Hello, welcome to SportsGrad! 👋 

Here you’ll find interviews with (almost) every job in the sports industry.
We ask people living the dream:
“How did you get your job?” and “What does it actually involve?”
So that you can land a dream job in sports too.

Enjoy!

“Breaking into sports is tough, but turning a no into a yes has been my greatest skill.” - Kieran Kilcoyne

Meet Kieran Kilcoyne, the Ticket Sales Executive at Bay FC. Kieran’s work is pivotal in creating the electric atmosphere fans experience at games, ensuring the stands are packed for Bay FC’s inaugural season. His role contributes directly to the franchise’s record-breaking achievements, like the most wins for an NWSL expansion team in their debut year.

Kieran’s journey began in the UK and led him to study in the U.S., where he juggled academics with internships. From convincing the Houston Dynamo to craft a custom internship during COVID-19 to navigating visa challenges, his path is marked by persistence and creativity.

If you’re looking for actionable advice on breaking into sports, building a network, and overcoming self-doubt, Kieran’s journey will inspire you to tackle the challenges of a sports career head-on. Avoid aimless job hunts and discover how to build your dream sports career.

🔥 Quickfire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport?

   Growing up, sports were my escape and my passion. I’m a fierce competitor, and that drive has shaped my career.

2. What was your first sports-related role?

   A bespoke internship with Houston Dynamo during COVID-19 after turning a rejection into an opportunity.

3. After High School, what extra study did you do?

   I earned a BA in Sport Management and an MBA to diversify my expertise.

4. What's one interview question you were asked for your current job?

   “Save the ship or the crew?” I chose the ship—leadership means prioritising long-term survival.

5. A book or podcast recommendation that's helped your career?

   "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?

   General Manager—I’d love to build teams and make strategic decisions.

🔥 Quickfire Journey

1. Studied Sport Management in North Carolina, playing collegiate soccer.

2. Turned a COVID-19 internship cancellation into a bespoke experience with Houston Dynamo.

3. Pursued further education with an MBA to stand out.

4. Secured a role with Bay FC, contributing to their historic inaugural season.

💬 Quotes from Kieran

"Breaking into sports is tough, but turning a no into a yes has been my greatest skill."

"Standing before 18,000 fans, I knew all the rejections were worth it."

"I learned to knock on doors—and when to knock them down."

"A career in sports isn’t just a job; it’s a dream come true."

"At Bay FC, we’re not just selling tickets; we’re building history."

"The passion for sports drives me—on and off the pitch."

"From virtual internships to sell-out crowds, resilience made it possible."

"The sports industry rewards persistence—and I’m living proof."

"Networking isn’t just about connections; it’s about finding your tribe."

"Every fan in a seat is a story waiting to be told."

Career Journey: How did Kieran get here?

Early Love for Sports:

Kieran’s passion for sports began in his childhood in the UK. A natural competitor, he participated in a variety of sports, including football, badminton, and track and field. While he dreamed of being a professional athlete, he soon realised his future lay off the field.

Taking the Leap to the U.S.:

With a desire to stand out in the competitive sports industry, Kieran moved to the U.S. to study Sport Management while playing collegiate soccer. This combination of academics and athletics helped him develop discipline and adaptability.

Turning Setbacks into Opportunities:

When COVID-19 led to the cancellation of his internship with Houston Dynamo, Kieran demonstrated resilience. He convinced the organisation to create a personalised internship, giving him hands-on experience in ticket sales and fan engagement.

Advancing His Education:

Recognising the importance of standing out, Kieran pursued an MBA after completing his undergraduate degree. This decision not only enhanced his business acumen but also prepared him for leadership roles in the sports industry.

Networking and Building Relationships:

Throughout his journey, Kieran prioritised networking, reaching out to professionals and mentors in every role. His proactive approach to building connections opened doors to new opportunities and provided invaluable guidance.

Joining Bay FC’s Inaugural Season:

Kieran joined Bay FC during the fastest sports franchise launch in history. He played a crucial role in filling the stadium for the team’s debut season, contributing to record-breaking attendance and fan engagement. His work directly supported the club’s mission of making history in the NWSL.

Role Overview: What does Ticket Sales actually involve?

Kieran’s role involves connecting fans with memorable game-day experiences. He drives ticket sales through:

Sales Outreach

Proactively contacting individuals, groups, and corporate clients to drive ticket sales. He uses phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings to connect with potential customers and tailor solutions to their needs.

Building Relationships

Understanding client needs is at the heart of Kieran’s approach. He listens actively and ensures fans find the right ticketing options, whether for individual games, group outings, or season memberships.

Sales Strategies

Kieran develops data-driven strategies to optimise revenue. This includes identifying target audiences, tracking customer engagement, and creating outreach plans that align with the club’s goals.

Collaboration Across Teams

Working closely with marketing and customer service teams, Kieran ensures fans enjoy a seamless experience from ticket purchase to game day. His collaborative approach enhances both sales and fan satisfaction.

Season Ticket Growth

A key focus early in the year, Kieran prioritises season ticket sales, tapping into fan interest and leveraging local businesses for group and corporate packages.

Handling Objections

Kieran tackles challenges like limited premium seating by educating fans on membership benefits and guiding them toward flexible solutions, ensuring they feel valued and included.

Innovating Fan Engagement

By hosting youth groups, corporate outings, and family-centric promotions, Kieran turns ticket sales into opportunities for community building, making every match day memorable.

Questions asked by Members

1. How did you break into sports?

2. What challenges did you face as an international worker?

3. How do you stay motivated during rejection?

4. What’s your advice for someone new to sales?

5. How do you prepare for interviews in the sports industry?

6. What’s the day-to-day of a ticket sales executive?

7. How do you network effectively?

8. What skills should I develop for a role like yours?

9. How do you deal with difficult customers?

10. What’s next for Bay FC?

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