Bethel student lands job with the Memphis Grizzlies after graduation
by Bethel University
Alexandria Lipsey is a senior sports management major, health minor at Bethel University. Originally from New Albany, Ms., she plans to graduate in May and start a new career the following month working in ticket sales for the Memphis Grizzlies.
“If anyone knows me,” says Lipsey, “they know I love to talk and meet people. This position felt like a more natural fit than any other position I interviewed for. It’s problem-solving, and it helps build relationships with people around the U.S.”
In her new role, Lipsey will be making outbound sales calls, setting up in-arena visits, and making outside appointments on behalf of the Grizzlies. She will focus on proactively seeking new leads through referrals, prospecting and networking, and building relationships. All of these are skills she honed in the sports management program at Bethel, both through classroom work and through experiential learning opportunities. Those experiences were a part of what attracted Lipsey to the major.
“I always knew I had a passion for sports and wanted to be involved in some way,” she explained, “but I didn’t really know how or where to start. I had a friend who was a sports management minor and kept going on experiential trips, so I joined.”
She says the decision to change her major and minor in her sophomore year was the best decision she could have made. She instantly fell in love with the sports management program and learned so much about sports in the process. Additionally, she was able to make contacts within numerous sports franchises, including the Grizzlies, while enrolled at Bethel.
“This program has helped me expand my network, meet amazing people, gain confidence in myself, and discover the potential I never realized I had,” Lipsey said. “I am living proof that dreams do come true! You are capable of accomplishing anything you put your mind to, and thanks to Bethel, I am 100 percent confident in that statement.”
Lipsey interviewed with multiple teams in various professional sports, but she says ultimately the role with the Memphis Grizzlies felt like the best fit.
“The Memphis Grizzlies stood out to me. Not only did the hiring managers make the interview process smooth, but they were also genuine and fun to be around,” Lipsey explained. “Once I finally met some of the sales team, they were so welcoming and instantly felt like family.”
Lipsey, who also played varsity volleyball and was a member of Lambda Sigma Sorority during her time at Bethel, says her proudest accomplishments to date are being the first female in her family to work for a professional basketball team and becoming a leader in the sports management program.
Lipsey’s advice to high school students considering coming to Bethel: “Do it! Yes, it may be a small college town, but the people are what make the experience. The professors truly care about you and your success. Bethel is in a league of its own, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to attend all four years here. I promise you’ll feel the same!”
