Alumni Highlight
Megan Leach
Megan Leach
Events Coordinator
Wichita Sports Commission
B.A. 2021
What is your current position and can you give us a brief overview?
I currently am the Events Coordinator at the Wichita Sports Commission. I am responsible for planning and executing various events that we put on for the community. Our main events are the Prairie Fire Race Series, Wichita Corporate Challenge, NBC Baseball World Series, Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, and the Wichita Turkey Trot. My day-to-day responsibilities include planning event operations, coordinating facilities, recruiting event volunteers, and overseeing developing timelines to execute a successful event.
Was this career path on your radar since you graduated? If not, speak on how you came across this position.
My main goal during college was to secure a job in Event Management/Operations. During college, I was able to work for the Wichita Open where I learned to love the operational side of sports. From planning the event months ahead to getting your hands dirty setting up the event, I quickly found that my passion for sports was in Operations.
What information did you take away from your time at WSU that has helped you the most in the professional world?
One of the main quotes that I will remember most from college was spoken by Professor Mike Ross. He always said when you get out into the real world, you are going to meet so many faces and network with diverse types of people. One thing to always remember is “It’s not what you know, its who you know, and it’s not only who you know, its who knows YOU.” He was 100% correct, you will meet a lot of people working in this industry, making a memorable impression on someone can help you secure a job in the future or make a big business deal.
What advice would you give to current WSU students who want to pursue a job in sport?
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. One of the best ways to learn in this industry is by getting out and getting experience. Whether it’s volunteering, shadowing, interning, getting experience from working events will not only teach you, but it will show employers that you are willing to learn and gain knowledge to be a successful Sport Management professional.