Lisa Goldberg

VP of PR at Angel City Football Club

“As Head of Media Relations at Angel City Football Club, she manages all media announcements, interviews, and game-day operations. With a degree in Strategic Communications from The Ohio State University, her career spans over a decade in major sporting events, including pay-per-view and men’s football, before transitioning to women’s soccer.She highlights the importance of mentorship, advocacy for pay equity, and increased visibility for women’s sports. Her passion lies in amplifying athletes’ voices, despite the industry’s demanding nature. Her advice to aspiring professionals: seek learning opportunities, build strong mentorship relationships, and maintain attention to detail.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. Your dedication to advancing women’s sports is truly inspiring.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

I oversee all media announcements for the club – on the business and soccer side. I am responsible for all interviews of executives and players, and I oversee all of game day media operations.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

Strategic Communications at The Ohio State University. I knew I liked to write and I liked to talk, so it was the perfect major for me.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

There are several. I worked on some of the biggest pay-per-view sporting events in history for over 10 years and transitioned to men’s football, which opened a lot of doors for me, including the opportunity to work at Angel City Football Club.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

I have actually always worked for women in sports, so this is a complex question for me. I saw how some of my bosses were treated at times, but now I work at an org with 70 women, so it is interesting.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

It is very hard. Sports PR is a 24/7 job if you let it be. I really try to shut down at night with my kids and if I have to pick it back up, I do and I have also tried to have some of the younger staff go out on the road because it is valuable experience and I dont need to do that anymore.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

SO important. My current boss is such a great role model for me. She listens and stands up for me in a lot of rooms that I am not in. I think mentorship in any field is important and finding them can lead to a lot of opportunities in the future that you may not have had.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

No. Women have to work together to stand up for pay equity, media attention and everything in between. It is getting better but there is SO far to go. Women’s sports is not a if you build it they will come, it is already here. It just deserves the visibility and space to be seen.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

I love working with athletes and telling their stories. I wouldn’t work in sports if that wasnt the case. Athletes have the best stories and the best platforms if given a chance to use it.

Most challenging – the hours, stress, and passion it takes to want to work in sports – especially womens sports. What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Take any opportunity to learn that comes your way. Find mentors and people you trust within the industry and don’t have spelling mistakes on your resume.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

I met my husband at summer camp when I was 12. I have two daughters that I am working to make a better world for every day.