Gronkowski who was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and the Denver Broncos. That is just two of 70+ interviews he obtained with notable athletes. He started his journey for Iggy Sports Talk to not only gain experience in the sports industry, but to also use his platform to connect mental health with sports.
“A lot of time people look up to athletes as role models and I wanted to use my platform to draw attention to the issue that relates to mental health and sports where an abundance of athletes struggle”.
As part of the interview process with Ignaszewski on his future in the sports sector, the question was posed as to whether sports media hosting was something he initially went to college for. “It was always something I wanted to pursue, but I was always told it was just too competitive. I came to Plymouth with the intention of earning a business management degree, but it was during my junior year that I discovered my true passion, and I worked really hard to be as successful as I possibly could.” Jake closed the interview with some insider advice for other PSU students interested in his field of work..
“You’re going to be working long weekends, long hours, and late nights. Connect with others, establish contacts inside the industry, and get an understanding of their daily lives. Find out what skills are compatible with your abilities. Try to make as many connections as you can. Take advantage of the excellent alumni network that Plymouth has to offer. Take the opportunity to get as much experience as you possibly can. Especially make an effort to be strong in a variety of various things rather than concentrating on a single talent.”
Contact info for Jake: IG: iamjakeiggy Twitter: JakeIggy