#NACMAYP of the Month (October 2018) - Leslye Choat
Name: Leslye Choate
Current Position: Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement at Samford University
Number of Years in Current Position: 3 months, 2 days
Conference: Southern Conference
Alma Mater(s): Undergrad: Murray State University, Masters: LIM College
Twitter Handle: @LeslyeC
When/why did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?
I started to pursue a career in athletics when I was a sophomore in college. I was a student intern and really enjoyed working all the sporting events and coming up with creative ways to get students and fans to games. I can thank Amy Wyatt, Assistant AD of Marketing & Fan Engagement at Murray State University, for helping me because she was the one that pushed me to stay as a student worker throughout college and I am so glad that I did because it led me to where I am now.
What is one thing that has surprised you about working in this profession?
When you do something you love, the hours don’t matter.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you have a creative idea, try it. You can’t be afraid to fail. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and we will know for next time.
Who is your role model in this industry and why?
Katie Locke, Director of Ticket Operations at Austin Peay State University. I had the pleasure of working with her last year as a marketing assistant at Austin Peay. Her passion and dedication for what she does drives me to not only be better professionally, but drives me to be a better person. I am very thankful for her and I hope someone will look up to me one day as much as I look up to her.
What are your career aspirations?
Being an Associate AD for Marketing
What has been your most memorable moment on the job?
The most memorable moment on the job thus far was turning around and seeing the crowd at our first football game. I was going into this job not really knowing what to expect and in that moment seeing a student record attendance, I was really proud of myself and the team I work with.
Share one funny moment or story from game day.
We have this promotion where a fan races “Speedy SAM” and during the promotion “Speedy SAM” pulled his hamstring and was M.I.A the rest of the game getting treatment from a trainer. And “Speedy SAM” is 1 and 2.
If you weren’t working in college athletics, what would you be doing?
My master’s degree is in Fashion Merchandising and if I wasn’t working in athletics I would love to direct fashion shows.
Kevin Young, Associate AD of Marketing and Strategic Communication at Samford University, on Lesyle:
“Leslye has done tremendous job of thinking outside the box to engage our fan base here at Samford. She keeps our office in line, organized and focused on revenue generation and building the best possible fan experience in our venues.”