USG's Spring 2026 Reflection Scholarship Winner Essay- Alexa Hackmann

Alexa Hackmann was the second-place winner of USG's Spring 2026 Reflection Scholarship. This blog will feature Alexa's winning essay!

Winning Spring 2026 Essay by:

Alexa Hackmann - Boston College

CWS Video: Pursuing Work Life Balance in Sports

"As my time at Clemson University comes to a close and I prepare to begin my MS in Sports Administration at Boston College in Fall 2026, I’m extremely excited to continue my dream of pursuing a career in the sports industry, specifically at the professional level! However, I’m also aware that this field comes with unique challenges: long hours, little pay, high expectations, and a fast-paced environment that can easily consume your time and identity. As someone who was raised by a single mother in a Catholic household, my faith has always been a central part of my life. I will admit, however, that up until now I haven’t been one to listen to podcasts or conferences about my faith. Listening to the Pursuing Work-Life Balance in Sports panel from the Christians Working in Sports Conference really challenged me to think more deeply about what it truly means to carry my faith into my career.

The message was specifically meaningful to me because it highlighted how easy it is to let work take priority over everything else. In the sports industry, success is usually defined by how much you can handle, how available you are, and how committed you appear. However, as Christians, we’re all called to define success differently. Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reminded me that my work is and should be a reflection of my faith, rather than being used for recognition, approval, or advancement. Whether I’m assisting fans during a Red Sox game or supporting athletes through my role with Harvard Athletics, I’ll soon have the opportunity to approach my work with purpose and intention rooted in something greater than myself.

One part of the message that challenged me was the statement, “if you don’t define your priorities, the industry will define them for you.” This immediately stood out because I have already started to experience how demanding this field can be. In both of my current roles, there are constant responsibilities, unpredictable schedules, and a strong emphasis on being present. It would be really easy to let those expectations take over and push my faith to the side without even realizing it, but this statement forced me to reflect honestly on whether I’m being intentional with my priorities now, or simply reacting to what is in front of me.

Additionally, the message reshaped the way I think about work-life balance. Instead of viewing it as a perfect split between work and personal life, the panel emphasized the importance of alignment, meaning we should make sure that our lives are centered on our faith, not our schedule. This resonated with me because it reflects how I was raised. Growing up Catholic, faith was not meant to be something separate from daily life, but instead something that guides every decision and action. It’s something I’ve struggled with personally, especially in college, but this message reminded me that I should not try to “fit” God into my schedule, but instead build my schedule around my relationship with Him.

One feasible step I’ll take moving forward is to create consistent and intentional time for my faith, regardless of my schedule. This might mean starting my day with prayer before entering a stressful and unpredictable work environment. It could also mean being intentional about attending Mass weekly and taking time to rest, even when it feels difficult to step away. By doing this, I can stay grounded and ensure that my identity continues to be rooted in my faith rather than my career.

Through my experience working in recruiting and in sales and customer service for Clemson Athletics, I’ve already seen how quickly the sports industry can demand your full attention. There’s just always more to do and constant pressure to perform at a high level. As I look ahead to my upcoming roles with the Red Sox and Harvard Athletics, I can acknowledge that these demands will only continue to grow. Taking the time to listen to this panel reminded me that my calling is not just to succeed in this field, but to live out my faith within it. My work is an opportunity to serve others, build relationships, and reflect the values I was raised with.

As I take the next step in my journey in Boston, I want to be intentional about the kind of person I’m becoming, both spiritually and professionally. I strive not only to build a successful career in sports, but to live a life that reflects my faith in a meaningful and consistent way. By keeping God at the center and staying grounded in my Catholic values, I’m confident that I can navigate the challenges of this industry with purpose and integrity."

Thank you, Alexa, for participating in the Spring 2026 USG Reflection Scholarship! We are also thankful to our sponsor, Helmet Tracker, for making this scholarship opportunity possible for all thirteen of our winners!

If you have an interest in taking part in USG's Reflection Scholarship program, be sure to apply for our Fall 2026 Reflection Scholarship, which is open until November 20th!