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Job interviews never phase me…

At least they hadn’t until December 18, 2017.

On that day, I stood in front of eight C-Level Executives and Vice Presidents at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx offices and pitched the group on why I should be their new Senior Manager of Digital Content.

This was my hometown team. For years, I had a vision journal that included the goal “return to Timberwolves and Lynx.” I quite literally created a new email address and shot a rogue message to the team’s then Vice President of Marketing, Lindsay Milne, for a shot at this opportunity.

So, for this one time, I was nervous. Knees weak, arms heavy, all of it.

Despite the uneasiness I felt, that day changed my life.

For the last four-plus years, “work” has entailed things that I could only dream of.

Traveling with my favorite NBA team on chartered flights, concepting campaigns for uniforms that won’t see the public eye for a year, sending players photos that I took of them while seated on the hardwood, working on six-figure-plus budget ideas, and so much more.

Even when I dreamt about this opportunity, I genuinely never imagined it to this extent.

And though these experiences have been incredible, what I’m most proud of is the feats our digital content team has achieved and how much our department has grown.

We won an NBA Digital Innovator Award, Hashtag Sports Award, were #1 in the NBA in Twitter video revenue, have been Top 5 in Engagement Rate across platforms over the last four years, and that’s just to name a few.

The comparison of where we started as a department in 2018 versus where we’re at in 2022 is so drastic, words wouldn’t do it justice. That’s a testament to our leaders’ willingness to listen and learn the value of digital content, and the content team’s willingness to go above and beyond job responsibilities.

Each and every day, I came to the office thrilled that I get to call this work. It’s an unrivaled feeling to deeply believe in the place you work, love what you do, and enjoy who you’re working with.

Those who know me know that my passion for the Wolves & Lynx is rivaled only by my passion to impact the sports world. Specifically when it comes to sports teams, I’ve been very vocal in regards to a need for improvement when it comes to competitive pay, balance, hiring practices, and growth opportunities.

Those concerns still exist industry-wide, but I genuinely believe that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx are one of, if not the most forward-thinking sports team when it comes to these issues. Whenever I had constructive criticism, it was heard and addressed. I’ve learned immensely from the leaders and my colleagues within this organization. There are too many to name, but I’ll say this: from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the last four-plus years. I’m forever grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the time I’ve had the pleasure to share with you all.

As I embark on a new journey, I’ll look back fondly on this experience and strive to emulate the culture and trust that I’ve been fortunate to be a small part of.

Knowing how much I love the Timberwolves & Lynx, and as they continue on what’s sure to be a meteoric rise on and off the court, I’ve continually been asked “are you sure this is the right move?”

The truth is, betting on myself is and has always been the right move.

That’s what brought me back here, after all.

And who knows, maybe one day….

🐺