Danielle Berger

Executive Assistant to the Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets

“Danielle, your story about landing your Nets role through an unexpected connection is such a perfect example of how relationships truly shape careers in sports. From hospitality roots to running the “family room” like the mayor, you’ve shown how event management skills seamlessly translate to pro sports.

Your honesty about imposter syndrome is incredibly relatable, and it’s inspiring how you’re actively creating community for other women in basketball operations. Your advice—that it’s who you know, and to never be afraid to introduce yourself—is golden, especially paired with the reminder that “no” is the worst answer you’ll hear.

And your fun facts are fantastic—the 2020 draft pick call-in AND a personal winning streak in contests? That’s legendary energy!”

– Zara Halabu

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position ?

As Executive Assistant to the Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets, I am responsible for ensuring the head coach’s success off the court. In addition to typical administrative duties of an assistant, I support the head coach in their goals when it comes to their involvement with Brooklyn Nets partnerships and community events. Additionally, I work closely with the Executive Assistant to the General Manager when it comes to supporting our teams’ families on game day and throughout the season!

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

I studied Event Management and Hospitality at the University of Central Florida and a large part of my role is hospitality based. On game days I consider myself “the mayor” of our family room, available for any questions and ultimately making sure everyone is having a great time. Sports and hospitality go hand in hand!

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

To be honest, I ended up at the Brooklyn Nets completely accidentally! I was working for a private members club in New York City prior to COVID and had been the venue contact for a holiday event thrown for the team’s significant others. I had lost my job during COVID, a few months after the event for the Nets took place, but had kept in touch with my now colleague. She had remembered how great it was working together and put me up for the role! 

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

I think my biggest challenge and one many women face in the sports industry is imposter syndrome. While I KNOW I belong at the table and have earned my seat, sometimes it is easy to forget that when in a male dominated field. 

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

I constantly remind myself I am not saving lives, and the world will go on without me answering my phone every 20 seconds. It is hard when you work in a 24/7 industry and I understand I am expected to be available pretty much all the time, but I try to “walk away” when I can to enjoy what is going on around me. I love going to a workout class, the movies or live theater events where I physically can’t use my phone for a few hours. It’s nice to make myself disconnect. 

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 ?

Mentorship is so important and can be as simple as having a friend or colleague you can lean on who understands what it is like to be a woman in sports!

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?

While I don’t think women are given the same opportunities as men overall within the sports industry, I do think the industry is making strides in the right direction! At the Nets, I do feel like I am given the same opportunities and it makes me want to work harder for those externally who may not feel that way.

At the Nets, I’ve made it my mission to ensure each woman in our basketball operations department feels they belong and have held events to create community amongst ourselves. 

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

Without a doubt, the people are my favorite part. Getting to work or play in sports is a lifelong dream for so many, so getting to see that every day is really rewarding! The most challenging part would be the work-life balance. Things happen so quickly in basketball, so I am always ready to spring into action at a moments notice.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know! I got this role by connecting with someone one time at an event and it changed my life. Never be afraid to introduce yourself or make a connection. Also, remember when you ask for something the worst someone can say is “no”.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I feel so lucky to be where I am now, so I am just taking it day by day professionally but hope to continue developing my role as I enter my sixth season with the Nets. As for a personal goal, I am always hoping to travel internationally at least once a year (but hopefully more)!

Any fun facts you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, how many kids, pet peeves, etc. The more the merrier!

Sean Marks, our GM at the Brooklyn Nets, had me call in the 55^th pick for us at the 2020 NBA Draft. I also have a long history of winning contests, over 30 to date!