Nashville, TN - Two seniors from Middle Tennessee State University stepped into leadership roles behind the scenes of one of the state’s most prestigious sporting events this past weekend.
Emily Chubb, a Tourism and Hospitality Management major from Smyrna, and Genesis Sanchez Maldonado, a Business Management major from La Ceiba, Honduras, proudly represented MTSU as part of a select group of college volunteers at the 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville.
Selected from colleges across the state, the students assisted with logistics and guest coordination throughout the evening, including the red carpet media event and the induction banquet honoring 20 distinguished athletes, coaches, and contributors to Tennessee sports.
Chubb was paired with basketball standout Bob Brown, while Maldonado assisted former University of Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly.
“There were many incredible athletes being inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame,” Chubb said. “It was an amazing, memorable, and rewarding evening.”
Maldonado reflected on her experience with gratitude: “It’s something I usually don't do... I wanted to challenge myself to try something new and meet inspiring people.”
“Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Reed Blankenship as the Professional
Athlete of the Year. It was especially exciting to see a former MTSU athlete receive such an honor, knowing that he once walked the same campus halls,” Chubb said.
Blankenship was a five-year, standout starter for the Blue Raiders football team. Though undrafted, he now is the starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and was part of team’s Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year. Although Blankenship was unable to attend the ceremony, the award was accepted on his behalf by MTSU Athletics Director Chris Massaro.
For both students, the evening was more than just volunteer work—it was a celebration of excellence and a chance to honor the spirit of sportsmanship while representing their university with pride.
