Jessica Radford | Conference USA
Hometown/Current City: Detroit, Mich./ Dallas, Texas
College Major: B.A. in Mass Communications: General Broadcasting (Norfolk State), M.A. in Communications: Media and Public Relations (Pacific)
Current Job/Title: Associate Director of Strategic Communications at Conference USA
What did you pursue after graduating?
I was able to jump straight into working in college athletics with Conference USA due to my experience working in the University of the Pacific athletics department while obtaining my master’s.
What is your current job and what do you like most about it?
I am currently an Associate Director of Strategic Communications; my role oversees all communications efforts for volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s golf and beach volleyball for all 10 institutions in our league. I love that I get to work with multiple sports, travel to different schools/states, and learn about new sports I never played growing up.
What is a professional highlight of your career where you currently work or in the past?
After undergrad, I didn't pursue many broadcasting opportunities. When the chance to be featured in commercial spots for the new schools joining the league arose, I jumped at it. It was so fun to be back in front of the camera, and that experience led to new opportunities, including voiceover work and podcasting.
What was the most valuable thing you got out of your college sports experience?
Learning time management and having a structured schedule prepared me for life after college. I value having a routine and setting aside time for things I like to do outside of work.
What is your most fond memory of college athletics?
Creating lasting friendships with my teammates that are still in my life today. Anytime we would travel or just hang out around campus, a memory was made.
What are you most proud of in your college career?
Overcoming anxiety that I developed over the course of my college career. By my senior year, I can honestly say I dug myself out of a hole and found love for the game of volleyball again and actually enjoyed playing my final year.
What fills your time now?
I play in adult volleyball leagues, indoor and sand! I coach club volleyball as well, teaching young girls’ volleyball and building relationships with them is probably one of my favorite things. Going out and exploring Dallas with my best friend or sitting at home watching cringey Netflix shows/movies with her is another one of my favorite pastimes.
What piece of advice would you have for current student-athletes?
I’m not sure if this is good advice haha but enjoy the present, live in the now because you’ll never get these years back but also set yourself for success while you’re at it (join clubs, find internships, etc.) That way only YOU can decide what path you truly want to go down, whether that’s to keep pursuing athletics or another line of work.