The Unexpected Path To A Sports Career: Why Volunteering Still Wins
- Craig Johnson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Students often ask me how to build a career in sports. While working for a professional sports team or aiming to become a sports agent like Jerry Maguire sounds amazing, it undoubtedly demands commitment and a willingness to start at the bottom.
Looking back at my early experiences, I was incredibly lucky to collaborate on a school project with sports marketing icon Brian Cooper. Brian is a major influence in the sports business industry, recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 power players in Canadian Sport. His key advice to me at the time was simple: volunteer as much as possible.
Almost 30 years later, I still adhere to that principle, especially during career transitions and as I delve further into the rapidly growing world of racquet sports. This is exactly why I'm excited about my confirmed volunteer shifts at the upcoming Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Texas.
Over the last year, I’ve been fortunate to attend various PPA Tour or Major League Pickleball (MLP) events. This trip, however, will be my first time travelling to experience the excitement completely behind the scenes as volunteer support.
The Pickleball World Championships is a unique, 10-day experience packed with play at all skill levels. It's truly a festival built around elite competition, kicking off the week with the season-ending MLP Cup and capping the festivities with a major PPA Tour tournament. In between, the schedule is filled with amateur events, clinics, concerts, and celebrity exhibition games.
As I’ve learned—and thanks again to Brian Cooper’s timeless advice—volunteering in sports becomes the ultimate career tool. It allows you to:
Network: Build genuine connections with industry professionals.
Discover Your Niche: Uncover the specific area (logistics, marketing, operations) where you truly fit in this competitive industry.
Fuel Your Passion: Witness and contribute to the action, reaffirming your love for the sport.
Support the Scene: Directly aid the large, complex task of organizing unique event experiences.
Whether you're fresh out of school or navigating a mid-career pivot, remember that the most direct path to the sports business often involves an all-access lanyard and a desire to help. See you on the court in Dallas!
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