Organized by Flagler’s Sport Management program, the panel featured Stephanie Lynn, director of marketing and live events for the Jacksonville Jaguars; Sara Garcia-Malone, director of business operations and development for Sporting JAX; Sarah Mathis, a Flagler alumna and senior director of guest experience for the Jacksonville Jaguars; and Sam Vance, executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation.
Throughout the event, the panelists drew from their professional experiences to offer insight on building confidence and creating opportunities in the sports industry, both on the field and behind the scenes.
To begin the discussion, panelists acknowledged that women have historically been underrepresented in sports, particularly in leadership roles. Vance reflected on the importance of ensuring women’s perspectives are heard in competitive environments and encouraged students to developconfidence in their voices and ideas.
Another central theme of the program was the varied pathways to sports leadership. While each panelist shared a different journey, their advice was consistent - take every opportunity you can.
For Mathis, that opportunity came through an apprenticeship with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a Flagler Aluma, she emphasized utilizing every resource, and using every project to speak to experts and gain more knowledge, something that she believes Flagler prepares students well to pursue.
Mathis’ story served as a reminder of the abundance of opportunities Flagler gives to students to step up in the world and share their voices. Her story underscored the value of preparation and initiative, particularly for students entering competitive fields where representation continues to evolve.
Panelists also highlighted the wide range of unexpected careers within the sports industry, reminding attendees that you do not have to be an athlete to build a career in the industry.
Lynn, who was a Fine Arts major, shared that she never anticipated a career in professional sports. She noted that “there is a shocking diversity of roles within the sports industry”, encouraging students to pursue what genuinely excites them and “makes their hearts beat”. Today, her work blends creativity and strategy as she connects multiple brands across the organization.
Garcia-Malone shared that directing doesn’t mean sitting behind a desk all day, nor could she stand to do so. Her work often extends beyond the office and into direct engagement with players and events, making each day different.
Something which made all student-athletes lean forward in their chairs was the panelists offering up their own tips and tricks for thriving in the industry, specifically while being a woman. As said by Mathis, “men and women think differently – and it’s a superpower.”
Vance offered her own spin onto the commonly heard phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” However, she was adamant that “it’s not who you know, it’s who you’re connected to”, suggesting instead that meaningful connections are what matter most. She encouraged students to build authentic relationships and to understand the people behind the titles.
She urged the crowd to get to know people behind the scenes, because that is what will make people tick in an interview, not what’s on your resume. She even shared a meaningful yet humorous networking story that ultimately led to an invitation to one of sport’s most luxurious and exclusiveevents.
Vance described being her usual, bubbly self, happily sharing her phone number with an industry executive, who she didn’t know at the time was extremely respected in the industry. Fast-forward a year later, it’s thanks to that random meeting that she was invited to the 2026 Fanatics Superbowl Party, an event she will not be forgetting any time soon. Illustrating how connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Adding to the conversation, Mathis stressed the importance of reliability, which she believes is what will help you get your foot in the door and keep it there, while Garcia-Malone encouraged students to consistently seek opportunity and demonstrate value beyond expectations. Proving that you can give to the game is what will show employers that they made the right choice.
As students gathered following the discussion to connect with the panellists, the impact of the event was clear. In celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Flagler College provided students with direct access to leaders in the industry and reinforced the value of initiative, connection, and confidence in pursuing careers in sports.
