CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Four Fighting Illini student-athletes stepped behind the scenes of major college basketball broadcasts through the Big Ten-CBS Sports Immersion Experience, gaining hands-on access to the fast-paced world of live sports production.
The program connects student-athletes with CBS Sports professionals, providing an inside look at the teamwork, technology, and preparation required to bring live sporting events to audiences nationwide while helping participants explore careers in sports media.
Illinois student-athletes participated in the experience across two sites, supporting CBS Sports broadcasts during a regular-season game at State Farm Center and the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis. While each setting offered a unique environment, both provided immersive exposure to the collaboration required for live sports broadcasts.
Three Illinois student-athletes – Vivian Campbell (volleyball), Emma Schumacher (swimming and diving), and Lauren Seppi (soccer) – participated in a two-day immersion experience in Champaign during the Illinois vs. Indiana men's basketball game at State Farm Center.
Working alongside CBS Sports staff, the trio served as operations assistants supporting various elements of the broadcast. From touring the production compound to assisting with game-day logistics, they gained a firsthand look at the coordination required to execute a televised event.
Schumacher said the opportunity helped broaden her perspective on potential careers in sports.
"The CBS Big Ten Immersion Program truly opened my eyes to all of the possibilities there are within sports broadcast and production," Schumacher said. "It helped me realize that while I might not know exactly what I want to do yet, I know this field is a direction I want to explore. I'm so grateful to have gotten to work with such an amazing team and for their guidance and support throughout the weekend."
For Seppi, the experience also provided a deeper appreciation for the teamwork behind live broadcasts.
"My experience with CBS Sports was nothing short of incredible," Seppi said. "Being a part of the operations team and assisting with in-game production gave me a firsthand look at what it truly takes to execute a live broadcast at the highest level. One of the most impactful parts of the weekend was the people. Being surrounded by leaders who not only are so passionate and intentional about their work, but also about the people around them was so inspiring. I am so thankful for CBS and the opportunities I've been given to work with them."
Seppi's experience extended beyond Champaign, earning an additional opportunity to assist the CBS Sports production team at the Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, further building her hands-on experience in live broadcast operations.
In Indianapolis, Tadeas Placek (men's track & field) represented the Illini at the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament, joining student-athletes from across the conference for a three-day experience supporting CBS Sports' tournament coverage.
Placek spent time shadowing multiple production roles throughout the tournament, including an unforgettable opportunity inside the broadcast truck during the championship game.
"One of the most impactful moments was shadowing the production team in the broadcast truck during the championship game," Placek said. "Watching how every role worked together in real time to deliver the broadcast gave me a deeper understanding of the teamwork and coordination required to bring a live sporting event to millions of viewers."
The CBS Sports Immersion Experience provides student-athletes with hands-on exposure to the ecosystem of careers behind live sports broadcasts while building valuable professional connections and skills that extend far beyond competition.
Opportunities like these reflect the continued commitment of the Big Ten and our Illini Way Student-Athlete Development program to prepare student-athletes for success long after their playing careers end.
