Managing careers in leadership

Three College alumni — Kalista Gioglio, Ashley Hartert and Jackie Riggleman —discussed their time at West Virginia University and how it helped prepare them for careers in leadership roles. They shared stories about a typical day at the “office” and the people and places that helped them succeed.

Each of these expert alumni offered advice for students wanting to enter their field. They expressed the importance of finding internship opportunities, as they greatly valued the experiences they had and connections made during their time as Mountaineers.

Featured Alumni

Kalista Gioglio

Program Assistant/Assistant to Head Baseball Coach, Vanderbilt University

Hometown: Stroudsburg, PA

M.S. Sport Management, WVU, 2021

Ashley Hartert

Director of Athletics Compliance, Kansas State University

Hometown: Marvin, NC

M.S. Sport Management, WVU, 2017

Jackie Riggleman

Manager, PNC Park Special Projects, Strategy and Facility Services

Hometown: Moorefield, WV

M.S. Sport Management, WVU, 2015

Why did you choose CPASS?

Kalista

I selected CPASS because of its excellent national reputation, robust Sport Management Master’s curriculum, highly qualified professors who are knowledgeable about the sport industry and WVU’s membership in a Power 5 conference.

Ashley

I chose the Sport Management Master’s program because of the history of success their alumni have had post-graduation. It was evident that CPASS prepared you for the next steps of your career both in the classroom and with outside experience in internships and graduate assistantships. From the moment I chose WVU and this program, I felt like I was part of something special — a genuine family that cared about your future.

Jackie

Out of all the colleges I looked at, CPASS had the program that offered the most opportunity. The professors assured me they would work hand in hand with me to find internships and other opportunities to continue my growth outside of the classroom. Going into the sports industry, I knew it was going to be important for my out-of-class experience to be as involved as my in-class experience.

Gioglio in the duggout — Kalista Gioglio's internships and WVU experiences have prepared her for her new career at Vanderbilt.

Ashley Hartert at a football game — Ashley Hartert has returned to the Power 5 world of college athletics.

Riggleman interacts with children at pirates camp — Jackie Riggleman focuses on special projects and successful strategy in her current role with the Pirates organization.

Who was your mentor?

Kalista

Although all CPASS faculty members made contributions to my development, Dr. Gary Lhotsky had the greatest influence on my personal and professional growth. Dr. Lhotsky was an excellent professor who dedicated himself to ensuring all his students succeeded, both in and out of the classroom.

Ashley

The final year of my master’s program was Dr. Gary Lhotsky’s first year at CPASS. For me, it was a crucial year, as I was figuring out my next and first step in my career. Dr. Lhotsky was extremely supportive in helping any way that he could. Years later, I have still stayed in touch in with him. I always let him know the progress I have made in my career, as I owe him and the program a lot of credit to my success.

Jackie

Dallas “Doc” Branch. He was there by my side every step of the way during my master’s degree. He challenged me to move outside of my comfort zone and encouraged me to follow my passion. I remember sitting in his office discussing my next step after graduation. He was convinced baseball was my future. His certainty was what ultimately gave me the extra support I needed to make that first step. I have found a wonderful career that I love, and it was all with the help of Doc!

How did your internship experience help launch your career?

Kalista

I served as the wrestling team's graduate assistant and spent time in the WVU Athletic Department’s compliance office. These combined experiences gave me the opportunity to work side by side with established professionals who took the time to mentor me and shared their expertise and wisdom, which allowed me to learn new skills and be prepared for a successful career in athletic administration.

Ashley

During my time at WVU, I was the graduate assistant for student-athlete development, specifically for football. I also spent some time in the compliance office during my first year in Morgantown, assisting Keli Zinn. My experience was incredible and prepared me for the next steps in my career. It confirmed the path I wanted to take in college athletics and led me to many wonderful mentors and connections that I still am grateful to have in this business.

Jackie

From the student union to the athletic department, I never wanted to miss an opportunity to expand my knowledge. My WVUp All Night internship really kicked off a great love of event planning. The marketing internship with WVU Athletics helped me solidify my passion for the sports industry. My graduate assistantships helped me get a true feeling of what life would be like post-graduation. The best thing about WVU was that it offered me opportunities in multiple areas. I was able to try different avenues before ultimately choosing one direction.

Hartert Poses outside the KSU stadium — Ashley Hartert has established strong connections with the KSU coaching staff.

Riggleman poses with a pirates alumn — Jackie Riggleman (left) continues to grow her career through the Pirates organization.

Gioglio and others look out from the dugouts — Kalista Gioglio provides support for Vanderbilt University baseball, including summer camp programs.

What are the challenges of your current role?

Kalista

My career path began as an undergraduate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While at IUP, I was fortunate to secure three internships. The first was with the athletic department sales and marketing team at Lehigh University, the next was with the operations crew for the Philadelphia Phillies Triple-A Affiliate Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and the last was with the athletic department facilities and operations staff at St. Francis University. These opportunities, combined with my WVU experiences, led me to Vanderbilt. Although I felt I was ready and prepared for Vanderbilt, there has always been something new to learn, including operational processes and procedures. COVID also created challenges.

Ashley

After WVU, I spent three years at Coastal Carolina University in their compliance office. I learned and grew a lot at Coastal Carolina but was ready to get back into the Power 5 world of college athletics. I had enjoyed my time in the Big 12 and was always drawn to college towns.

The Kansas State Athletics Department was everything I was looking for in my next career move, especially with their great leadership and a strong family culture. Currently, the challenges in my role and office — that I am sure many compliance offices face — are resources. We have a smaller staff in our conference, which can be especially demanding during our busiest season, summer.

Jackie

My first job out of college was with the West Virginia Black Bears, which used to be the short-season affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. That was my first introduction into the organization. I enjoyed working with the Black Bear staff for four years. When the opportunity presented itself to join the organization at their spring training complex, I knew it was the best next move for my career. Over the years, the Pirates have become a second family to me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed growing through their organization. They have offered me continued support to develop and advance while working with great people and great facilities.

The test I am currently facing begins with the element that my role is new to the Operations Department. Navigating an unfamiliar position is always challenging within the first few months. As I have progressed throughout my career, the job description has often changed to complement my skill set. The challenge now is figuring out how my skill set can be used to effectively impact the department and the team. That task has always been very rewarding for me to figure out; I'm looking forward to taking it on again in this new role.

What's a typical day like?

Kalista

One of the best parts of my Vanderbilt job is that I lend support to the head baseball coach, his chief of staff and the coaching staff. There is no such thing as a typical day. One minute I could be maintaining office functionality, the next I may be completing administrative tasks. Some days, I might be working as a liaison between other athletic department or campus offices. I could also be communicating or resolving problems with vendors or coordinating speaking engagements or the annual senior banquet.

I can be seen on the practice field or in the dugout on game day during the season and as the daily administrator for baseball summer camps. I spend most of my summer days corresponding with potential campers, incoming campers and parents, while also managing camp registrations/refunds and the camp store.

Ashley

In my role at Kansas State, I oversee the eligibility for all incoming and continuing student-athletes. So, a typical day for me is being the liaison between our Academics and Student-Athlete Services Department as well as our NCAA registrars on campus. I am in constant communication with all our coaching staffs, problem-solving any eligibility or amateurism issues.

I make sure all student-athletes are cleared to participate and compete from an eligibility standpoint. I also clarify any interpretive questions from our coaches or academic staff and provide monthly rules education.

Jackie

I currently manage two people who work in facility services for PNC Park. They provide support such as shipping and receiving and administrative duties to Pirates employees. Each day tends to be different from the one prior. I work primarily on special projects and strategy. The project updates and services depend on the day and the time of the year.

The strategy component is a constant element that I am always working toward. However, it is developing the next three to five years’ objectives, executing the current strategy and assisting with our department in roadblocks that have presented themselves as another constant priority. Each day I am connecting the Ballpark Operations Department with internal and external individuals to accomplish our short- and long-term goals.

Riggleman poses with people in hotdog, mustard and ketchup costumes — Fan involvement events help build excitement at the Pittsburgh Pirate's ball parks.

Hartert poses for a shot during a football game — The Kansas State Athletics department offers strong leadership and family culture for Ashley Hartert.

What’s your advice for incoming students who want to launch a sports-based career?

Kalista

My advice would be to get as much experience as they can in the area they enjoy and want to work in after graduation. Students must obtain internship experiences that will prepare and qualify them for future opportunities. It is also important to understand that most of these experiences will not be paid. Last, it is also important for students to take time to build relationships and networks along the way. The students who make connections, work hard and stay focused on their goals will have a bright future.

Ashley

My advice is that hard work and integrity will always pay off. The sports industry is a grind no matter what part of it you are in or at what level you are at. It is a demanding and ever-changing world. So never stop learning, especially early on, to be a sponge. Soak in new experiences, challenges and lessons because the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. Find mentors in this industry and keep them. Just as a family tree grows, so should your networking tree. Build genuine relationships — the power of who you know will always surprise you in this industry.

Jackie

Take as many opportunities that present themselves as you can. It is just as important to figure out what you do not want to do as much as what you want to do. These opportunities will help you increase your network and gain great life skills.