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By: Allison Cho
Maggie Pilibosian is at the front and center of a dynamic transformation in the sports world and creativity. As a vital member of the Michigan hockey social media team, Maggie is reshaping the narrative around women in sports, highlighting vital roles both behind the scenes and in the spotlight. With her vibrant personality and passion for hockey, Maggie captures unforgettable highlights while paving the way for a new generation of sports enthusiasts. In this engaging interview, Maggie discusses her inspiring journey, her pursuit of authenticity, and the powerful legacy she aspires to build in the sports media landscape.
As a freshman, you jumped into Michigan hockey’s social team, skipping the typical route like Greek life. What was it like getting involved with social media, and how did that change your college experience?
As a freshman, I was constantly encouraged to find my group. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that there truly is a place for everyone. For me, that place wasn’t in Greek life. While Greek life is a great choice for many people — some of my closest friends are in those organizations — it simply wasn’t my path. My mom, who constantly pushes me to be better, put the idea of sports in my head. Joining sports media, especially working with Michigan hockey, transformed my college experience and changed my life’s trajectory. I found my community there, meeting some of my best friends who became like family. Even though it’s work, I genuinely look forward to going to Yost every day.
I’d decided not to join Greek life, following the lead of my three older sisters. With my family being huge hockey fans, it was an easy decision to apply for a role at Yost. My work in social media and fan engagement gave me a sense of belonging from day one, and being part of Michigan hockey turned the big campus into a place that feels much smaller and closer-knit. I have always loved media, and turning it into a job was exciting. I now had a family on campus, which was huge for me.
You worked with Michigan hockey’s game-day socials since the start of first year. What was the experience like? Did you ever imagine you’d be “running the show” as a senior working with strategies and marketing?
Working with Michigan hockey since my freshman year has been an incredible journey. From the start, balancing my schedule with game-day responsibilities meant sacrificing a lot of weekends and social time, which some might find challenging. But to me, it was a busy, fulfilling experience that I loved. I began with small responsibilities — mostly Instagram stories — but even that carried pressure, knowing I was broadcasting to thousands of fans who rely on our social media to stay connected to the team.
Each game day was a chance to learn something new, especially in high-speed, high-stakes environments. By my senior year, I was not only handling social media, but I was also leading and managing people. Learning to work with and lead a team is a skill that continues to grow, and it has taught me how to shape how fans experience college hockey. As a freshman, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be “running the show” by senior year.
Traveling to different arenas and seeing the game from various perspectives has also been an eye-opener. Being around the arena day in and day out reveals so much about the intricate world behind the scenes — rules, routines, and nuances that fans rarely see. And with each new layer of knowledge comes more responsibility because now it’s not just about social media; it's about how our work impacts recruiting, careers, and the broader image of the team. This experience has shaped who I am, and it's been a privilege to be part of something so influential in college hockey.
Let’s talk about your first viral TikTok in sophomore year—it blew up! What was your and the team's reaction, and how did that change how you approached creating content for yourself?
During my sophomore year, we traveled to Ohio State. With limited space on the team bus, my incredible boss, Kristy McNeil, stepped up and drove us herself. I decided to vlog the experience casually, not expecting much, but it ended up drawing in a community of people who were genuinely interested in my journey. I hadn’t even asked permission to post, but Kristy saw the value in self-promotion online and encouraged me and my coworker, Lauren, to go for it.
That experience completely changed how I approached content creation. I had created my own fan base, people who enjoyed the content and wanted to know how they could get involved in sports media. It shifted my perspective, making me feel confident about sharing my journey, especially on TikTok, even before it became widely popular. Witnessing fans' positive responses and interest showed me that social media can be both fun and empowering, and it's incredible to be part of that evolution.
You mentioned your dream of becoming a Creative Director. How has working on Michigan’s socials and other avenues like the Big Ten Network helped you grow toward that goal, and where do you hope to take it in the future?
Graduating from the School of Stamps with a major in art and design will give me a unique foundation for working in sports media — a background different from many who focus on sports social media. This creative grounding, combined with my internships, has allowed me to approach social media and marketing with a fresh perspective. Balancing creativity with business-focused thinking is a constant challenge; I’m learning to think outside the box while working within set parameters. Each class and internship at Michigan has contributed to a foundation that will guide me toward future growth, even though I’m not exactly sure where the path will lead yet.
My ultimate goal is to head a creative team, helping to strategize and plan marketing or brand events for sports teams. Working with Michigan Socials has been invaluable; it has connected me with networks, guided me in managing live interviews, and given me experience working with TV. Now that I have interns, I’m building leadership skills and learning to facilitate effective collaborations. Balancing multiple jobs along with school has taught me how to prioritize and made me a diligent, driven worker. I’ve realized that I can lead discussions and create strategic plans, and I am passionate about tackling challenges creatively. This experience has set the stage for what I hope will be a career in impactful, strategic sports marketing.
Your gameday vlogs are iconic, but do they ever get repetitive for you? How do you keep things fresh and fun while juggling all the demands of creating social content for the team and personal account?
My game-day vlogs at Yost can feel repetitive since game-day routines don’t change much, but this year has brought some fresh content. I’m now using social media less during games, which has given me room to capture other aspects of game day — like my pregame outfits and behind-the-scenes moments. It’s exciting to showcase more of what I do and introduce the people I work with who feel like family to me. Highlighting their roles has become a way to bring the team’s story to life.
One of my biggest lessons has been that the more you approach a brand account like a personal one, the better it resonates. Adding humor, especially in my edits, has really connected with fans. For instance, the smoothie video with TJ Hughes took off unexpectedly. We were joking around in the kitchen, and I didn’t initially plan on using the footage. But after editing it with a playful twist, as I would for a personal post, it reached over a million views — one of our most popular videos. I’ve learned that being authentic and comfortable online is essential, especially when managing a large account. This openness has allowed me to create genuine content, making fans feel more connected to the team.
How does it feel to be a role model and industry inspiration, as you’ve got other women in sports sliding into your DMs asking for advice on getting into sports media? What advice do you have for them?
I've had people reach out to say I’ve inspired them or been a role model, and I get DMs asking for advice — which is incredibly flattering. Being the youngest of four sisters, I’m usually the one asking them for advice, so it feels amazing to be able to give back in this way. I’ve been lucky to have such strong role models in my siblings, and I always encourage others to be true to themselves and work hard. My biggest advice? Say "yes" to tasks that come your way because every opportunity teaches you something new. Remember, there’s always someone in the room who knows more than you and has valuable insight to share. Listening more than you talk is key; if you pay attention, you'll learn far more than you expect. It’s definitely more work than it seems, and it can get tedious and tiring — but anything worthwhile usually is.
Fashion has always been a big part of your life. How do you blend your love for fashion with your work in sports? Does your personal style play a role in how you present yourself professionally? What advice do you have for other women in sports who are more timid about workplace fashion?
I've always had a passion for fashion, with business fashion being my favorite. One of my babysitters, now working in the industry, was incredibly stylish and served as my biggest inspiration. I feel empowered when I dress in a way that reflects my personality and boosts my confidence. Playing dress-up at rinks nationwide has been so much fun, showcasing my style while supporting the sport I love. My advice to others is to embrace their authentic selves and wear what makes them feel confident. Personal style is a unique expression of who you are. Don’t be afraid to stand out, but also be mindful of the impression your choices convey. Being classy is powerful; when you command respect, the ball is in your court — or, in my case, the puck is in your possession.
As a former athlete, you’ve gone from a high school tomboy to a fashion-forward creative. How did that shift happen, and how do you bring that sense of style into your work with Michigan hockey and beyond?
Growing up playing sports in high school and watching my siblings compete fueled my passion for the industry. I sometimes questioned my path since my sisters chose more traditional degrees and careers, but my family was incredibly supportive when I decided to take a different route. Michigan hockey has welcomed me and offered me so much more than I could ever express. My competitive nature drives me to work harder, and as a former athlete, I can relate to the players on some level — understanding their need for space and time from the media. I truly appreciate the balance of being part of the sports world while respecting the players' boundaries. Knowing how to be a part of a team is the key here; trust is not given, it is earned. I am so grateful to earn it and be a part of this team at Michigan.
Your dream and goal is to end up in the West Village, New York. What about the city draws you in? Why the West Village specifically? How do you imagine your life and career in Manhattan?
I've always had a deep love for New York. Growing up, I was captivated by the city’s fast-paced energy and the vibrant hustle and bustle that define urban life. The charm of a "small" village, like the West Village, within such a sprawling metropolis, resonates with me, making it feel both exciting and cozy. While I'm not certain where my journey will take me, I know I’ll either live in New York or visit frequently.
You’ve built a tight-knit group with coworkers like Lauren and Gabby. What’s it like being part of this “sorority” in hockey, and how does that sense of community impact your work?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a tight-knit group with my boss, Kristy, and my former coworkers, Lauren Rodolitz and Gabrielle Healy. This dynamic has created my own little community in the sports world, and having a sense of belonging is essential. My friendships with these amazing women have provided that “sorority” feeling while allowing me to learn so much about hockey. As they transitioned to new opportunities, I found myself growing closer to the team staff and players, who have become an integral part of my life. No matter the outcome of the games, their passion and dedication make me proud every season. They truly are an outstanding group of individuals, and I feel lucky to spend so much time with each and every one of them.
You expressed the importance of having supportive and non-competitive leaders in your network. What is your leadership style, and how do you bring that vibe into your role at Michigan hockey? How do you want to leave a lasting legacy in the sports world?
A supportive network and noncompetitive leaders are essential for personal and professional growth. Too often, we find ourselves in a competitive environment, which can hinder our learning and progress. As the youngest of four sisters, I've learned the value of listening, a crucial skill we all need to practice more. It’s important to ensure that everyone feels valued and worthy. While I’m uncertain about my lasting legacy in the sports world and where my journey will ultimately lead me, I hope that concerning Michigan hockey, people remember me as someone with strong character, a big heart, a relentless work ethic, and the ability to listen and create meaningful content.
The Red Wings have been an integral part of your life because of your grandpa and family. How has that legacy shaped your passion for sports, and do you ever see yourself working with a team like the Wings in the future?
My family has held Red Wings tickets since 1962, and we’ve been just as dedicated to the Lions and Tigers. We truly love our sports. My grandfather never missed a game for the Red Wings, which taught me to respect the game and understand the hard work it takes to succeed, whether on the field or in the stands. I greatly admire the Red Wings and their program, especially given Hockeytown's incredible history and the passion of its fans. My dad taught me so much about the game and helped me develop an even bigger love for it. I would love to work for an NHL team in a city that has as much love for hockey as Detroit does. I can only imagine how proud my grandfather would be to see how this legacy continues to thrive.
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As Maggie Pilibosian continues to redefine what it means to be a creative force in sports media, her work with Michigan hockey offers more than just engaging content - it’s an invitation to see the sports world from a whole new perspective. Her authenticity and creativity have set a standard for storytelling that resonates with fans and paves the way for the next generations of women in sports. Thank you, Maggie, for inspiring and showing the sports world that the most powerful plays happen behind the scenes.
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