Interview with Dr. Kristen DeCarli

Interview

Professor DeCarli, you spent a number of years at UConn where you worked in the Athletic Communications office, including being the primary media contact for eight different programs. Can you share some of your reflections on that time? In particular, how did that role change your professional journey, and what were some of your takeaways?

Dr. Kristen DeCarli: When I started in college athletics right out of my own four-year college experience, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in [before I met] an incredible mentor at Southern Connecticut State University. He taught me so much about the Athletic Communications/Sports Information industry and college athletics in general. That set me up with a lot of experience heading into my position at UConn.

[When I got hired at UConn], I hit the ground running. I experienced some amazing things in four years at UConn and only being in early my 20s, it was incredible. I [had the opportunity to work] with some of the greatest coaches of all time in their respective sports, including Geno Auriemma (women’s basketball), Jim Penders (baseball), and Ray Reid (men’s soccer).

My mentors in the athletic communications office gave so much support as I continued to learn the industry and what it was like working in college athletics. I worked many hours – late nights, and on weekends and holidays – but the experience was invaluable. I was able to attend four-straight women’s basketball NCAA Final Fours, including UConn’s back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2009 and 2010 en route to two National Championship titles. We hosted many NCAA tournament games in basketball, baseball, and soccer and I was able to work with National media outlets who covered the teams. 

I worked with BIG EAST Championship programs and some of the greatest college athletes of all-time in their respective sports. It was an incredible journey so early on in my career. 

All of these experiences taught me to never take the job, or even life, for granted. So many people in the industry never get to experience the thrill of their team winning a National Championship – or even getting to the postseason – and I was [lucky to] experience so much.

I am incredibly grateful for my experience and the people who supported me through that time. My experience also taught me that hard work, dedication, and trust are all important. It taught me that you did not need to be the best athlete on a team to be involved in something like college athletics. I was able to take my passion for sports and turn it into a career. The support staff and all those people “behind the scenes” are so important to the success of each and every program – no matter the level (DI, DII, or DIII or professional).

After 10 + years of working in collegiate athletics, now I can help students find their role in the sports industry, even if it is not as an all-star player or coach. I can now teach students about the amazing sports industry and help them find their passion and turn that passion into a successful career.

Professor, you teach courses ranging from marketing, sport and event management, legal aspects in Sport Management – just to name a few. Can you take a moment to talk about a couple of areas that students might not think of in the sports industry where there is good career potential?

Dr. Kristen DeCarli: I think sales/ticket management is a part of the industry that students do not think about and they should. Professional, college, and amateur organizations have many job opportunities for young, inexperienced individuals and those jobs can really lead to something for those who take those roles. It gives them experience in the hard skills needed for the industry, but also soft skills like communication. I have seen so many people join organizations in group ticketing and sales as interns but then move up the ranks within that industry and do well.

I also think Facility management has good career potential as so many athletic facilities are opening up around the country and they need talented and trained individuals to come in and run the facility as well as events. These are key jobs that students do not really think about and they are so important to the success of an organization.

Lastly, I see more and more jobs opening in Esports. Whether it is broadcasting, media, or marketing. This is an industry desperately looking to hire people who are trained and well-versed in sport management. At Albertus Magnus College, we just began our Esports Administration and Management minor which will help prepare students for the esports industry.

Professor, you have earned your MBA, worked in sports at UConn and Albertus Magnus, and now taught at the highest level in Connecticut. With such a long history in the state, why do you think Connecticut is a good place to earn a sport-related education?

Dr. Kristen DeCarli: I think Connecticut is a great area. I grew up here. There are some really great schools in the area, but also some really great sports programs, teams and organizations here. [Connecticut is home to] all levels of college athletics, minor league baseball, professional men’s and women’s ice hockey as well as men’s soccer, and women’s professional basketball. It is located between two great sports cities in Boston and New York. New England and the Tri-state area are great places to be as there are many local opportunities for sport management students.

What can you say about the sports economy in Connecticut generally, and the New Haven area specifically? What are some of the major employers in the sports industry there, and would you recommend it as a destination for a job or an internship?

Dr. Kristen DeCarli: There are some really great sports programs, teams and organizations in Connecticut, including all levels of college athletics, minor league baseball, professional men’s and women’s ice hockey as well as men’s soccer, and the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA. It is located between two great sports cities in Boston and New York.

There are internships and jobs for minor league professional teams and even semi-pro teams, including the Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Athletic, and the Hartford Wolf Pack. There are opportunities at ESPN in Bristol as well as the WNBA with the CT Sun. There are tons of opportunities at Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and local parks and recreation departments.

There are opportunities at local high schools and colleges as well. [There are] many colleges at the Division III, II, and I levels that are always looking for interns and many turn into possible part-time or fill-time opportunities. And if not in Connecticut, a train ride into NYC is easy to do from New Haven and the surrounding areas. Same with a trip to Boston. [There are] many possibilities in the state!