Palm Beach Gardens High Students Run Jupiter Hammerheads Minor League Game

Sports management class gets hands-on experience at Roger Dean Stadium

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:04am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting various aspects of a minor league baseball game, such as players, fans, and the stadium, all broken down into sharp, overlapping planes to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual.A cubist interpretation of the high school students running the show at a Jupiter Hammerheads minor league baseball game, capturing the energy and excitement of their hands-on experience.Jupiter Today

Students from Palm Beach Gardens High School's sports management program took over operations for a Jupiter Hammerheads minor league baseball game, working in hospitality, broadcasting, and fan engagement roles to get real-world experience in the sports industry.

Why it matters

The opportunity for high school students to run a professional sports event provides valuable career-building experience and exposure to the business side of the sports industry, helping them explore potential paths for the future.

The details

Around 70 students from Palm Beach Gardens High School's sports management program were surprised with the chance to work every aspect of a Jupiter Hammerheads game at Roger Dean Stadium, including hospitality, broadcasting, and fan engagement roles. The students embraced the hands-on experience, with some serving as on-field MCs and others greeting fans, working the concessions, and more. The program aims to give students real-world skills and a potential pathway into sports-related careers.

  • The event took place on Friday, April 18, 2026 during a game between the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals.

The players

Palm Beach Gardens High School

A high school in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida that offers a sports management program to give students practical experience in the sports industry.

Jupiter Hammerheads

A minor league baseball team that plays its home games at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

Palm Beach Cardinals

A minor league baseball team that plays its home games at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, and competed against the Jupiter Hammerheads during the event.

Roger Dean Stadium

A baseball stadium located in Jupiter, Florida that serves as the home field for the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals minor league teams.

Julie Mooney

A representative from Palm Beach Gardens High School who discussed the school's sports management program.

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What they’re saying

“Sports management is an amazing program. The kids learn about the sports business, and they learn about marketing and fan engagement.”

— Julie Mooney, Representative, Palm Beach Gardens High School

“It means to me getting in with the community and just getting to learn the sports world, which is what I want to get into. It's just been a blessing for this to be provided to me in the area that I live in.”

— Riley Probel, Student, Palm Beach Gardens High School

“I'm the on-field MC. I'm really good at talking, and I'm interested in getting the hands-on experience that a lot of people my age and other people at other schools aren't getting.”

— Jayce Allayne, Student, Palm Beach Gardens High School

“The same thing you're doing is the same thing, so getting this hands-on experience helps me realize this is a career I want to take on and I see my future with it.”

— Student

“I hope so.”

— Student

What’s next

The students were told that if they perform well, they could be offered part-time work with the Jupiter Hammerheads organization.

The takeaway

This event highlights the value of hands-on, real-world learning opportunities for high school students, especially in specialized programs like sports management. By running all aspects of a professional minor league baseball game, these students gained invaluable experience that could help them pursue careers in the sports industry.