Female Trailblazers in Professional Sports Management
BY SUOMO QUARSHIE
For many women in the male-dominated athletics industry, management can be a constant battle trying to prove your expertise. In a survey of 1,700 women working in male-dominated positions, the majority of women felt unsupported by their work community, and employees are 2.8 more times likely to leave a job if they don't feel supported in their community. Natalie Randolph, former high school football coach, offers advice for navigating this space: “Barriers are a part of life and there will be a lot of them when you pursue male-dominated careers, so get used to them and get good at finding ways around them.” Nevertheless, women are making strides in this heavily male field – below are the stories of three inspiring women in professional sports management across baseball, football, and basketball.
Caroline O’Connor
O’Connor at LoanDepot Park. Sports Business Journal
Caroline O’Connor is currently President of Business Operations for the Miami Marlins baseball team. Previously Senior Vice President, she climbed her way up the organization, described as having a tireless work ethic while simultaneously valuing connections with the baseball community. She is known for being up bright and early, working and communicating with all members of the organization. In an interview with ESPN, O’Connor said, “When I talk to young girls, I really like them to see me in my role because I didn’t feel like I had that role model.” Now she herself is a role model for young girls.
Sandra Douglass Morgan
Douglass Morgan at LA Raiders Football Stadium. The Athletic
In July 2022, Sandra Douglass Morgan was officially named President of the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first black female president of an NFL team. When she first began, she made it clear she was there to stay. One of Douglass Morgan’s goals is to make sports a less male-dominated industry; she doesn’t “want sports, or other male-dominated industries, to be a trail anymore — [she] want[s them] to be an eight-lane highway, open to all.” As an attorney with two decades of leadership experience, she was highly qualified for the position. Sandra’s management responsibilities range from ticket sales to organizing suites for players. Many credit her for bringing more stability to the Raiders as a team.
Cynthia Marshall
Marshall at a press conference for the Mavericks. CNBC
Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall is said to be the reason the Dallas Mavericks eliminated their toxic culture in just 100 days. Marshall is the CEO of the Mavericks, and the first black female CEO in the NBA, and is constantly improving the team's work environment. In an interview with PBS, she emphasized her value of diversity: “I have learned from my 36 years at AT&T about the value of diversity, and how it really equates to … bottom line profitability, to have a diverse group of voices making decisions and looking at things.” While at AT&T, Marshall was named one of the world's most inspiring leaders by Forbes, indicating her distinction as a leader.
These women and many others are inspiring girls to work in the sports industry. In a more diverse industry, women will feel more comfortable in a community that supports them. As Randolph says, “To all of the girls that might be interested in coaching or sports management, I would say go for it!”
