Huntington University Arizona Students Partner with Seattle Mariners for Fourth Year of Preseason Media Shoots

Huntington University Arizona is proud to continue its growing partnership with the Seattle Mariners, marking the fourth consecutive year digital media arts students have been hired to assist with the organization’s annual preseason media shoots held in Peoria prior to the start of spring training.

Each year, before spring training officially begins, the Mariners’ media team produces a wide range of season content, including promotional materials, player features and digital assets used throughout the MLB season. As part of this collaboration, HU Arizona students work directly alongside professional crews, contributing to the technical and creative execution of the shoot.

“This partnership with HU Arizona and the Seattle Mariners is such an incredible opportunity,” said HU Arizona student Sage Kossack. “Being a part of it just grows you in so many ways. You get to see firsthand professional workflow and communication, and a distinct respect for the whole crew. There is so much to observe, as well as learn in practice.”

Kossack shared that students are encouraged to step into areas aligned with their interests.

“I became part of the G&E department, running the lighting console while the shoot was active,” Kossack said. “It was an excellent opportunity to network with skilled professionals both locally and nationwide.”

HU Arizona student Jeremy Mendez added, “It is a great experience getting to see up close and personal what professional people do, and I am so grateful to be able to do this when they come into town.”

HU Arizona student Jonathan Lai reflected on his role operating the LED wall during production.

“The Mariners experience was wonderful,” Lai said. “I learned a lot during this experience. I never thought I would have been able to do these kinds of things any time soon, but I’m glad to experience it. Amazing people and amazing crew.”

For HU Arizona student Lorenzo Ibarra, the week on set was both formative and affirming.

“Working on set this week with the Mariners has been such a blessing,” Ibarra said. “This experience is so valuable as we get to help build professional sets, connect with people already working in the industry and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. I even got the chance to help pull focus for some videography work.”

The Mariners are grateful for the ongoing partnership with HU Arizona and know the team of students and staff will always knock the shoots out of the park.

“The Seattle Mariners look forward to working with Huntington University every year as part of our spring training video and photo capture shoots,” said Ben Mertens, vice president of creative and content services for the Mariners. “The facilities and staff are truly top notch, but what makes this partnership especially meaningful is the opportunity to collaborate with Huntington’s talented students. Their creativity, professionalism and passion play a big role in our success and we’re grateful for the energy and perspective they bring to our work each season.”

Jonathan Vinson, associate professor of film production at HU Arizona, emphasized the impact of sustained industry partnerships.

“It has been a joy to watch our students engage in this amazing opportunity to work alongside the Seattle Mariners, sharpening both their professional and industry skills,” Vinson said. “We are proud to connect our students with top-tier organizations and brands like the Mariners.”

Now in its fourth year, the partnership demonstrates HU Arizona’s commitment to experiential learning and professional integration. By embedding students in high-level production environments before the MLB season even begins, HU Arizona continues to prepare graduates who are confident, capable and industry-ready.

HU Arizona’s digital media arts programs in film production, animation and graphic design are designed to cultivate technical excellence, creative leadership and meaningful professional connections, equipping students to thrive in competitive media industries nationwide.