Spotlight Jadyn Collins
Hometown: Weirton, W.Va.
Major: B.S., Sport Management (2025)
Minors: Business Data Analytics, Sport Communication
From Mountaineer to majors, Collins prepares for a career in scouting
Jadyn Collins, a Sport Management major from Weirton, W.Va., found her place at WVU by turning a love for sports into hands-on experience with the Mountaineer baseball team. Through three years of real-world involvement and mentorship from coaches, Collins built the foundation for a future in scouting and player evaluation. After graduation, she will head to Cape Cod to scout for the Oakland A’s and continue the momentum she created as a proud Mountaineer.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU because I am a West Virginia native and knew I wanted to work in sports. Choosing a school at the Division I level allowed me to get experience in working in sports at the highest level. WVU was a great fit for me.
When did you know wanted to pursue a career in this field?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in sports when I looked into the sport management major in high school. I loved watching and researching sports, especially baseball, so this major and career path really appealed to me.
What do you think separates this program from others?
I think that this program provides great real-world experience by encouraging students to reach out and work for teams both within WVU and outside of it. New opportunities are always being communicated to students.
What hands-on or real-world experiences did you have during your time in the program? Who were the people that helped mentor you?
I have worked with the WVU baseball team for three years. This has been a fantastic opportunity for me, which I discovered through the school. This has provided me with so much experience within baseball, which is ultimately the sport I want to work in.
The most influential person that I have met at WVU is Steve Sabins. In my time here, he has gone from an assistant coach to the head coach of WVU baseball. He has taken on the legacy that Randy Mazey, the previous head coach, had put in place. He has moved into this role seamlessly. He has a lot of passion for the game and really cares about his team. He pushes for development and success, and has done a great job thus far.
What advice would you give to a student just starting in your program?
I would tell students to take advantage of every opportunity possible. All experience is good experience and it can really help you discover what you want in your career.
When you think back on your time at WVU, what moment stands out the most?
I would say when the baseball team made it to the NCAA Super Regional for the first time in WVU history last year (2024). Being a part of the team that made history was very exciting and all of the hard work had paid off.
What challenge or obstacle did you face during your time at WVU, and how did you overcome it?
One challenge that I had was getting comfortable during my freshman year. There were still COVID-19 restrictions and I hadn’t become a part of anything yet, which was odd for me because I was involved in a lot of different sports and clubs in high school. To overcome it, I joined the Sport Management Club and started working at the Student Recreation Center. I was able to make new friends and added more to my schedule.
What does earning this degree mean to you or your family?
This degree means a lot to myself and my family. My parents always encouraged me and my my siblings to work hard for what we wanted, no matter what it was. Earning this degree is a huge testament to all of the hard work and dedication that I have had over the last four years.
What’s next for you after graduation?
This summer I will be scouting in Cape Cod for the Oakland A’s. After that, I hope to get a full-time job in professional baseball, ideally in scouting/player evaluation.
What’s the best thing about being a Mountaineer?
The best thing about being a Mountaineer is the community. The students, alumni, and fans are all proud to be Mountaineers and they show it all wherever they go.