Thursday, February 1, 2018

The 2018 GNAC Working In Sports seminar will take place on Sat., Mar. 3, at the Alaska Airlines Center on the campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Now in its fourth year, the Working In Sports provides high school and college-aged students with an interest in a career in athletics a chance to hear from, and network with, professionals from all aspects of the athletics industry.

The seminar is limited to the first 100 registrants. To reserve your spot, visit GNACTickets.com.

This Working In Sports Spotlight profiles one of this year’s featured panelists.

Name: Jill Willson
Current Position: President, Double L Consulting
Years In Current Position:10

Colleges Attended & Degrees: Ranger (Texas) Junior College, West Texas A&M (Undergraduate, Biology), Wayland Baptist University (Graduate, Education)

Primary Job Responsibilities: NCAA Governance Contractor (Community Engagement, D2ADA Mentoring Program, Coaches Connection, Campus Retreats). NCAA Membership (New Member Process, Compliance Blueprint reviews). President Double L Consulting (Athletic Director Job Search Firm - Division II).

Things You Enjoy Most About Your Job: The people I get to interact with across the country!

Why You Pursued A Professional Career In The Athletics Industry: I wanted to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes.

First Job In The Sports Industry: Women's Basketball Coach

A Key Mentor Who Helped You On My Career Path: Judy Southard, former director of athletics at Texas Woman’s University and senior associate athletic director at LSU.

Most Influential Person In Your Early Professional Development (And Why): Jody Conradt, who was the women's basketball coach at the University of Texas. I admired Jody as a woman who made a difference every day in the life of her team, the University of Texas and the Austin community. Jody was and still is my hero!

Biggest Hurdle You Overcame Breaking Into The Sports Industry: I was a kid from a small town who had very little money but dreamed of being a head coach and then athletic director at Texas A&M-Kingsville. I had amazing support from my family and friends who instilled in me a desire to work hard every day to accomplish great things.

Key Attributes That Have Helped Me To Be Successful: Great work ethic, avid reader, great support from my TRIBE and patience.

Looking Back, What Is One Thing I Would Do In College Or Early On To Help Me Along My Career Path: Steal great ideas from everyone you meet and write your goals down!

Best Advice You Would Give To A Young Adult Wanting To Work In Sports: Start your network as early as you can. It really is all about who you know!

Favorite Sports Team: University of Texas Women’s Basketball

Favorite Athlete: Kami Ethridge, point guard for the undefeated Texas national championship team (1988), 1988 Olympic gold medal winner and current head coach at Northern Colorado.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning the first Lone Star Conference championship for Texas A&M-Kingsville in women’s basketball in 2000.