This Week's Spotlight Goes to Our New Graduate Liaison, Shannon Kearney!
Graduate Liason Spotlight
By: Hailie Cadeau and Mac Steckler
Let’s meet our Graduate Liaison, Shannon Kearney!
Q: How did you get into sports?
A: My dad was a basketball coach, so my passion for sports began at a young age. Then while I was in undergrad at Notre Dame, I became a student manager for football and men’s lacrosse. Through those experiences, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in sports after graduation.
Q: What made you want to work in the sports industry?
A: I am drawn to the fast-paced environment and team atmosphere of working in the sports industry. I also love being able to combine my business knowledge and my passion for sports.
Q: What made you choose GW for graduate school?
A: I chose to pursue my master’s degree at GW because of the exceptional experiences that the MSSM program offers to its students. I was drawn to the program for its experienced faculty and unique course offerings, like the Olympics course led by Professor Delpy Neirotti. Being located in the District of Columbia is also a huge advantage, which has allowed me to pursue many different types of internships within the sports industry. I knew I would not be able to have these opportunities anywhere else but GW.
Q: What is something you wish you had known about going into the industry before college and applying to internships?
A: When people say, "you have to have a thick skin to work in sports," they mean it! Working in sports can be very demanding and at times requires the ability to bounce back from adversity. But if you are passionate about what you do, are resilient, and surround yourself with good people, it is worth it.
Q:Who is your role model in the sports industry?
A: It is so tough to pick just one person. I truly admire several women in the sports industry that have forged their own path and supported other women. Megan Rapinoe from the US Women’s Soccer team immediately comes to mind. Trailblazers like Dr. Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach, and recently Alyssa Nakken, the first on-field MLB coach, are also huge role models of mine.
Q: Who is one connection of yours that you have stuck by and always followed up with?
A: While I was a student manager for men's lacrosse at Notre Dame, I was very fortunate to have a great supervisor and leader, Jonathan Rodak. He supported me as I started pursuing a career in sports and he has always believed in me. Jon is a huge part of the reason why I am in sports today and has continued to be a great mentor and friend over the years.
Q: What experiences do you have working in the sports industry?
A: I started out as a student manager at Notre Dame, spending three years with the football team before moving over to work with men’s lacrosse for my senior year. After graduation, I became the Director of Operations for Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving at the University of Michigan, where I spent two seasons. In that role, I organized all team travel, meals, equipment, scheduling, budgeting, and video. I also had the privilege of supporting two Big Ten Champion teams during my time there. After deciding to return to graduate school, I moved to DC and spent my first semester as the Marketing and Communications Assistant for the Military Bowl. I coordinated social media content leading up to and during the bowl game. During the spring, I had the opportunity to attend the National Sports Forum in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, I competed in a case cup competition with three of my George Washington classmates, where our team placed third. I also volunteered at the SINC Conference, held at GW.
Q: What are you doing this summer?
A: I had started an internship with the Washington Nationals, but unfortunately due to COVID-19, my internship program was suspended. I am using this summer as an opportunity to build some of my skills, while also continuing to network and prepare for the upcoming fall semester.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I am motivated by helping others. Whether it's helping student-athletes succeed, passing along my knowledge of the sports industry, or volunteering, I have found a lot of value in giving back to those around me.
Q: What is one thing people should definitely know about you?
A: I am a huge Notre Dame Football fan, but I also love watching lacrosse, especially the Premier Lacrosse League. Go Redwoods!
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I have a golden retriever named Brady, who is named after former Notre Dame Football quarterback Brady Quinn.
Check out Shannon on LinkedIn! - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkearney/