Tuesday, February 7, 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.

ALICE LOEBSACK, SAINT MARTIN'S UNIVERSITY
Position: Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and Wellness
Colleges Attended: University of Wisconsin – Superior; San Jose State University
College Majors: B.S. Exercise Science, Minor in Athletic Training; M.A. Kinesiology
Years In Current Position: 4.5 years

Primary Job Responsibilities: As head athletic trainer, I oversee all medical aspects for Saint Martin's athletics. I assure compliance with NCAA health and safety rules, manage staff and coverage of all NCAA competitions and practices. I develop programming to educate student-athletes regarding wellness and health. I address gender equity and oversee the yearly Title IX review and training. I also participate in the campus wide bystander intervention program, Green Dot, as a trainer.

Things I Enjoy Most About My Job: I love being able to impact student-athletes. Being there for them during times of crisis (whether injuries or personal) and offering a listening ear, medical assistance or getting them to the right person to help with what they’re going through. When they are able to get through the rough patches of life and see the other side, it is a very comforting and accomplishing feeling to think you had even a small hand in helping them. I also enjoy helping them learn to navigate their own healthcare and become their own advocate for their health needs. This valuable education is something I strive to teach our student-athletes.

Why Did You Pursue A Professional Career In The Athletics Industry: I loved the competitiveness and motivation of athletes. I wanted to work with those that had that when it came to medical care.

First Job In The Sports Industry: I was a student-athletic trainer at my high school at the age of 15. I thought this was a career I would enjoy and haven't wavered in what I've done since.

A Key Mentor Who Helped You On Your Career Path: My first two athletic trainers were female. It helped shape what I knew of female athletic trainers as they were polar opposites in their styles and personalities. They were Dena Halle and Phoebe Duke.

Most Influential Person In My Early Professional Development: Phoebe Duke probably shaped me the most in my career. She was strong, tough and could maintain control of her facility. She had the respect of student-athletes as there was never a question that she wanted the best for you and your health above anything.

Biggest Hurdle You Overcame Breaking Into The Sports Industry: Breaking into male sports and wanting to find the respect. Often being the first female working with a male team, traveling and navigating locker rooms was challenging, especially early in my career. It took time for me to realize that I just needed to do my job and if I was the consummate professional, then I would be on the right side of things. It helped me earn respect with coaches not used to working with females.

Key Attributes That Have Helped Shape Your Career Path: Professionalism, motivation, dedication and compassion. I think compassion goes further than anything else. If I only had the first three, then I would lack sincerity in what I'm doing.

Looking Back, What Is One Thing That You Would Do In College Or Early On To Help You Along Your Career Path? I would have loved to go deeper into outside endeavors; volunteering for programs that would expand my experience and taking internships that were challenging but would open more doors.

Best Advice You Would Give To A Young Female Wanting To Work In Sports: Go for it. Don't slow down, compromise in your goals or take what "has always been" as something you need to accept. Opportunities are growing for females every year and there is so much more out there every day because of females pushing the boundaries.

Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers!

Favorite Athlete: Aaron Rodgers

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Covering the Olympic Trials for BMX prior to the 2012 London Games. It was a sport I'd never participated in prior to my volunteering at the Olympic Training Center. It was a totally new experience practicing and preparing skills to manage the injuries that might happen during an event like BMX.