A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.
This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.
I dont do sports, I do music, but with music the easiest way to get credentials is to find a publication to shoot for.
You dont need to be employed, it doesnt always need to be a huge publication, just get in touch with the type of publications that would likely use the photos and ask if they can hook you up if you shoot for them.
If you are shooting for your university you no doubt have contact with your local media. Talk with them and get some insight into how it all works.