Going Beyond the Game

Jan 17
6 min read

As you may know, I am a former athlete. I primarily played basketball and ran track. Eventually, the time came when I had to hang up my jersey. The transition from playing my favorite sports left me feeling unsure about what was next once I graduated. No one hardly talks about how difficult it is to give up competing and redefine yourself for the corporate world. Let's go beyond the game as I share how I transformed my passion for sports into a remarkable career.

Attending Florida Atlantic University was a life-changing experience. During my last semester there in May 2017, I took a communications class. One of my assignments was to do an introduction video. I shared some of my background history and career aspirations. See part of it below. I also wrote a paper on the Jacksonville Jaguars' owner, Shad Khan, discussing his background and examining his leadership style for one of my management classes.

Like most college students, I was unsure of which path I wanted to take. After moving back home after graduating, I applied for countless jobs including the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those applications were rejected which left me feeling crushed. I reached a point of desperation where I was applying for jobs in various industries with no sense of direction. I just wanted a job. After a year and a half of unemployment, I finally got a job! It wasn't what I expected, but it was better than nothing. Read more about that testimony in a previous post, “God Did It Again”.

Once I got a job after I graduated with my bachelor's degree, I became comfortable and lost sight of my real dream. I remember how I would pass by EverBank Stadium on my way to my beauty appointments and would say, “One day.” My dream was closer than I thought. I just needed access.

Fast forward to 2023, I began to feel discontent. I was grateful for the job, but I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be. Whenever a transition is getting ready to happen, there will be a stirring. This can be in the form of frustration, a longing to be elsewhere, or a desire to upgrade your life. The primary task of the source is to give subtle hints to prepare for what's next despite having little clarity. During my hiatus, I reevaluated every area of my life then submitted my heart’s desires to the Lord. Something had to shake.

Before shifting to another level, preparation must take place.

I came across a women in sports business page on Instagram. The founder of the brand hosted a live virtual workshop series aimed to empower women who had the desire to advance their career in the sports industry. Each week focused on a specific topic that covered different aspects of job searching. A few people registered so it was pretty small and intimate. I spent the month of May in 2024 with this group of ladies where we shared our journeys and career aspirations. Although the number of attendees was low, the return on investment was high! I made new connections, updated my LinkedIn profile, revamped my resumé, and increased my confidence. This gave me the courage to pursue an unexpected opportunity.

In June, I visited TeamWork Online and saw a job posting for an accreditation assistant role with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was described as an entry level game day position that worked closely with multiple Jaguars departments and stadium partners to manage the accreditation platform and print all credential requests. The duties and requirements were similar to my work experience so I felt qualified to apply. Being the analytical person I am, I began to overthink myself out of it. Previous rejection issues tried to overtake me, but I had to remind myself that fear doesn't live here! My mom also encouraged me to go for it and that gave me a boost. I went through the process and received an email that I got the job!!! I almost fell out of my chair at work lol. From the day I submitted my application to the day I received the offer letter, everything happened in 18 days.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in sports or in an environment with high-profile people, here are some of my top tips:

Be confident.

I allowed underlying rejection issues to overwhelm me. Just because something didn't work out before, doesn't mean it never will. Build yourself up then go after what you want. You never know what you're capable of if you don't try!

Remember previous accomplishments.
Affirm yourself.
Seek support from loved ones.

Don't be starstruck.

There are chances of encountering public figures when working in certain industries. If this happens, be sure to maintain your composure and don't expose inside information. Sometimes it's permissible to say hello but it's important to be mindful of their space and your duties. You still have a job to do.

Use discretion.

Serving others in an administrative role is a privilege. You are privy to things most are not. Guard it with your life.

Make yourself stand out.

The sports industry is very competitive. A lot of people are striving to earn a job in such a prestigious field. That's why you must make yourself stand out from the other applicants. Show enthusiasm, look professional, share relevant work experience, and use Jobscan to help tailor your resume to the job description are ways to increase your chances of getting hired.

It took seven years from the day I recorded the aforementioned video to finally get a job in the sports industry. If you've been waiting to see the manifestation of an outstanding prayer, know that it's on its way.

Although the Jaguars’ season didn't go as we hoped, I still had a blast! The culture was dynamic, my teammates were fun to work with, and the stadium was electric! Being a part of the accreditation team was an incredible experience. The sports industry is where I belong. My next career aspiration is to complete the athlete development specialist certification and become a sports coordinator within the player relations department preferably in the NFL.

The end of my athletic career marked the beginning of a new phase in my life. Leaving the thrill of competition felt bittersweet, but it paved the way for professional growth. It's important to remember that everyone has their own journey. Don't allow comparison to overshadow God's capabilities. He has the power to break the rules and do unconventional things. Commit your ways to the Lord and watch how things work out on your behalf. The appointed time will come. In an instant, God can change anything. He is the god of SUDDENLY.

Scripture references:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I’ll make everything right again for my people Israel:” -Amos 9:13-15

“You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.” -Psalm 102:13

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” -Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” -Psalm 37:5

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” -2 Timothy 1:7

Written with grace,

Kiala

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!