Olive’s Story: From a Class Assignment to the Seattle Storm

How Gonzaga’s Personal Branding & NIL Class Helps Students Launch Careers—For Real

Breaking into the sports industry isn’t easy. It’s competitive, confusing, and often feels closed off to those without the “right” prior experience. Olive Paulson Young, a Seattle, WA native who grew up attending Seattle Storm games with her mom, knew this early on—and instead of letting it discourage her, she made it her motivation.

Through internships, volunteering, and deep involvement with sports during her time at Gonzaga, where she graduated in 2025 with a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Leadership Studies—Olive built momentum wherever she could. But it was Gonzaga School of Business Administration’s Personal Branding & NIL class that helped her turn that momentum into clarity, confidence, and ultimately, a career with one of the most competitive organizations in professional sports: the Seattle Storm.

What follows is Olive’s journey, in her own words.

Why Olive Took the Personal Branding & NIL Class

“Despite it being the thing I love the most, I’ll be the first to admit that the sports industry is weird. ‘Prior experience in sports required’ for internships/entry-level roles create confusing barriers, making it difficult to make it in. Being aware of this dynamic, as well as knowing pretty early into college that I was interested in working in sports post-grad, I actively sought out any and all opportunities in college to be involved in sports.

This class complemented my past experiences with Gonzaga Athletics, USL Spokane, and Special Olympics— and I was ready for more.”

When Olive learned about the class, she didn’t hesitate.

“When I learned about the Personal Branding & NIL class, I immediately applied. I was eager to gain hands-on experience working alongside student-athletes, earn more business education as a non-business student, and build out my portfolio. But beyond continuing to get my hands dirty in the sports world, I wanted to try new things and have fun. And I’ll tell you right now I could not be more grateful I took the course (not being paid to say any of this btw!)”

The Assignment That Changed Everything

Sometimes, the smallest assignments create the biggest turning points.

“The assignment that had the most impact on me was not my pitch deck, final presentation, or even an in-class project. It was a 5-point homework assignment: send a cold email to someone with your dream job.”

For Olive, that dream organization was clear.

“Super easy assignment for me, the Storm has been my favorite team ever since I was a kid. I drafted a quick email, and hit send. What I couldn’t have known at the time is that this tiny assignment would, and I’m not overexaggerating here, change the course of my life.”

What happened next was unexpected.

“We were told not to expect a response, so I was shocked when less than 24 hours later, the Senior Director I reached out to got back to me. They said my message resonated with them and their personal experience and agreed to an informational interview. They also offered an alternative— a chance to apply and interview for a role on their staff.”

Olive’s first full-time interview followed soon after.

“I interviewed the first week of March 2025, my first ever interview for a full-time job. I even reserved a study room in Hemmingson for it, I was so excited.”

But the journey didn’t unfold neatly.

“I thought I nailed it… but I didn’t even make it to the next round. I was crushed. I thought I’d missed my moment.”

Instead of stopping, Olive kept going.

“After five separate applications, two interview processes, and one job shadowing experience, I made my dreams come true— and it all started with this assignment.

The takeaway? Always shoot your shot, you never know what it might lead to.”

How the NIL Class Helped Olive Stand Out

The job market is tough—and sports careers are even tougher. But the NIL class gave Olive a new way to look at the process.

“Instead of feeling discouraged, I learned to lean on my biggest asset, something no other applicant could have: being me, Olive.”

The class reframed the idea of personal branding.

“This course reframed it for me as something much more honest… because personal branding begins by looking inward. Simply put, personal branding is taking the time to figure out the best way to tell your own story.”

Through the coursework, Olive learned to engage in new ways.

“It started with asking the right questions: What do I care about? What are my values? What’s important for others to know about me? What do I want to be defined by?

These quickly turned into something more contextual: What do I want? How hard am I willing to work? How confident am I that I’ll get there? How do I want to show up for myself in the pursuit?”

Through reflection, hard questions, and real work, Olive built something powerful.

“The answers to these questions became the foundation for my personal brand, and it completely transformed how I showed up in the hiring process.”

That shift carried into her role with the Storm—and beyond.

“I used to respond to opportunities, now I initiate them… Visibility and positionality speak louder than any application— it’s all about how you tell your story.”

Advice for Future Zags

Olive doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the industry—but she believes deeply in the payoff.

“No B.S. here—get ready to WORK. It’s long hours, unpaid internships, the less glamorous work. But this foundation could not be more important and teaches work ethic and flexibility.”

She emphasizes starting where the real opportunity is.

“When starting out, collegiate athletics/minor leagues > major leagues.” There’s often more opportunities for real responsibility. The big names will always be waiting for you, so don’t limit yourself when looking for where you’ll gain first experiences.”

And above all, persistence.

“Whatever your path is, you’ll find it… if you keep going. Even after I interviewed in March, my next three applications I heard crickets—not even a “no”. Sometimes it’s just as important to apply and interview for the job you know you won’t get from the start purely so that it better positions you for the next one.”

And one final reminder:

“Utilize the Zag network— it will help you! I promise Zags Help Zags extends beyond campus and undergrad years.”

Where Olive Is Now

Today, Olive is living the dream she worked relentlessly toward.

“Coming into my fifth month at the Storm… I drive to work every morning pinching myself that I get to work here.”

Her journey is proof that courses like Gonzaga’s Personal Branding & NIL class don’t just teach students concepts—they help students see themselves as professionals, clarify their direction, and unlock opportunities that once felt out of reach.

“Whether your dream lies in sports or elsewhere—to anyone reading this—be kind, be courageous, have the audacity, and never give up. Go Storm, and Go Zags forever.”