LAINE BARTEL
B.A IN MARKETING - PUBLIC RELATIONS - ADVERTISING - DIGITAL MARKETING - SOCIAL MEDIA - COMMUNICATIONS
Who Am I?
I’m a Marketing student at Kansas State University with a passion for connecting audiences through impactful storytelling. In addition to my degree, I’m earning a minor in Advertising and Public Relations and certificates in Social Media Management and the Business of Sports and Entertainment to expand my expertise in digital media and sports marketing.
I currently serve as a student intern for K-State Athletics, gaining hands-on experience in both communications and social media. In this role, I collaborate with sports information directors, assist with live game coverage, and create engaging content across multiple platforms. This experience has allowed me to strengthen my skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and social media analytics while building meaningful connections in the sports communications field.
My goal is to continue growing as a creative storyteller in the sports and entertainment industry, using media to connect fans, athletes, and communities through powerful digital experiences.
My passion lies in using social media and digital platforms to spotlight real moments — whether it’s the excitement of game day, a behind-the-scenes look at athletes, or creative campaigns that bring fans closer to the action.
I chose to study marketing because I love the blend of creativity and strategy. It challenges me to think analytically while expressing ideas visually and emotionally. Through my minor in Advertising and Public Relations and my certificates in Social Media Management and the Business of Sports and Entertainment, I’m learning how to turn ideas into meaningful brand experiences.
Ultimately, I hope to continue growing in the sports and entertainment industry — telling stories that celebrate people, passion, and performance.
Social Media Growth at
K-State Research and Extension
During my time as a Student Social Media Specialist at K-State Research and Extension, I focused on increasing engagement and follower growth through creative content, consistent posting, and strategic trend integration. I managed posts across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Instagram: @kstateextension
Facebook: @K-State Extension
Twitter: @kstateextension
From May to October 2025, KSRE’s social media presence showed steady and meaningful growth across its main platforms. Total followers increased by 1,690, averaging about 338 net followers per month. Engagement rates reflected strong audience connection and content performance. Across Facebook and Instagram, the average engagement rate was 9.3%, with monthly rates peaking at 20.3% in October.
Communications
In my role as a Communications Intern with K-State Athletics, I support the full scope of game-day and team communication needs across multiple sports. I work closely with sports information directors and coaching staff to compile, edit, and distribute accurate pre- and post-game notes, statistics, and media materials. During live events, I help manage media credentialing, update in-game statistics, and assist with press box operations to ensure seamless communication between staff, media, and broadcast teams.
I also attend post-game press conferences to capture, transcribe, and prepare athlete and coach quotes for official use across team communications and media outlets. Through this work, I’ve strengthened my ability to communicate clearly under pressure, maintain accuracy in fast-paced environments, and support the storytelling and operational needs that shape the fan and media experience.
Kansas City Chiefs Social Media Campaign
While working on a Social Media Management class, I completed a full social media mock campaign for the Kansas City Chiefs including analytics, scheduled posts, and creative plans for the campaign.
Green Bean Coffee & Variety KC
Back in 2023, I got the opportunity to create a social media campaign for a high school coffee shop looking to partner with a local charity. With this project I created and implemented a social media campaign along with designing merchandise for the coffee shop.
Starting New Platforms
While working with the Green Bean, I created and ran a TikTok page. I was also in charge of other social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter.
Social Media
Through my work with K-State Athletics, I’ve had the opportunity to create in-game content across multiple sports and contribute to real-time digital storytelling. I pull photos from our photographers, edit them quickly, and prepare them for social platforms. I assemble engaging collages, updates, and graphics that keep fans informed with live stats and score changes. I also capture pre-, mid-, and post-game video clips to use on stories, giving fans a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at the athletes and the environment on game day.