2018 M.A. in Media Communication Alumna is Manager of Marketing and Promotions for Salem Red Sox

Meet Suzie Cool

Job Title & Employer: Manager of Marketing and Promotions, On-Field Host and Color Commentator
Major/Program: Media Communication-M.A.
Graduation: 2018
Hometown: Clinton, Pa.
High School: West Allegheny High School
Now Living In: Roanoke, Va.
Dream Job: Sideline Reporter for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Hobbies & Interests: Baseball, pugs and working out

"There are endless possibilities that could come from Point Park University. One of the best opportunities was attending the Baseball Winter Meetings, which helped me land a full-time job in the field that I love. Point Park knows how and where to place their students to help them find success in the future."

Suzie Cool

How did you land a position with the Salem Red Sox?

After working with local sports teams for four years, I attended the Baseball Winter Meetings with Point Park in 2017. A lot of prep work and one trip to Florida later, I decided to take a job with the Salem Red Sox in Salem, Va.

Which local sports teams did you work with?

Pittsburgh Pirates, co-host and ball girl
Pittsburgh Penguins, media relations intern
ROOT Sports, live production intern
AT&T Sports Network, social media coordinator
Wheeling Nailers, in-arena host
Pittsburgh Riverhounds, in-game host/reporter
Entercom Radio/93.7 The Fan, producer

Tell us about the work you do.

You wear a lot of hats when you work in minor league baseball. My main title is manager of marketing and promotions, but I am also their on-field host and color commentator on select road trips.

In a matter of minutes I can be making graphics for social media, writing a script for the P.A. announcer, rolling t-shirts or on camera in front of 5,000 people. It’s fast-paced, ever-changing and it’s not for everyone. After so many years in the sports industry, though, that’s what I have grown to love and appreciate. You’re never doing or seeing the same thing twice – every day is a new day to try/do something new and make it the best!

How did our faculty and classes impact you?

While attending Point Park University, I was also working six part-time jobs in order to make ends meet. The faculty, classes and six jobs helped with my time-management skills, as well as prepared me for the number of jobs that I have at the minor league level.

Why would you recommend Point Park University to a prospective graduate student?

There are endless possibilities that could come from Point Park University. One of the best opportunities was attending the Baseball Winter Meetings, which helped me land a full-time job in the field that I love. Point Park knows how and where to place their students to help them find success in the future.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have two pieces of advice to share:

Don't be afraid to ask. I am the fourth woman in minor league baseball to broadcast a ball game. If I didn't ask to be the color commentator, I would not be in the position I am in. It's something to think about.
Every day that you spend in this business, someone else drops out. There are going to be far more tough days than ones that go by without hiccups. So the days that your bank account is looking rough or you’re not in the exact place you want to be just yet, remember to hold on because there’s somebody else out there thinking the same thing and they’re giving up. Don’t be that person and stick it out.

2018 M.A. in Media Communication Alumna is Manager of Marketing and Promotions for Salem Red Sox Alumni Profile