Tuesday, March 17, 2026
UNT Frisco Sports Media Relations Class | Hands-On PR Training
FRISCO (UNT), Texas — A sports media relations class at UNT at Frisco, located in a city known as “Sports City USA,” is bringing the professional world directly into the classroom. From mock press conferences to visits to professional stadiums, students are gaining firsthand experience in sports public relations and communications.
The class is led by Joe Trahan, an adjunct faculty member in UNT’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and director of public relations and communications for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, part of Host City Dallas’ efforts to promote the 2026 tournament in the region. He uses his industry experience to prepare the next generation of sports public relations professionals.
“I tell my students that I run it like an internship,” Trahan said. “If they worked with me at the organizing committee, this is what I would try to teach them.”
Joe Trahan addressing a group of UNT at Fresco's students in a classroom
Trahan has a master’s degree in public relations and years of experience working in professional sports, including with the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and NFL Europe.
“I’ve been in the game 20 years now, and education is the most important part of my role,” Trahan said. “So, when I started this class, I wanted it to be engaging and exciting. I wanted it to be the kind of class I wanted when I was in school.”
Instead of using a traditional textbook and quizzes, Trahan begins the semester by assigning students to groups and local sports teams to follow throughout the semester. Each week, students lead mock press conferences to discuss team performance, community engagement and corporate communications.
“A lot of students have said they really appreciate how much public speaking I make them do,” Trahan said. “Watching their confidence grow each week is really cool.”
Trahan also invites guest speakers to each class, including sports commentators, current and former players, agents and community relations professionals. Students also get out of the classroom with visits to local venues such as AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. They also participate in field trips to some local sporting events as part of the class and receive media credentials to see what happens behind the scenes during live games.
“This class is really hands-on, and it’s a good way to meet people in the industry and get involved,” said Sam Little, a junior studying sports journalism. “He’s also honest with us about what the industry is like, so I think every journalism student should be required to take this class.”
Many of Trahan’s former students have gone on to work with professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys. Bronte Hermesmeyer (’20) was in the first class Trahan taught in 2020 and now works as public relations coordinator for the team.
“Joe brings sports public relations to life in ways that textbooks simply can’t,” Hermesmeyer said. “One of the most memorable moments was our trip to a Dallas Stars game, where we watched reporters and the Star’s public relations team work in real time. His class sets the foundation for young sports public relations professionals.”
Trahan said his students can earn extra credit volunteering with local teams. He is also exploring opportunities for the class to volunteer with the World Cup this year. Each semester, his goal is to help students start building their careers.
“There are so many great students at UNT. They’ve been incredible,” Trahan said. “What makes me proud, more than anything else, is helping them achieve their goal in working in sports.”
From UNT News – Education