Q&A with JoAn Scott

Check out this Q&A with this year's Our Turn to Play keynote speaker, JoAn Scott. For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, or making a donation for the "Our Turn To Play" event, visit https://uncabulldogs.com/sports/2020/2/26/OTTP.aspx or contact Anna Catherine Pritchard at apritch2@unca.edu.

- What inspired you to pursue a career in the sports industry?

I played volleyball and basketball and participated in track in high school, and played volleyball in college and one year of basketball. During college I worked for the men's basketball coaches and learned about scouting, recruiting, and basketball camps.   I got hooked on working in athletics, and moved to Colorado Springs soon after graduation from college. There was a position open at USA Basketball that I interviewed for and was hired for, and the rest is history. If it weren't for the great high school and college coaches I had, I'm not sure I would have wanted to work in athletics.

- What has stayed with you from your time as a student-athlete to influence your success now?

I am the ultimate walk on. I was a walk on in volleyball and had to prove myself from day one. I eventually earned a scholarship, but I've taken the walk on mentality with me throughout life. I'm also from a small town in Nebraska with a population of 631 when I graduated from high school – so I always felt like I had to prove myself.   There's nothing I do on a daily basis after 40 years in this business where I still don't approach it with a walk on mentality, with the need to prove myself.

- What has been the biggest risk that paid off?

Leaving USA Basketball to learn the business of Nike.   I think a lot of folks think they need to stay with a company, or even a university to work their way up. I felt that I had learned the "basketball operations" side of basketball through my years of playing, working for coaches with USA Basketball. I decided I wanted to differentiate myself as a female by learning the business side of marketing and branding.   Several folks told me I was making the biggest mistake of my career, but I've never looked back and I know I wouldn't have been hired for my current role without the diverse background of my career.

- What would you consider to be some highlights from your professional career?

Certainly working with the 1992 Dream Team is the highlight of my career.   I knew it in 1992 and I still know it today. It was just a very incredible experience from beginning to end. But also being involved with March Madness is one of the most joyful highlights of my career because everyone from age 8 to 80 loves March Madness. It's a special job, where I get to meet/work with a lot of DI administrators and coaches, who I've learned a lot from over the past 10 years.

- What advice do you have for women who aim to get into the sports industry?

I think students today love sports administration because it's "fun" and something you can be passionate about.   It certainly is, and I've made my passion my profession.   The best advice I can give any woman is to find the best mentor right out of college to teach you anything and everything.   And to learn as much about the sport as marketing/sales/administration.   It's the combination of the many aspects of the business that prepares you for a fulfilling career in athletics.

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics

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