Students Take the Pitch at Philadelphia Union Match with Ceremonial First Kick

When first-year students Mackenzie Cahall ’30 and Tyler Grose ’30 stepped onto campus in August, they had no idea that a few months later they would be under the bright stadium lights at Subaru Park to do the first kick at a Philadelphia Union match. But on a crisp October evening, that’s just what happened. 

The crowd was buzzing with excitement as Cahall and Grose took to the pitch to literally kick off the evening’s festivities. Their experience was part of Widener’s multi-year partnership with the Philadelphia Union, which includes serving as the presenting partner for one home match each fall and creates unique opportunities for students, faculty and staff.  

“I have not stopped smiling,” Grose said after stepping off of the pitch. 

“Definitely the best thing I’ve done,” echoed Cahall. 

Both Cahall and Grose chose Widener in part for the university’s partnership with the Union. 

“Being a sport and event management major, the opportunities in the sports industry are incredible in the Philadelphia area. I think Widener specifically having this partnership [allows me to] be able to get my name out there and just really gives my career a head start,” said Cahall, a Maryland native and member of Widener’s women’s lacrosse team. 

Those opportunities have already begun with the Union for both Cahall and Grose. Whether through taking part in hands-on, ongoing market research at Union matches with School of Business Administration faculty, or shadowing members of the Union’s partnership marketing team and getting an inside look at the Union’s operations and expand their networks. 

“For the longest time I thought it would be so cool to work in sports, and it was definite a big drawing point knowing that [Widener] has this partnership. For me to have connections with the Union, it’s just so cool and I’m so lucky that Widener has [the partnership],” said Grose. 

A New Jersey native and member of the men’s swim team at Widener, Grose is a longtime soccer player and lifelong Union fan, having grown up watching the team from their first match in 2010. When he was approached with this opportunity, it was an immediate yes. 

“You just have to jump on every opportunity you can,” he said. “You might not know a whole lot about it but just jump on it. Any experience could be a great experience. Thanks so much to everyone at Widener for this opportunity.” 

Both Cahall and Grose credit Assistant Professor Maria Luiza Pinho for being an incredible resource and helping them to get opportunities with the Union, including the first kick, right at the start of their college careers. 

“[Pinho] has taught me a lot of real-life lessons and, obviously, granted us this opportunity,” said Cahall. 

Grose continued, “Thanks so much to everyone at Widener for this opportunity.”

Their advice to others is simple: always keep an open mind to opportunities and expanding your network. 

“In any case whether it’s school, sports or even your own team, just putting yourself out there and being willing to work and willing to do things out of your comfort zone will get you far,” said Cahall. “You just have to put yourself out there.”