Final Thoughts
At the start of this semester I saw fan culture as something surface level that was mainly centered around sports, entertainment and media. I knew it was something people love to be apart of but I never realized how influential it is on identity and communal belonging. Through my anecdotes, interviews and scholarly review, I was able to look at fan culture through a different lens — one that was able to analyze the meaning of fan behavior rather than just observing it.
From my early athletic experiences, I got a glimpse into the intensity of fan culture. Once I reflected and connected my personal experiences and every moments, I was able to better understand the main principle of connection in all of this. I learned how fan culture extends far past stadiums or games — it’s found in the everyday routines, conversations and shared habits that unite people.
In my “Humans of Fan Culture” project I found that superstitious practices are not just personal but shared and carry meaning. That idea transferred straight into my “Engaging in Conversation” project where I built upon other scholars and challenged the conversation by adding that superstitions are social practices that are an outlet for many to find community.
In the end, I can truthfully say that my perspective broadened from once viewing fan culture as pure entertainment to acknowledging the space it holds for identity, belonging and community. Since then, I feel that the way I view the world has changed — allowing me to see that even the smallest actions can carry such strong meaning. Going forward I hope to carry with me curiosity to everyday moments knowing that there is something much bigger behind the surface.
Moments That Shaped My Fan Culture Community
Heading out to the field with our sports medicine team showed me how connection and purpose come way before the game even starts.
After a routine team scrimmage when the players exchanged jerseys, I saw how small acts create connection and can turn an ordinary practice into a shared meaningful moment.
Bonding with my teammates outside of our own sport taught me how fan culture exists beyond and individual team and how connection forms through experience.
When this video came up in my Snapchat memories, I realized fan culture demonstrates what goes on behind the scenes. The struggle, growth and accountability gives a foundation to what fans connect to. Community is more than just celebrating the wins but leaning on each other during the hard moments.
*TikTok of interviews of the boys varsity basketball team and managers before and after team run as a punishment.
Fan culture, it’s more than what you watch - it’s what you’re connected to. This semester showed me how some of the smallest moments can be the path to identity and community.
- Lilee Woodruff
Contact: lilee.woodruff@gmail.com