Growing up, I always had my eye on Central College. My parents, Brandon ’98 and Aanna Hanson Hoch ’98, and sister, Eva Hoch Webster ’25, found their home here, and somehow, I always knew I would too. I came in as a communication studies major and business management minor but didn’t know which corner of communications was mine yet. This year solidified the path I want to take: Social media marketing, specifically in the sports world.
Megan Muur ’23, Central’s content specialist–video and digital communications and a Drake Relays intern alumna, pointed me to internships with the Drake Relays, one of the premier outdoor track and field events in the country. I reached out to the Drake Relays directors and was hired as the event coordination and marketing intern to work primarily on the Grand Blue Mile and Drake Road Races. Everything I had been learning in the classroom at Central set me up for great success in my experience with the Drake Relays.
Ruby was in the center of the action for the Drake Relays along with Griff the Drake bulldog.
The work that I did for Drake was creative, fast-paced and the perfect challenge to supplement my college experience. One of my tasks was serving as the primary coordinator for the Mascot Madness Challenge at the Grand Blue Mile. This responsibility consisted of emailing around 20 organizations and schools and then standing at the starting line on race day, leading mascots through the event and ensuring they had a safe and memorable experience.
I also managed the social media pages that provided live updates for both the Grand Blue Mile and Drake Road Races. On top of these tasks, I spent three months brainstorming and creating content to build excitement for what was to come.
Beyond all the projects I completed, what I will remember most are the people. I met so many incredible professionals along the way who were rooting for my success and have continued to support my future endeavors. Each connection that I made reminded me why I want to enter this industry.
The experience of being front row for these world-class events was also unforgettable — like seeing Yared Nuguse, a bronze medalist for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, win with a sub-4-minute mile time. Or being on the iconic blue oval capturing content and collaborating with other videographers to post videos of the newest Drake Relays Champions in real time. Moments like these made me really appreciate the experience of working with such talented athletes and supervisors.
On the field during the Drake Relays.
Of course, my internship wasn’t without its challenges. Splitting my time between Des Moines and Pella while keeping up with classes, extracurriculars and a social life posed an unexpected challenge this semester. However, I developed sharper time management skills and gained greater confidence in my skill set. Central had already given me the communications foundation I needed, but this internship gave me hands-on experiences that allowed me to apply the skills I had already been developing.
As I prepare to graduate in December 2026, I feel a sense of clarity I didn’t have before. This internship confirmed that I want to work in sports marketing. I left with real campaign experience, a growing professional network and a sense that I’m well prepared for whatever comes next. I credit Central for teaching me how to be a continuous learner, communicate effectively and show up for others well.
Sincerely,
Ruby Hoch ’27
About the Author
Hi! My name is Ruby Hoch ’27, and I am from Norwalk, Iowa. I am a communication studies major with a minor in business management. On campus, I have been part of the FCA leadership team and help managing the football team by creating content for their social media accounts.
My dream is to work in marketing for an NFL team! In between the busyness of extracurriculars and classwork, you can catch me spending time with my friends at a coffee shop, putting together a craft or photographing small moments of joy! Central has been the best home for me and I hope you can find your home here, too.
Hoo-Rah!
