Posted
February 27, 2025
MEN OF HOPE • ALUMNI INTERVIEW
From the classroom to the stage to the baseball field, Westlake native Ryan Milowicki ’12 has never been one to stay in just one lane. His time at St. Edward was defined by curiosity and a drive to explore every opportunity, a mindset that has shaped his Emmy-award winning career in professional sports. Now a virtual signage operations manager with the NBA, Milowicki reflects on the lessons, mentors, and experiences that continue to guide his path forward.
Ryan Milowicki has always embraced opportunities to explore his wide-ranging interests, from academics and performing arts to athletics. At St. Edward, he immersed himself in many activities—Academic Challenge, band, baseball, and theater—each shaping his journey in meaningful ways. A standout Edsman, he was named 2012 Man of the Year, served as class salutatorian, and earned distinctions as a National Merit Finalist, National Latin Exam gold medalist, National Honor Society Vice President, Eucharistic Minister, and peer tutor, among others.
That same spirit of curiosity and adaptability has defined Milowicki’s career. He has seamlessly transitioned across roles in the professional sports industry, leading him to his current position as a virtual signage operations manager with the NBA. In this role, he ensures that digital advertisements displayed during NBA broadcasts are placed correctly, function properly, and meet the expectations of sponsors. He manages a team that monitors and troubleshoots technical issues in real-time during games, communicates with sales partners to ensure brand commitments are met, and works closely with broadcasters to maintain the integrity of in-game advertising. His role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving, and relationship management to ensure that the NBA’s advertising operations run smoothly.
My career path has taken some unexpected turns, but St. Ed’s instilled in me a mindset of lifelong learning and strong communication—skills that are invaluable no matter where I go.
After graduating from St. Edward, Milowicki attended Northwestern University, where he majored in journalism with a minor in film studies. While journalism wasn’t his ultimate career path, his writing skills opened doors in the sports industry, leading to an internship with the Cleveland Guardians, where he created statistical materials like media guides and game notes.
“Many people crave variety in their careers, and I never want to do the same thing every day,” Milowicki explains. “Sports offer the perfect blend of stability and excitement—it’s an industry that will always exist, yet every day presents something new.”
His career quickly gained momentum. As a senior researcher at ESPN, he created graphics for SportsCenter and worked closely with longtime anchor Scott Van Pelt. During his time at ESPN, Milowicki was part of the SportsCenter team that earned two Emmys for Best Daily Studio Show. He then joined TGI Sport, where he specialized in digital ad overlays for professional sporting events, before moving into his current role at the NBA.
I want to build a broader skill set as the media landscape evolves. The NBA operates on such a massive scale that it can drive real change—it’s not just about basketball, but also about community impact.
While his career has taken him deep into the world of professional sports, Milowicki’s success is driven not by a love of any one sport, but by his ability to apply his communication and leadership skills in new and innovative ways. “It’s not about the industry—it’s about what I can bring to it,” he says. “Every job has value if you approach it with passion and a desire to grow.”
Looking back, Milowicki credits several teachers at St. Edward who helped shape his mindset. “It is heartbreaking to hear of Mr. Cavoli’s passing last year,” he shares. “His passion for teaching Latin was infectious, and his incredible ability to connect with students still inspires me today. Then there’s Mr. Burns—his love for the performing arts opened doors for me to pursue my creative passions while also playing baseball. And Mr. Bosley—he taught me how to think critically and problem-solve. He constantly pushed me to show my work and approach challenges with creativity. Even though I didn’t pursue Latin, performing arts, or math in my career, these teachers showed me that learning is about curiosity and resilience.”
Amidst his career achievements, Milowicki remains committed to balance, making time for the experiences that bring him joy. “Part of life is still taking the time to enjoy it,” he reflects. Living in New York City, he embraces opportunities to attend shows, concerts, and films that inspire him. He’s also found fulfillment in his personal life, sharing, “I’ve been dating my girlfriend Carolyn for over a year now, and between that and my new job, I’m starting to see the bigger picture of what my future could look like.”
For Milowicki, success isn’t about titles or destinations—it’s about embracing every step of the journey with curiosity, passion, and an openness to whatever comes next.
The Men of Hope alumni interviews feature St. Edward alumni who, inspired by their Holy Cross education, make an impact in their communities and beyond.