From the Field to the Red Carpet

Longhorn Softball infielder and McCombs MSF student connects her ESPYs experience to her future in business

McCombs School of Business graduate student Victoria Hunter, B.S. ’26, MSF Class of ’27, didn’t think her last year as a college athlete could get any better. In June, she helped lead her UT softball team to win the NCAA Women’s College World Series 2026 National Championships.

Then ESPN invited her and nine teammates to represent UT at the 2026 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, the ESPYs, last month at Lincoln Center in New York City. We followed up to ask her about the whirlwind trip, her red-carpet moment, and her plans to shape a business career from lessons learned on the field.

Q: You earned your bachelor’s in public relations from Moody College of Communication, and now you’re pivoting into finance at McCombs. With that academic background, what struck you about this huge media event?

It was surreal to be surrounded by athletes, coaches, and industry leaders whose careers I’ve admired for years. As I looked around, I realized how sports bring together people from so many different backgrounds and professions.

McCombs has helped me see sports from a business perspective, not just as an athlete. Through networking opportunities, coursework, and conversations with alumni, I’ve become much more confident building professional relationships and having meaningful conversations. That confidence allowed me to make the most of the experience by connecting with people across the sports industry, learning from their experiences, and gaining insights that I can apply to my own career.

I’m preparing for a career in banking or consulting, and attending the ESPYs reinforced why I’m excited about that path. Seeing the business side of sports firsthand, including sponsorships, partnerships, branding, and media strategy, showed me how closely sports and business are connected.

Q: What moments from the event stood out to you, and why?

I’ll never forget walking the red carpet. I remember looking around and thinking, “How is this actually real?” It also gave me a chance to reflect on how far our team had come and everything it took to win a national championship. Walking that red carpet felt like a full-circle moment and the perfect way to celebrate the end of my collegiate career.

Before the event, we spent time in the private athlete lounge, surrounded by some of the biggest names in sports, along with creators and influencers we recognized from social media. It was fascinating to hear different perspectives from athletes and professionals across the industry.

One thing that stood out was how many successful people emphasized the importance of relationships and staying authentic. It reinforced something I’ve already experienced at McCombs: Your network and the way you treat people can have a huge impact on your career.

Q: What advice would you give a fellow McCombs student hoping for an experience like this?

Say yes to opportunities, even when they’re outside your comfort zone. Build genuine relationships instead of networking only when you need something. Also, don’t underestimate how valuable your own experiences are. Being a student-athlete taught me lessons in leadership, resilience, and teamwork that have opened doors in business just as much as they did in sports.

As a former Division I athlete, I’ve developed a competitive mindset, strong discipline, and a commitment to achieving high standards. I’m excited to apply those qualities in finance, where I can solve complex problems, create value, and build a meaningful long-term career.

Story by Jaylin Gamboa and Judie Kinonen