Advice on Breaking Into the Sports Industry From a Gonzaga Alum

What is your role?

I am the Donor & Partner Relations Specialist for the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, where I support the cultivation, stewardship, and engagement of donors and partners who help advance the organization’s initiatives.

How did Gonzaga's M.A. in Sport & Athletic Administration (MASAA) set you up for success in your role?

MASAA played a huge role in preparing me for my career by creating intentional opportunities for growth both inside and outside the classroom. The program encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore different areas of sport administration through hands-on learning.

The two mandatory internship courses were especially impactful. They pushed me to actively seek opportunities, apply what I was learning, and gain real-world experience early on. What truly sets MASAA apart is the faculty’s commitment to understanding each student’s interests and career goals. Their support and willingness to match students with aligned opportunities is unmatched.

Personally, I would not be in my current role without that level of mentorship. Kristen Kavon took the time to truly understand my interests, skill set, and who I was as a person. Based on that, she encouraged me to pursue an internship with the Gonzaga Athletic Development team. That experience became a pivotal step in my career, significantly strengthening my resume and ultimately leading me to where I am today.

What skills from MASAA do you use in your role?

The skills I developed through MASAA are ones I rely on every day, including:

• Communication – building strong relationships with donors, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Relationship management – understanding how to engage, steward, and retain supporters
• Professional confidence – being comfortable in meetings, presentations, and networking settings
• Time management & organization – balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptability – adjusting quickly to new challenges and opportunities
• Attention to detail – especially when managing donor information and partnerships
  
  

What advice would you give to anyone interviewing for a career in sport?

Find what makes you stand out and truly harness it. The sport industry is incredibly competitive, and many applicants have similar, or even more impressive, backgrounds. What sets you apart is the unique connection you can make with the organization or interviewer.

Whether it’s a shared experience, a personal story, or a genuine passion for the team or role, lean into that. Those are the moments interviewers remember. For example, during one of my interviews, I discovered a shared Gonzaga connection with the interviewer, even all the way back in Canada. That kind of connection leaves a lasting impression.

Also, do your research. Knowing the organization, its values, and its people shows initiative and genuine interest, and it goes a long way in an interview setting.

Did your MASAA education help you in your interview process? If so, how?

Absolutely. The internship courses helped me stay sharp with interviewing and networking skills. Through those experiences, I was constantly meeting new people, interviewing for roles, and even setting up informal coffee chats with professionals in the industry.

That consistent exposure helped me refine how I communicate, present myself, and build professional relationships. It may seem like a small thing, but learning how to carry yourself in professional settings makes a big difference.

Additionally, the balance of professionalism and approachability from the MASAA faculty helped prepare me for real-world environments where building relationships is just as important as technical knowledge.

What is it like to work in the sport industry?

Working in the sport industry is demanding but incredibly rewarding. It involves long hours, exciting nights, and a lot of hard work, but seeing everything come together makes it all worth it.

No two days are the same, which is one of the most exciting parts of the job. The fast-paced nature keeps you engaged, constantly learning, and always adapting. Being part of moments that energize fans and bring people together is extremely fulfilling, and it’s what makes this industry so special.

What internships did you complete during the program?

USL Spokane – Intern to the Vice President

Gonzaga Athletics – Development Assistant

What advice would you give to MASAA students as they look for internships?

Step outside of your comfort zone for at least one of your internships. Try something completely new, even if you don’t see it as a long-term career path. That’s often where the most growth happens, both professionally and personally. You’ll learn a lot about your working style, communication preferences, and leadership approach.

Those two years go by quickly, so continue learning about the industry even if you think you already know what you want to do post-graduation. Once you graduate, you won’t have the same structured opportunities to explore like this again, take full advantage of them.

Apply for opportunities even if you’re unsure about them. That’s exactly how I ended up at USL Spokane. I initially applied for a game-day internship, but after meeting with the organization, they recognized my skill set and offered me a position working directly with the Vice President. You never know where an application might lead, so take the chance!