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Eliza Rice, '19
Tell us a bit about yourself. What are you doing now?
When an injury forced me to end my track career, I realized my personality hinged on my performance on the track and in the classroom. It was time for me to reevaluate. I worked a few different jobs, from waitressing to being a stock exchange broker, and eventually decided I wanted to take the leap and study abroad in France. Now that I wasn't tied down with intensive workouts six days a week, I had the freedom to invest my time and efforts in my other passions.
After 18 months and two promotions with the Bucks, I now work as an Account Service Executive, where I'm responsible for a book of 400 members worth over $5.1 million.
What prompted your interest in this career?
Since my youth, sports and competition have played a large role in my life. Born in the suburbs of Milwaukee and raised in Nebraska, I spent my weekends cheering on the Bucks and Huskers. When it came time to narrow down my career aspirations, working in the NBA sounded like an absolute dream (a dream so perfect that it felt unattainable). I told myself, "I don't have the money or connections to land a job like that." However, I'm a strong believer in the power of hard work, and luckily I found an industry and organization that shares this same value.
How long have you been in this field?
My career within the NBA officially began in June 2023, but I began interning for a local sports agency as early as May 2021. Therefore, I've been working within sports for three years.
What do you love about your career? What are your career goals?
I love that my career is people-centric and energetic. I get paid to build relationships with my members and ensure they make unforgettable memories with the Bucks year over year. My work is where they come for their play. Though my role often requires long hours and emotionally taxing conversations, at the end of the day, it's just tickets and basketball - not open heart surgery. It's about creating and perpetuating joy through sport!
My ultimate career goal is still somewhat hazy, as I'm still continuing to learn more about myself, my passions, and what brings me joy in life. I aspire to not define my worth by a job title or salary, but instead be a person who promotes creativity, healthy competition, positivity, balance, and compassion.
What advice would you give to yourself five years ago as a BT graduate, preparing for life after high school?
Looking back, I would've told myself that life will never completely go to plan.
It is important to think about your future and the person you'd like to become. However, my best advice would be to expect the unexpected and welcome change with open arms - you never know where it might take you!
Did you participate in sports at any school level, intramural, or recreationally?
Yes - In high school I played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. I continued my track career into college at the University of New Mexico but retired after my sophomore year due to injury.
Were there any classes or activities in high school or college that influenced your decision to go into this field?
My involvement in high school sports ignited my love for competition and constant self-improvement. In track and field, athletes appear to race against each other. However, in life, it's guaranteed that someone will always be faster, smarter, more wealthy, etc. than you. Trying to be better than someone else is a futile and unsatisfactory goal. Personally, I found competing against myself to be the most motivating. The most rewarding achievements are those that prove that I'm a better version of myself than the previous day or race. This mentality influenced my decision to pursue a career in sports, as I'm able to challenge and compete against myself each day. This time it's in Fiserv Forum instead of on the track!
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in a male-dominated field?
Have confidence in your competence. There may be pressure to change your personality, communication style, or appearance to fit pre-existing standards, but do not give in. You are prepared and deserving to be in your role/workplace, so act like it! Be your (professional) self, challenge the status quo, use exclamation points in emails, and set the precedent for women to come.
Jason Kohll, '97
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family. What are you doing now?
I live in Houston with my wife, Stephanie, and our two boys Hayden and Drew. I’ve now been here for over 20 years. But Nebraska is home, and my family and I spend almost two months in Omaha each year. We love it - surrounded by family, friends, and the easy Nebraska life.
What prompted your interest in this career?
Well I’ve loved sports from an early age. Going to Nebraska football games with my dad are some of my most treasured memories. When I went to college I realized I could forge a career in the industry. When I graduated the industry wasn’t as dynamic as it is now. I caught a break by entering a program outside of Portland that got my foot in the industry.
How long have you been in this field? What roles have you been in and what has been the progression of your career?
In 2001 I dove straight in. The first decade was spent working for teams within MLB and the NBA. I had a chance to lead the Houston Rockets commercial sales for several years during the Yao Ming era. It was an incredible time with a fast growing global influence. I took that experience to start my own agency in 2012. Professional Sports Partners is based in Houston, but we work all across the country.
What do you love about your career?
What I enjoy most is how our 25-person team develops and executes some of the most high profile events in the world. Although we are behind the scenes, seeing our ideas come to life in front of millions is awesome.
What changes have you seen in this field? And how has it influenced your career?
My agency has really benefited from the growth of the sports industry. Several years ago there was a question about how sports viewership would be impacted by the ever changing media landscape. Well the race is over, and sports not only won but is now more dominant than ever. A flood of investment has come into the space, from fan experience to culinary to virtual reality. Being a nimble agency positions us to win in this environment.
Were there any classes or activities in high school or college that influenced your decision to go into the field?
I had the best experience at BT. Teachers, coaches, friends, all of it. A small environment fits me best. My kids are in a similar environment in Houston. Participating in so many activities grew my confidence. Also, I have to call out Coach Ron Scribner. So incredibly thankful for the impact he made on me. One of the best men in the world. Anyone who was at BT while he was there smiles when thinking about him.
Did you participate in sports at any school level, intramural, or recreationally?
I was pretty active in all sports. At a larger school I wouldn’t have had the role I had at BT. Hard to imagine what my life would have been like otherwise.
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Dede Allan, '80
Tell us a bit about yourself. What are you doing now?
After graduating from BT, my family moved to Asheville, NC where I attended UNCA and earned a BS in Financial Management. As an undergraduate, I worked in the recreation department as a lifeguard. I was then provided other opportunities to work at the box office, concessions, and facility management. That just continued to evolve into a job after I graduated managing the facility and as an event coordinator. After a couple of years, a full-time position was created. Within a year of that, I was also given the responsibility of handling the budget and business side of the department. I worked at my alma mater for eight years full-time, during which I earned my masters degree in Human Resource Development at Western Carolina University. I moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1994 to accept a new position as Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Academics. Currently, I am the Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I supervise NCAA Compliance, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Medicine, Human Resources and am the sport administrator for Volleyball. This is my 31st year at UAA.
What prompted your interest in this career?
It really was a process of elimination! I interviewed with banks after graduation, and it just never felt like the right fit so I kept working in athletics at UNC Asheville. I believe in making the smaller decisions that feel right until the "right" path is obvious. While my degrees certainly have been applied in my career and have provided me a great foundation to build upon, it really wouldn't have mattered what I chose. So much of my career has been guided by doing what fulfills me personally and gives me a sense of purpose. The environment of athletics with the ebb and flow of different seasons and student athletes who mature have always provided me with a sense of accomplishment and variety that makes it worthwhile.
How long have you been in this field?
Almost 40 years.
What do you love about your career?
Being in a position to instill life lessons and guide young men and women to graduation and to their lives after sport/college.
What changes have you seen in this field?
NCAA compliance is an ever-changing landscape. With many of the recent changes in how amateurism is defined along with how student athletes can now monetize their name, image and likeness is one of the biggest!
The changes keep me learning and growing personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Take more vacations...I work in a career that really never has a down time, so it never seems like a good time to be away. However, when a crisis happens, it's amazing how quickly time away can be arranged and work out just fine!
Were there any classes or activities in high school or college that influenced your decision to go into the field?
Absolutely! I think being encouraged at BT to be involved in theatre, yearbook and to play field hockey and basketball were integral in me finding my "feet" and gaining confidence, resilience, and understanding commitment. It has served me extremely well personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in a male-dominated field?
Focus on doing your best; it's not a competition with men. It's about setting your own standards. I always looked for ways to be part of the team. I am vociferous about equality. I didn't expect special treatment, but I did demand equitable treatment. I was lucky to work in departments where my colleagues and bosses valued me because of the work I did without regard to my gender! Look for those people.
