Winham ’25 Hits Home Run with Summer Internship
Growing up, Mikey Winham ’25 wasn’t the biggest fan of baseball. In fact, the recent Kimball Union Academy (KUA) graduate said the one summer he played the sport — all the way back in third grade — was more than enough.
Even so, when the opportunity presented itself to apply for an internship with the Upper Valley Nighthawks, the local team of the prestigious New England Collegiate Baseball League, Winham didn’t hesitate to apply. Now, in his second summer working alongside prominent NCAA ballplayers from across the country, his opinion of America’s pastime — and its role in affirming his aspired career path — has shifted.
“I appreciate the game on a much higher level now,” said Winham, who was promoted to director of gameday operations prior to the start of the 2025 season. “Working for the team has been a real eye-opener. There is so much that goes into the sport, from analytics to game-day adjustments to the fan experience. This internship has only further cemented my interest in the business side of sports.”
Winham plans to pursue a career in sports administration, and said the opportunity to get a taste for the behind-the-scenes aspects of the business has been invaluable and one that will apply across the athletic industry.
As part of his role, Winham arrives to work at the Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford, Vermont about two hours before first pitch to begin preparations. Once on site, he manages a staff of five game-day interns in setting up tables and tents for vendors, readying the area for spectators, arranging mid-game entertainment, and coordinating postgame breakdown, among other tasks.
“I love helping to create a sense of community for the fans who come out to support the team,” said Winham, adding that while Nighthawks players may come from all over the country, ownership emphasizes that the franchise is the Upper Valley’s hometown team. “It’s a family environment and I enjoy making the experience as enjoyable as possible.”
Winham credited his experience as a founding member of KUA’s Spirit Committee with aptly preparing him for his internship. He said a lot of his work with the committee — such as encouraging spectator engagement and creating a positive atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging — translates perfectly in his role with the Nighthawks.
Last season, Winham wasn’t the only Wildcat on site on gamedays. Brendan Walker ’22, who pitches for Stetson University, was a key member of the Nighthawks roster.
Winham, who resides in Meriden, N.H., grew up in Hawaii and is set to head south to warmer climates this fall at the University of Miami. Fittingly, he plans to major in sports administration and, hopefully, become a student-manager for the school’s men’s basketball team — a sport he has a little more familiarity with as a former member of KUA’s JV team.
“I’m looking forward to being around other people who are also passionate about sports administration, and being surrounded by world-class collegiate athletes and coaches,” said Winham, adding that he’d love to return to the Nighthawks next summer.
