My name is Jamie Hazel, I currently live in Louisville, KY but grew up in a small town just east of Columbus, OH called Pataskala. I did my undergraduate studies and played varsity softball at Oho Dominican University in Columbus. Prior to attending Ohio Dominican I played Volleyball and Basketball in addition to Softball. Sports have always been a huge part of my life which is why I am grateful to be working in the athletics field. Not everyone can say they turned their passion into a career.
Upon graduation from Ohio Dominican with a BS in Sport Management I was asked to be additional help at a softball recruiting camp in Pickerington, OH. This camp was run by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. I hit fungos and helped facilitate the camp. During the day I got to talking with some of the NFCA staff who said there was a job opening within the organization and asked if I would be willing to move to Starkville, MS. I had just the right amount of naiveness to say, 'sure!', and after interviewing over the phone with the Executive Director I was moving south.
Four years later, lots of experiences, a relocation to Louisville, and lots of learning I am still with the NFCA and it was one of the best 'seat of my pants' decisions I have ever made. I just went for it and really didn't know what I was getting into but I knew it was a job in the field I wanted and seized the opportunity. I have had the tremendous oppportunity to meet and work with some of the greatest people in the sport of softball and am always greatful for each of those experiences.
Currently at the NFCA I work with our membership, accounts receivable and payable, our recruiting camps, national convention, I am the NAIA liaison, and other office duties. It is a job with a lot of different hats but I like that. It keeps me on my toes and allows me to learn so much more than if I were only focused on one aspect of the organization. My goals are to eventually work in a collegiate athletic department. I am interested in softball operations as well as athletic academic advising. I am hoping that this internship allows me to look at other aspects of the department and not only gain more experience but also maybe open my eyes to other areas that I am unaware of.
Upon graduation from Ohio Dominican with a BS in Sport Management I was asked to be additional help at a softball recruiting camp in Pickerington, OH. This camp was run by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. I hit fungos and helped facilitate the camp. During the day I got to talking with some of the NFCA staff who said there was a job opening within the organization and asked if I would be willing to move to Starkville, MS. I had just the right amount of naiveness to say, 'sure!', and after interviewing over the phone with the Executive Director I was moving south.
Four years later, lots of experiences, a relocation to Louisville, and lots of learning I am still with the NFCA and it was one of the best 'seat of my pants' decisions I have ever made. I just went for it and really didn't know what I was getting into but I knew it was a job in the field I wanted and seized the opportunity. I have had the tremendous oppportunity to meet and work with some of the greatest people in the sport of softball and am always greatful for each of those experiences.
Currently at the NFCA I work with our membership, accounts receivable and payable, our recruiting camps, national convention, I am the NAIA liaison, and other office duties. It is a job with a lot of different hats but I like that. It keeps me on my toes and allows me to learn so much more than if I were only focused on one aspect of the organization. My goals are to eventually work in a collegiate athletic department. I am interested in softball operations as well as athletic academic advising. I am hoping that this internship allows me to look at other aspects of the department and not only gain more experience but also maybe open my eyes to other areas that I am unaware of.