Morgan Olson

Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions with the Fort Wayne TinCaps

“Thank you, Morgan Olson, Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, for sharing your story!

Morgan oversees the full game-day script — from pregame to postgame — while also leading community outreach efforts for her hometown team. A Ball State Sport Administration & Marketing graduate, she credits the program’s hands-on experiences for preparing her to thrive in professional sports.

Early in her career, Morgan said yes to everything, taking on new responsibilities to prove what she was capable of. She’s learned to navigate perceptions around tone and to advocate for the depth of work that goes into marketing and promotions beyond what fans see between innings.

She’s grateful for leadership that values balance and for mentors who helped open doors early in her journey — mentorship she now pays forward. Morgan loves the impact she makes in her community and working closely with players and staff. Her advice? Get experience, take chances, and don’t hold yourself back.

Her long-term goal: becoming an AGM or GM and helping lead a team from the top.”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

To summarize, I track and plan out the game day script – pregame, in-game, and postgame activities and activations. I also do a lot with community outreach and the team.

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

Sport Administration and Marketing at Ball State University

Ball State’s Sport Admin. Program offers many opportunities for hands on experience working and volunteering at athletic events. This program truly prepared me to be in the sports word as a professional.

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

I am not sure if I can name milestones, but I can tell you that when I first started out, I would say yes to EVERYTHING. The more responsibilities I took on, the more I wanted to prove what I was capable of taking on and how I would succeed.

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

Two challenges come to mind when I think of this question.

First – I would say tone of voice and demeanor. I have been told that I am very direct and to the point. Some people take that as a negative, so I have had some conversations with individuals to explain to them that I don’t mean to be that way in a negative light, but I just like getting things done and don’t see a reason to beat around the bush sometimes.

Second – I don’t think this is really because of being a woman but being in Marking & Promotions. I get told by some coworkers or individuals that they don’t understand what I do. They think that I just oversee musical chairs between innings and some other things here and there so when they mention something like that, I ask them if they want to sit down, chat, and learn.

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

We are very lucky to have a leadership staff that prioritizes taking time off. We have late report times and are encouraged to take time off and get away from the ballpark when we can. I also have some hobbies that I enjoy that I can do that take my brain away from thinking about work.

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?

I think mentorship is very very important for women in this industry. I was lucky enough to job shadow the Marketing Intern for the team when I was still in college and kept her as a mentor during my time at school and she actually landed a full time role with the team and when I applied for the internship, she knew she wanted me to be her intern and it turned into the job I have today.

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?

I think we are given equal opportunities; it is just up to the individuals to take them. We all have a seat at the table, but it’s up to us to keep that seat.

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

I get the chance to work for my hometown team so I would say the difference that I get to make in the community is definitely my favorite. A big part of my position is also working with the clubhouse and MLB and that is something that I absolutely love doing because I am a big advocate for the players and coaching staff.

The most challenging things I would say is having enough time in the day. I get to do a lot of things and have my hand in a lot of projects and things always get done but sometimes it can feel like a lot.

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

Get as much experience as you can! Network as much as you can! Take chances!

You are the only one holding yourself back from volunteering for a project or taking an internship, etc. Do all that you can to set yourself apart and show that you want to be in this industry.

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

Professionally, my goal is to be an AGM or GM one day. I think that I have what it takes to help run a team from the top.