Even though you’ve only just begun your career, what have you learned about yourself?
I am more adaptable than I thought I was. In this industry, you meet a ton of people. You have to be flexible and our jobs are ever-changing. I have assisted three head coaches during my time here, so I have had to adapt to whatever the current head coach prefers. I’ve learned that I got this, whatever that coach needs. Sometimes a new coach will show me a different way to do something, and learning new ways to do a job has given me other perspectives.
Now, let’s turn to mentorship. Do you have any mentors, and what advice have you received from them?
When I first got into the league, Mari Jo Kohler and Christina Wedding took me under their wings and really helped me. They were in the football operations world and showed me the ropes. They were two people I really relied on. Then, when I went into coaching operations, I looked to Steve Scarnecchia and Laura Young, and I still talk to all of these people often when I’m facing a problem or need advice. They mean a lot to me. And of course, my dad. He’s the reason I got into football, and it’s a very big part of our relationship.
And now, what advice do you have for other women looking to get into a career in this space?
No job is too small and no obstacle is too big. That’s one thing. Another I’ve had to learn that my friend Isabel “Izzy” Diaz, who works with the Indianapolis Colts, taught me: Closed mouths don’t get fed. As women, we get taught at a young age that you have to be quiet in certain spaces or only speak when spoken to. It’s important that women know we can be in this male-dominated space and do our jobs at a very high level, and we need to speak up for ourselves. There’s no need for us as women to make ourselves smaller when we know we’re doing a damn good job at something. That’s the biggest thing.
That’s a great point and some great advice. Now, looking ahead, what are other goals for your career?
The big picture is to win a Lombardi Trophy. But in the short term, I always tell coaches that I want to see them have success more than I want to see the success for myself. My role is very behind the scenes, and I enjoy that part of it. I enjoy doing the day-to-day work so the coaches I assist can call plays on Sundays. If they have success or reach a milestone in their careers, that brings peace to me, knowing that I helped them achieve that success in some way.
And lastly, what are you most proud of?
Going from football operations to coaching operations. Football operations is more about the big picture and the entire team, logistics and there are a lot of moving pieces. Coaching operations is narrowed down to the coaching staff. I am a reflection of AG’s culture in the organization and trying to help him prepare for whatever comes next. I was hesitant at first when coach Robert Saleh asked me to move departments, but I’m so glad I took that opportunity. I’m really proud of myself for taking that job and finding my place in football.