When Sam Coombs was attending Southern Maine Community College, his dreams were to one day be standing in a packed professional sports arena, working the event.

Coombs, a graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and current junior at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, has already experienced several of those dreams.

“I had the opportunity to work for Fox Sports Ohio last year, covering the American League division and championship series for the Cleveland Indians, as well being there behind the scenes when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA championship,” said Coombs, who is a digital media production major.

For Coombs, this is a long way from his roots, which began in Harpswell, the son of John and Maureen Coombs. He attended Harpwell and Mt. Ararat schools, played high school baseball, and graduated in 2013. Then after a year at SMCC, decided to step into newspaper reporting at The Times Record as a sports intern.

At first, Coombs wondered what he had gotten himself into.

“I remember vividly the first time I was sent out alone to cover a game,” Coombs said. “I was so nervous to interview a jayvee coach, and I just didn’t end up doing it. The sports editor sat me down and showed me what to do and it really helped my confidence going forward. The internship at The Times Record was great hands on experience that made me really think about my career and mold some highly important skill sets, like communication or interviewing people, meeting deadlines, working long hours for the success of a product and great professional interaction right in the local town.”

Since moving on to Kent State, Coombs has branched out. On top of covering the Indians and Cavaliers, he shadowed the Alabama University football team, from working behind the scenes in the press box to handling the issues that come about in a fast-moving production room.

He also had a chance to visit with former Brunswick High School girls basketball standout and current Duke University women’s hoops coach Joanne McCallie during a visit to Durham, N.C.

“She gave me a tour of Duke’s basketball facilities and it was an amazing experience,” said Coombs. “I got her business card and she took my resume and said when I graduate to update her on my experience and path.”

Durham, N.C., appears to be Coombs’ next stop, as he just received a summer internship with USA Baseball as a coordinator for media relations. USA Baseball is coming off a successful run, including a championship game win in the World Baseball Classic.

“I will be helping promote USA Baseball’s national select teams, and the overall USA Baseball brand via media platforms and other media resources,” Coombs said.

Coombs feels anyone can fulfill their dreams if they put their best foot forward.

“Most people in Maine are blue-collar, hard-working, and though I am not taking a typical career path, I feel that if you want something bad enough that you can achieve it,” said Coombs. “You can use any experience to get ahead, no matter how big or small.

“I believe in working hard, staying focused and fighting hard for my dreams. People may try to shoot you down, but if you have a goal, go for it!”

Coombs has a goal in mind for himself once graduating at Kent State.

“I would like to work in a Division One or professional sports setting,” said Coombs, who appears to be on his way.