Why did you choose a career path within sports?
I’ve traveled all over the world through both my time in the Army and over the last few years. One thing remains true: sports has a way of deeply connecting people regardless of language and beliefs. I grew up in a family that connected over kickball and softball games and running races every time we got together. It’s always been a huge part of my life, so when the opportunity to work and make an impact in the industry became available, I went for it.
Favorite event, project or client you’ve worked on in your career?
Working with Team USA and the Winter National Governing Bodies for the 2022 Beijing Games was super exciting and innovative. It was my first time working in the Olympic & Paralympic movement and getting to tell the stories of these incredible athletes and sports through data has been unmatched. Seeing our work on the NBC “Data Uncovered” segments really brought the project to a tangible conclusion – showing how data can truly tell amazing stories when given the platform.
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself and don’t give up. There were so many times in the process of breaking into sports as a mid-career switch where doubt was sowed or I allowed other people to tell me how I should work. What I’ve learned in recent times is that my perspective is valuable and I shouldn’t be scared to be myself.
Worst piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
You have to start from the bottom. Many people believe the way that they grew their career is the only way. As the tech and sports industries continue to come together, we will see more nontraditional candidates for positions in sports. My hope is that more and more people will see the value in hiring veterans and nontraditional applicants in general.
Which tech or digital innovation do you think will have the greatest impact in sports over the next few years?
It’s key to develop single sources of truth for data and build bigger analytics teams that can power insights on, and off, the field. While it’s happening in some leagues and at some teams, data-driven insights are still not powering how most organizations engage fans or work with their athletes and coaching staff.
What is your favorite sporting moment of all time?
1998 USA Women’s Ice Hockey team winning the gold medal at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games.
Who is your biggest inspiration within the sports industry?
Rebecca Feferman continues to inspire me as a mentor and friend. She took the time to meet with me early on in my journey and gave me the support and feedback needed to make my dreams a reality. Her career journey is so impressive and inspiring – and how she gives back to others is amazing. I’m very thankful to have met her early on in my journey and learn from one of the best in the business.
If you could travel to any point in time (past or future), where and when would you want to go, and why?
I’d like to go back in time to post-World War II to learn more from the ‘Greatest Generation“. My grandfather was a part of coming home from the Pacific War and readjusting to life in the United States. There were so many lessons learned across the world from that conflict that could offer perspective into our current state of the world.
Who was the biggest help to get your career started in the sports industry?
Kirk Goldsberry helped open incredible doors for me as I learned how to pair my military experience with the sports industry. Working with him taught me the power of understanding both qualitative and quantitative perspectives and speaking to your audience.
Favorite Vacation Destination?
Cape Town, South Africa
Favorite Local Restaurant, Bar or Hang-out?
Austin: Hold Out Brewing
Go-to sports industry resource?
Networking. You can’t learn this industry without talking to people across different roles and responsibilities.