In the Fortinet Intern Spotlight Series, we introduce our Spring & Summer Tournament Assistants (TAs) for 2025. An Tournament Assistant is an elevated internship position for those who've completed at least one season of the traveling internship in the past. Tournament Assistants serve as the right-hand of the Tournament Director. They are responsible for all course set-up and administration duties, while assisting to lead the ops intern teams.
Two of this year’s TAs are Rowan Castrucci and Jack Mitzelfelt. Mitzelfelt worked as a Spring Operations Intern in 2024, while Castrucci worked in the same position that summer.
Can you tell me a little about your background? How did you know you wanted to work in the sports industry?
Castrucci: I started college as a Hospitality Management major, but by sophomore year, I realized it wasn’t quite the right fit. I heard good things about Indiana University’s Sports Management program and after taking a couple of classes, I decided to switch. Not long after, I got an internship with the Indianapolis Colts on game days in the Community Relations department. I loved the energy and knew I wanted to stay in sports. While football was great, I wanted to explore other sports, leading to the AJGA internship last summer.
Mitzelfelt: I grew up in Westminster, Maryland, with my older sister and two wonderful parents. I played sports my whole childhood. Fast forward, I was able to play collegiate soccer at York College of Pennsylvania while majoring in Sport Management and had an amazing experience. I knew I wanted to work in sports when I visited York College of Pennsylvania and met with the Chair of our Sport Management program and it sounded like exactly what I wanted to do. In my senior year, for work experience, I applied to the AJGA Spring Operations Internship that I found through an alumnus who did the program. I have learned so much about the golf industry and have had a great experience ever since!
What were some of the most significant skills you acquired during the internship?
Castrucci: The internship teaches you many skills, but the two that stood out most to me were communication and leadership. Between starting and talking with players and parents, I got plenty of practice building my communication and public speaking skills. Also, I was the inventory captain on my team, overseeing all the operations equipment that we used to execute our events throughout the summer. So, that role helped me gain leadership skills quickly. You’re constantly learning throughout the internship, which is a huge benefit of the program.
Mitzelfelt: During my internship with the AJGA, I learned the core event operations and logistics skills about how to set up and manage golf tournaments. I have improved my communication skills by interacting professionally with players, parents and sponsors. Working with my intern team on the road helped me learn the importance of teamwork and adaptability. The key takeaway was time management skills based on balancing multiple responsibilities and staying organized.
What led you to decide to return and do the Tournament Assistant position?
Castrucci: I wanted to pursue the TA position because I really enjoyed my experience as an intern last summer, especially the travel and getting to be at a new tournament every week. Returning as a TA allows me to build on everything I learned last year while also stepping into more of a leadership role. Everyone at the AJGA is so supportive, so I thought it would be a great environment to keep learning and growing right out of college. It has allowed me to work on my leadership skills, something I am excited to continue improving upon. Also being able to learn to adapt to different teams, work with various personalities and see their improvements.
Mitzelfelt: Similarly to Castrucci, I returned and took on the TA position because I enjoyed my experience during my Spring 2024 internship and wanted to continue growing personally and professionally. I was excited to take on more responsibility and help lead new interns. Also, I enjoyed giving the junior golfers lifelong memories and being part of an organization where I genuinely enjoy working. I am looking forward to improving my communication skills and helping the interns learn their new roles.
What are your future Career goals?
Castrucci: I would like to stay in the sports industry, ideally golf, whether at the AJGA or elsewhere. I enjoy the environment that comes with working in sports, and it’s something I’d love to continue being a part of.
Mitzelfelt: I’d like to stay within the golf operations industry. There is so much to learn here, which would be beneficial in my early career, but I could also see myself switching sports to soccer and potentially working in an operations/tournament capacity in that space.
What would you tell someone looking to apply for the AJGA Internship?
Castrucci: I would tell them to go for it! You’ll learn so much and have the opportunity to travel to some awesome places all over the country. It can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding in the end.
Mitzelfelt: I would tell someone applying to the AJGA internship that it’s one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you can have if you're interested in working in the sports and events industry. You’ll learn a ton about operations, logistics, time management, teamwork, and communication, all while traveling and building strong relationships with your team. It’s a fast-paced environment, so being adaptable and ready to work hard is key. If you come in with a great attitude and a willingness to learn, you’ll walk away with skills and memories that will stick with you for your whole life. It truly is the most unique internship in sports.
If you're driven to be part of this dynamic community, applications for the 2026 Traveling Internship open in August. For more insights into the #AJGAInternship, explore the AJGA Careers
webpage and Instagram channel
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