In the sport industry, networking and building professional relationships are essential for success. For this assignment, I had the privilege of connecting with Anthony Redifer, a Facilities and Events Coordinator for Old Dominion University (ODU) Athletics. The process of reaching out to industry professionals can be intimidating, but with a respectful and assertive approach, I was able to establish this valuable connection that will be an important part of my learning experience throughout the semester.

Rather than conducting research, I was introduced to Anthony through a co-worker I work with for the ODU football team. My co-worker works under Anthony and had spoken highly of his leadership and expertise in the world of event coordination and facilities management. After hearing about Anthony’s background and the way he manages his team and responsibilities, I decided to reach out and connect with him for this assignment. I sent a professional email introducing myself and expressing my interest in learning more about his work.

When Anthony responded positively, agreeing to be my penpal for the semester, I was excited and grateful for the opportunity. Through this connection, I’ve already gained insight into the responsibilities of a facilities and events coordinator and look forward to learning more about how he manages events and oversees the facilities at ODU.

As an ODU alum, Anthony’s journey began as a Facilities and Event Ambassador, where he helped coordinate and assist with athletic events at ODU. His strong work ethic led to his promotion to Student Supervisor, and he briefly explored marketing by becoming an Assistant Marketing Coordinator for ODU. However, it was his passion for hands-on event management that led him to pursue a career in facilities and event coordination.

After gaining experience as an Event Manager with Spectra, Anthony realized his true calling was in the sports industry. The sense of community and excitement he found in sports made him feel at home, prompting his return to ODU in 2023 to take on the role of Facilities and Events Coordinator. In this role, Anthony is responsible for overseeing the logistics of athletic events and managing the facilities that host them. His work ensures that both athletes and fans have a positive experience at ODU sporting events.

Connecting with Anthony Redifer has been an invaluable experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with such a well-rounded background in sports event coordination and management. His career journey has shown me the importance of persistence, passion, and finding the right fit in the sports industry. As I continue through the semester, I look forward to gaining more insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating successful sports events, thanks to the knowledge and guidance Anthony is generously providing.