Friday, February 10, 2017

The third “Women in Sports” career seminar, presented by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, will be held on Sat., April 8 in Portland, Ore.

Designed for college and high school females interested in pursuing sports-related careers, the seminar will take place at Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.

The event will feature panelists from a broad cross-section of occupational paths, including coaching, administration, business, marketing, media, media relations, NCAA compliance, sports medicine, ticket sales and officiating. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with — and seek career advice from — a slate of experienced sports professionals in a round-table format.

Attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants. Register Now.

Below is a profile on a panelist who will be featured at this year's event.

STACIE MATZ-GORDON, LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE
Position: Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
Colleges Attended: Western Oregon University; Pacific Lutheran University; Concordia University - Irvine (Calif.)
College Major: B.A. Business Administration – Marketing; M.A. Coaching and Athletic Administration
Years in Current Position: 4.5 years

Primary Job Responsibilities: I am responsible for all aspects of the volleyball program (recruitment, retention, practice, scheduling, travel, etc).

Things I Enjoy Most About My Job: I enjoy getting the opportunity to positively impact the young women that come through my program.

Why Did You Pursue A Professional Career In The Athletics Industry: Playing sports is really the first place I ever felt like I really belonged and I found my kind of people. I also have a deep passion for sports, specifically collegiate athletics, and giving back to the experience that helped shape the woman I am today.

First Job In The Sports Industry: Club volleyball assistant coach.

A Key Mentor Who Helped You On My Career Path: Sharon Sexton, the associate athletic director and senior woman administrator at Lewis & Clark College.

Most Influential Person In Your Early Professional Development: Juli Fulks, who is now the head women's basketball coach at Transylvania University. Juli was the head women’s basketball coach at Lewis & Clark when I first got the head coach position. She immediately took me under her wing and helped me find my niche as a coach and how to be successful in the world of coaching collegiately. I continue to reach out to her for advice and couldn't be more thankful she has since become a dear friend and peer.

Biggest Hurdle You Overcame Breaking Into The Sports Industry: Finding the balance between putting in the time necessary to succeed in this industry and still having a healthy work/life balance.

Key Attributes That Have Helped Shape Your Career Path: Be a lifelong learner. We can never know too much about our sport, working with people or knowing ourselves. Network. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people. Ask for help. We aren't supposed to know everything and it doesn't make us bad coaches to admit that. Self-care. you can't pour into others with an empty cup.

Looking Back, What Is One Thing That You Would Do In College Or Early On To Help Me Along Your Career Path?: I wish I would have asked about what the path to college typically looks like and would have hoped someone would have told me about the graduate assistant coaching programs many schools have. Free school and you get to coach! I would have done that route in a heartbeat.

Best Advice You Would Give To A Young Female Wanting To Work In Sports: Always be authentic to who you are. Don't be afraid to fight for what you deserve, and expect to put in the work for what you want.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks (GO HAWKS!)

Favorite Athlete: Keri Walsh-Jennings