From the sidelines to the screen, Padraig Haughton ’26 captures moments rooted in authentic storytelling and creative expression. The sports media and communications and film/media major, is a dedicated videographer and photographer with experience in both professional and collegiate athletics. With multiple seasons working with the Connecticut Sun and covering a wide range of sports, his work reflects a passion for capturing emotion through sports.

What is your major and graduation year?

I am a double major in sports media and communications and film/media. I am graduating in May of this year.

Where are you from, and what made you choose URI?

I am from Orange, Connecticut. I chose the University of Rhode Island because of its strong sports media program and the welcoming environment I experienced during my visit.

What has been your favorite class or topic you have studied so far?

My favorite class has been PRS 370 Sport Branding.

We love your photo and video portfolio. How did you discover your passion?

When the COVID lockdown hit in 2020 and my football season was canceled, I suddenly had a lot of free time and did not know what to do with it. I found myself scrolling online, watching music videos and sports highlights, and really paying attention to how they were put together. I have always loved sports, but I did not know how to stay connected to them once my playing career ended.

Through hundreds of video projects, I learned that it is more than flashy editing or simply clicking a camera. I have always wanted to capture the authenticity and emotion that sports moments bring. I love creating visuals through personal storytelling, with a bit of excitement and creativity. I started filming my friends shooting lacrosse balls or playing basketball on an old GoPro. For my birthday, my mom bought me a camera, and I began filming for my high school’s lacrosse and basketball teams. From there, I continued exploring the craft through various jobs and internships, which led me to where I am now as a videographer and editor.

Tell us about your internship experiences. How did you get these internships, and how have they prepared you for your future career?

My first major internship was with the Connecticut Sun, where I have worked the past four summers. Before that, I was traveling around Connecticut making videos for different high schools and athletes. One day, I was invited to film a kids’ basketball clinic run by the Connecticut Sun. While I was there, I met one of their videographers, showed him my work, and he mentioned they were looking for a video intern that summer.

I started as a gameday videographer, covering all home games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. That role turned into an office position for the summers of 2024 and 2025, during which I began editing videos and assisting with larger shoots. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to capture historic moments in sports that will go down in history: the first WNBA game at TD Garden, Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut, and Sue Bird’s final game in Connecticut. All of these moments have taught me that no game is the same, and you will feel overwhelmed at times. Each of these experiences reinforced an important lesson: success often depends on preparation and execution. My responsibilities have grown each season, and it has taught me how to take advantage of the opportunities in front of me. I am constantly brainstorming new ideas to bring to the organization and have developed strong communication habits while working across different departments. Those skills pushed me to get involved with the URI athletic department as well. Over the past two years, I have covered football, MBB, and WBB. These internships have pushed me to become the best video creative and the best person I can be.

What are your career goals or plans after graduation?

I plan to continue my video work after graduation. Right now, I plan to stay in my role with the Connecticut Sun and continue pushing the connection between video storytelling and sports.

What advice would you give to current students in sports media and communications and film and media?

If you have an opportunity that you are unsure about or do not immediately see the value in, go for it. One thing you quickly learn in sports is that your network matters. Build relationships with everyone around you because you never know how they may help you in the future or what you can do for them. Build trust with every company, coworker, and organization through your work ethic, resilience, and character.

By Rebecca Minichino of the Social Media Agency.