Maria Luiza Santana

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MARIA LUIZA SANTANA

Hi, I’m Maria Santana! I’m a senior at East Carolina University majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Communications, and I will be graduating this upcoming May. I am currently a FIFA Intern, an opportunity that represents a major milestone in my journey within the sports industry. Being able to contribute at the global level has reinforced my passion for sports operations and confirmed the direction I hope to continue pursuing professionally.Throughout my time at ECU, I was fortunate to gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of athletics operations. I served as an intern with the Pirate Creative Media Team for ECU Athletics, where I supported content creation, digital storytelling, and social media initiatives while learning how media plays a critical role in shaping the fan and brand experience. I also served as a Student Football Recruiting Assistant for ECU Football, gaining exposure to recruiting operations, logistics, and day-to-day program support. In addition, I served as the Student Manager for the ECU Women’s Soccer team, where I played an active role in supporting team operations, game-day preparation, and daily needs.Beyond my operational roles, I proudly served as President of the Sport Management Club, where I worked to connect students with industry professionals, encourage professional growth, and help create meaningful opportunities for my peers. That leadership experience taught me the value of service, communication, and building strong relationships within the sports community.After relocating, I am now focused on continuing to grow within sports operations and contributing to impactful, high-level sporting events. I am deeply motivated by the behind-the-scenes work that makes competition possible and am eager to apply my experiences, work ethic, and passion to future opportunities within the sports industry.