Career Paths
Where Will Your Game Take You?
Explore 12+ career paths in the sports industry built for female athletes ready to lead.
More Than a Player. A Leader.
Your athletic career has given you discipline, teamwork, and resilience — qualities every sports organization is looking for. The industry needs women like you in every role, from the sideline to the boardroom.
Explore the paths below to find where your skills, passions, and ambitions align. Each guide includes salary ranges, common roles, and the education you'll need to get started.
12+ Career Paths in Sports
From sideline reporter to studio analyst, sports broadcasting puts you at the center of the action. Build a career in front of the camera, behind the mic, or in the production booth.
Salary Range
$35,000 – $150,000+
Common Roles
Sideline Reporter, Studio Analyst, Play-by-Play Commentator, Sports Producer, Broadcast Journalist
Education
Journalism, Communications, Broadcasting, Media Studies
Keep athletes performing at their peak. Athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals are essential to every team at every level — from high school to the pros.
Salary Range
$45,000 – $95,000+
Common Roles
Certified Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, Sports Nutritionist, Team Physician, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Education
Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy
Build brands, run campaigns, and connect fans to the teams they love. Sports marketing is one of the fastest-growing fields in the industry.
Salary Range
$40,000 – $120,000+
Common Roles
Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, Social Media Manager, PR Specialist, Sponsorship Coordinator
Education
Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations
Run the business side of sports. Athletic directors, general managers, and operations staff keep organizations functioning at the highest level.
Salary Range
$42,000 – $130,000+
Common Roles
Athletic Director, General Manager, Operations Manager, Compliance Officer, Event Coordinator
Education
Sports Management, Business Administration, Law, Finance
Tell the stories that matter. Sports journalists and content creators shape how fans experience the game — through articles, podcasts, video, and social media.
Salary Range
$32,000 – $90,000+
Common Roles
Sports Writer, Content Creator, Podcast Host, Video Producer, Digital Editor
Education
Journalism, English, Communications, Digital Media
Give back to the game that gave you everything. Coaches at every level shape athletes' lives on and off the field — and the demand for qualified women coaches is growing fast.
Salary Range
$30,000 – $200,000+
Common Roles
Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Skills Trainer, Youth Development Coach, College Recruiter
Education
Physical Education, Kinesiology, Sports Science, Coaching Certifications
Protect athletes, negotiate contracts, and ensure organizations play by the rules. Sports lawyers and compliance officers are the backbone of fair competition.
Salary Range
$60,000 – $200,000+
Common Roles
Sports Attorney, Contract Negotiator, NCAA Compliance Officer, Agent, Risk Manager
Education
Pre-Law, Political Science, Business, Juris Doctor (JD)
Turn numbers into winning strategies. Data analysts and performance scientists are reshaping how teams recruit, train, and compete at every level of sport.
Salary Range
$55,000 – $160,000+
Common Roles
Performance Analyst, Data Scientist, Recruiting Analyst, Video Coordinator, Sports Statistician
Education
Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Sports Science, Data Analytics
Bring the biggest moments in sports to life. Event managers plan and execute everything from local tournaments to major championships and international competitions.
Salary Range
$38,000 – $110,000+
Common Roles
Event Director, Tournament Coordinator, Venue Operations Manager, Logistics Specialist, Game Day Staff Lead
Education
Event Management, Hospitality, Sports Management, Business Administration
Drive revenue and build partnerships that fund the sports world. Finance and sponsorship professionals connect brands with teams, athletes, and fans.
Salary Range
$50,000 – $150,000+
Common Roles
Sponsorship Manager, Financial Analyst, Revenue Manager, Partnership Director, Budget Coordinator
Education
Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Sports Management
Help athletes unlock their mental edge. Sports psychologists and mental performance coaches work with individuals and teams to build resilience, focus, and peak performance mindsets.
Salary Range
$45,000 – $120,000+
Common Roles
Sports Psychologist, Mental Performance Coach, Counselor, Team Consultant, Wellness Director
Education
Psychology, Counseling, Kinesiology, Sports Science, Clinical Psychology
Find the next generation of talent. Recruiters and scouts evaluate athletes, build pipelines, and help programs at every level identify and develop future stars.
Salary Range
$35,000 – $100,000+
Common Roles
College Recruiter, Professional Scout, Talent Evaluator, Recruiting Coordinator, Player Personnel Director
Education
Sports Management, Communications, Physical Education, Business
How to Get Started
Explore Your Options
Read through our career guides, listen to GAA podcast episodes, and browse GAA Edge to discover which paths excite you most.
Connect with Leaders
Follow the trailblazing women we feature. Reach out, ask questions, and start building your network while you're still in school.
Build Your Skills
Identify the education, certifications, and experiences that align with your chosen path — and start building your resume now.
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Where Will Your Game Take You?
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