SVG Students To Watch: Christina Zelin, Rowan University

Freshly graduated, this upstart producer, director, and camera operator is already working as an AP on videoboard shows for the Philadelphia Phillies

In the live-sports-video industry, the future is bright. Our series SVG Students To Watch highlights the next generation of live-sports-production professionals. Across campuses nationwide, students are playing a pivotal role in bringing their schools' games to fans - from running cameras and graphics to sitting in the producer's or director's chair and everything in between. This series shines a light on the young talent making an impact today and preparing to shape the future of sports-video production.

Christina Zelin

College: Rowan University

Academic Year: May 2026 Graduate

Hometown: Hopewell, NJ

Roles: Producer, Director, Camera Operator

What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?

The number of opportunities that Rowan presented me in live sports production drew me to it. I wanted to get my foot in the door as soon as I got to campus, and sports production through our athletic department was the best way for me to do it.

Zelin, who graduated from Rowan University this month, worked for numerous college athletic departments across the South Jersey area during her time there, including Princeton University, the University of Delaware, and the University of Pennsylvania. Here she shoots highlights for the Rowan football team last fall.Were there any aha moments when you realized you really loved a particular role, like directing, replay, or graphics?

When I produced my first live broadcast, I really liked how my preproduction work and all that planning got to pay off. Helping enhance the story of the game with my graphics, packages, and storylines made me fall in love with producing.

What has been your favorite project or game that you've worked on, and why?

My favorite game that I worked on was the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Memorial game in Sewell, NJ. I was honored to be able to produce that game for not only the Gaudreau family but the community as well. It was an entirely student-run production, and I was so proud of my crew and me to create that final product.

Zelin has also produced and directed games for the Delaware Blue Coats, the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. Those broadcasts aired on various platforms, including CBS Philly57, ESPN , and Roku.What's the most challenging aspect of working in live sports production as a student?

As a student, trying to balance between school and doing things like preproduction, site surveys, and planning for events is hard. Both take a lot of time and dedication to get right, and I always strive to work my hardest at anything that I do. Trying not to get burnout while in school and in season is tough, but it prepares you well for the real world.

What are your career aspirations after graduation?

I want to work for a professional sports team or a national network. I want to work live games doing their broadcasts and continue growing my knowledge in the industry.

Zelin found work during the summers of her college career. Here she serves as a camera operator for the in-house production crew for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Washington Nationals.What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Say yes to every opportunity that you can; you never know what it may lead you to. Even if it doesn't sound exciting or something you're not interested in, it'll help you learn about it, and it'll help you make connections that may lead you to a job that you do want.

If you run video production at a college athletic department and would like to recommend a standout student from your crew to be featured in SVG Students To Watch, please email SVG Director of Digital Brandon Costa at [email protected].

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/05/21/svg-students-to-watch-christina...
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