Business Student Proves She’s Always in the Game

In addition to competitive cheerleading, the Rochester, NY, native spent her childhood playing basketball and soccer. 
 
Now a sports marketing, management and business analytics triple major with a minor in digital marketing, Kacie’s fulfilling her dreams without ever having to narrow her ambitions. Her life revolves around sports, and she couldn’t be happier. 

Supporting athletes, gaining skills

Kacie’s first visit to campus was on a dreary February day, so she planned a second visit a few weeks later. It was only fitting that she and her mom attended an NCAA men’s basketball tournament game during their time in Pittsburgh, sealing the deal that Duquesne was the place for her and offering a preview of what was to come.
 
After settling in on the Bluff, it wasn’t long before Kacie was deeply involved in sports. She started in box office ticket operations for Duquesne Athletics before transitioning to a game-day operations student manager role. 

“I work game days for most sports, including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football, volleyball, and acrobatics and tumbling,” said Kacie. “I set up the field, get teams and refs into the locker room, and I run the game clock for any sports on Rooney Field besides football.”
 
Kacie also serves as a support staff intern for the Duquesne Dukes football team working with the film crew—a stressful but gratifying role.
 
"I operate a drone during practice to provide quality film for our players and coaches,” she said. “During games, I manage the GameStrat system where I record and tag each play with stats, which are then uploaded in real time to the iPads used by our coaches on the sideline and in the press box." 
 
Kacie cites her time as a gameday operations volunteer at the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament as a standout memory. It was a full-circle moment as she transitioned from a visiting prospective student in the stands to a working member of the team. She kept track of the basketballs, set up media and locker rooms, and placed signage to ensure a seamless game day. 
 
“I even saw a player from Oakland University hit a full-court shot at practice before they beat Kentucky,” she said. “You see Cinderella moments on TV all the time, but physically being there was so unique.”

Experience that matters

Kacie appreciates how many opportunities are available for Duquesne students to gain experience working with Division I athletes, and she credits supportive Palumbo-Donahue School of Business professors for sharing their expertise, encouraging her to think bigger and creating opportunities for students to learn alongside one another.  
 
“I'm involved in Delta Sigma Pi [professional business fraternity], which has been a huge help for bettering myself as a professional and getting to know a ton of people. These roles also have taught leadership and professional skills that will be so valuable in the real world,” said Kacie. “I’ve held two executive board positions. Everyone wants you to do well and succeed, so they push you as much as you push them.”
 
Kacie also participates in club soccer, the Sports Marketing Association and holds an executive position with Duqathon, Duquesne’s Dance Marathon benefiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She encourages others to put themselves out there, expand their horizons and try new things. 
 
“You can learn something from every opportunity, and sometimes to find what you like you have to figure out what you don’t like. Go to the first meeting of a club or to the activity at the Nite Spot, and if you don't like it, you don't like it,” she said. “Go with a friend; go by yourself. You will meet people you never would have met otherwise.”
 
With graduation on the horizon, Kacie has a good sense of what she wants to achieve and is focused on a future in college athletics. She hopes to make a big impact as a director of operations for a football, soccer or basketball team.
 
“Sports are fun and boost people's moods—there are highs and lows, and you never get the same day,” she said. “I love being around people and seeing them succeed, and I want to help any way I can with that success.”