Career Path Of A Senior Director Ticketing And Experience At Premier Lacrosse League

I went to the University of Arizona, and one of the great things about attending Arizona is their focus on college internships for credit. I was fortunate to have mentors in the journalism program who encouraged me to pursue an internship every semester.

I started on the journalism path, wanting to be a broadcast journalist in sports. My early internships included working for the Arizona Daily Star, covering local high school games. I also interned for a local TV station when I returned home over the summer and for Fox Sports Radio.

During my junior year, I interned for Red Bull Global Rally Cross, working on the business side of sports for the first time. As a sponsorship intern for a brand new company, it was challenging but rewarding. This experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in sports on the business side.

From there, I focused on how to get a full-time job in the sports industry. I received great advice to set my ego aside and reach out to anyone willing to talk about their careers. I was encouraged to build my network and learn what it takes to get into the field.

That summer, I cold-outreached ticket sales managers, sponsorship directors, CROs, and business unit leaders across all major sports teams. I wasn't looking for a job, but rather to understand what makes people successful in those roles and how to prepare. This effort led to five interviews, and I was fortunate to be offered all five positions.

I chose the Arizona Diamondbacks for a couple of reasons. They were known for having the best ticket sales organization in sports, and I wanted to learn from the best. Additionally, I wanted to live independently and repay my parents for supporting me through college by not needing their financial assistance for rent after graduation.

I spent about six seasons with the Diamondbacks, progressing from inside sales to account executive and then senior account executive, focusing on group and suite sales. I loved my time there; they are a great organization that truly cares for their employees.

Around my sixth year, while involved in hiring and leading an intern team, I noticed limited opportunities for further growth. My father was also experiencing health issues back in Los Angeles, prompting me to consider a move. The Diamondbacks were supportive, understood my family situation, and allowed me to interview elsewhere since they didn't have a role for me.

During that season, I continued to work hard for the Diamondbacks and met my goals. The team also gave me permission to interview for other opportunities. Around that same time, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) was launching.

I had played two years of high school lacrosse, so I had some familiarity with the sport. A friend from my high school team reached out, letting me know that Mike and Paul Rabil were starting the league and needed someone to run their ticket sales department. Despite the league being a new, risky startup, I felt it was a unique chance to build a sports league from the ground up. Five years later, the PLL is now on ESPN and thriving. You never know where opportunities will lead.