🏆 Career Insights: Global Sports Marketing

From Australia to the Global Sports Arena

Steph grew up in Australia, where sports was a big part of her life. She participated in various sports, from swimming to cross country and rowing, which laid the foundation for her passion for sports. Moving to the U.S. for college, she attended the University of Oklahoma (OU) as an athlete on the women's rowing team. This experience exposed her to the magnitude of collegiate athletics in the U.S., starkly different from what she knew in Australia. Majoring in finance and sports management, Steph knew early on she wanted to stay within the sports industry, whether with a league or sports-adjacent brand. “I knew I just wanted to live and breathe sports,” she recalls. 

During her junior year at OU, she secured an internship at Nike by reaching out past the application deadline—a move that landed her in Beaverton for the summer. She explained that the Nike internship was her crash course in the sports business. After graduating, she returned to Nike, where she met Hyperice Founder Anthony Katz while working on partnerships that introduced external brands to the Nike campus. Before joining Hyperice, Steph worked for Uber in Australia, focusing on consumer behavior, brand loyalty, and driver success. She notes how this experience was pivotal in shaping her understanding of consumer insights and community building. Following her time at Nike and Uber, her connection with Katz led her to Hyperice, where she started in content production and creative storytelling before transitioning into marketing strategy.

Keys to Success and Hiring Insights

Working at companies such as Nike and now Hyperice, Steph has observed key traits that consistently lead to success. She notes that building solid relationships is extremely important, whether working with agency partners, athletes, or other brands. Steph emphasizes the importance of understanding the goals and priorities of everyone involved and building authentic connections. Communication is also crucial; it's important to communicate excessively and ensure everyone is on the same page, especially in a global business with teams across various time zones and languages. “Prioritize strong communication—whether virtual, in-person, or written. It’s crucial to be upfront and over-communicate, ensuring that all key parties are well-informed about what's going on.”

When it comes to hiring, Steph values passion, curiosity, and a drive to learn. She looks for candidates who come prepared, show excitement for the brand, and are eager to dive in and contribute. “Many skills can be taught, and learning is a continuous process—I’m still learning every day. However, as long as you have passion and eagerness, you’ll set yourself up for success.” At Hyperice, much like her own journey, being willing to "get your hands dirty" and learn on the fly is a core part of the culture.

Advice to Break Into Sports

For anyone aiming to break into sports, Steph offers three key insights. First, prioritize networking and remain curious. Her experience at Nike taught her the value of being a sponge—absorbing knowledge and showing genuine interest. This approach not only helps in connecting with the right people but also demonstrates dedication and eagerness to learn. “Find the right people, ask the right questions, and continue to prioritize your own development.”

Second, dive fully into the business side of sports. Understand how social media campaigns and major events impact the economy and drive engagement. “Sometimes, the stories behind the scenes and the numbers are just as fascinating as the events themselves.” Lastly, Steph advises seizing opportunities with confidence. The chances for new roles or pitching ideas are rare and fleeting in the sports world. Embrace these moments fully and take bold actions. “In sports, you often get only one shot—whether for a new job, a pitch, or an idea. You have to seize those opportunities because they may not come around again. Find your confidence, know what you want, and give it your best shot.”

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