Knowing your role, Thriving in your role:

Ryan learned a valuable lesson during college basketball by understanding his role and thriving in it. Initially, he was a bench player, only playing 8-10 minutes per game, but he embraced his role and supported his teammates as much as possible. Ryan became the best at his role, and his dedication and leadership led him to become the team's captain and starter. This lesson inspired Ryan to pursue a career in the sports industry. He was passionate about storytelling and made several sports documentaries while in college. After finishing school, he worked with ESPN for five weeks at the US Open. He managed to secure this opportunity through a connection he had made in college. This experience helped him explore new opportunities and better understand social media. Ryan started his career with the NBA as a logger/production trainee. His role involved the production and archiving of footage. During his time with the NBA, he was introduced to social media and soon became a production assistant within the social media team. Ryan made his way into the editing room to learn about social strategy and content for each platform, discovering what would work best..

From the NBA to the New York Yankees:

Ryan worked for the NBA League Office and frequently attended several Yankees games during the summer of 2019. In September of the same year, he had an interview at Yankee Stadium and discovered that he could now be a part of the organization he had loved his entire life as a lifelong Yankee fan. Ryan quickly transitioned from fan to Yankees employee. He currently hires staff, serving as a leading resource for millions of fans of one of the world's most prominent sports organizations. He and his team focus on creating a voice that is intense, winning, clever, and memorable, understanding the prestige of the Yankees' brand, its weight, and the history that comes with it. Social media plays a significant role in the reach and influence of the Yankees. Ryan is motivated to build and create the most exciting content and entertainment for some of the most passionate fans in the world. Ryan understands that working in sports can be challenging as your life progresses and families are built. He is a husband and father who enjoys his work and believes it is possible to excel at both. Ryan emphasizes that “clear communication and creating opportunities to connect with your family, friends, and loved ones is key during a 162-game season, not including playoffs.” He advises against taking any sports job lightly, as he understands the immense power of the Yankee brand and how, every day, they get to add to the Yankees' archive. Ryan hopes that people 20 years from now can reflect on the content and stories his team creates daily and relive those moments. The social team is a vital piece of the fantastic work of the Yankees.

Hiring at the highest level:

Ryan understands firsthand how challenging it can be to secure a spot in the Yankees' team, given the high number of applicants that apply within a short period. Ryan advises that building relationships is crucial to succeeding in the sports industry. He recommends connecting with individuals who have the relevant connections to increase your chances of getting hired. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating your skills by showcasing a portfolio of work. When assessing potential employees, Ryan and his team emphasize identifying and thoroughly evaluating critical job skills. For those starting in the industry, Ryan advises taking on small tasks, learning from them, and excelling in entry-level roles. He also highlights the significance of being social, honest, accountable, and communicative. Building trust and respect in the industry requires acknowledging mistakes and working to rectify them. Ryan believes consistently treating people respectfully and putting your best foot forward is essential. "You never know who you will meet, and how you treat people you meet might be the opportunity for your big break. The reputation you build by treating people well can lead to others endorsing you and bringing more opportunities to you.” 

What’s Happening in Sports

🏀 Caitlin Clark, Iowa surge by Nebraska in OT for third straight Big Ten title.

🏆 College football in 2023 enjoyed its highest average attendance since the 2017 season.

🏈 Russell Wilson signing with Steelers: Super Bowl-winning QB agrees to a one-year deal.

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