Alumna Rises for Suns and Mercury

Mary Blaser ’19 has turned her business education into a successful career in sports management. Her journey from Bushnell University to becoming the Guest Services Manager for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Footprint Center is evidence of her dedication and expertise in enhancing guest experiences. In this Q&A, Blaser shares insights into her career trajectory, the impact that her Bushnell education had on her professional path, and invaluable advice for aspiring professionals in the sports industry. 

Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you? 

I am a Guest Services Manager for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury & Footprint Center. I manage about 300 part-time team members and help oversee the general guest experience/operation at every event held at the Footprint Center. Some of my main responsibilities include the following: being the primary manager for Mercury games, coordinating VIP/GA processes, planning part-time team engagement calendar, and creating Kids Zone activities and spaces. Because we work at every event, every day looks different. On event days, we create staffing and briefing sheets, do building walks, oversee VIP & GA processes, set courtside magnets & wristbands, and conduct briefings for part-time staff. On non-event days, we’re often following up on past events, planning for future events, and responding to part-time team member and guest needs. 

Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it? 

In the sports and entertainment industry, things are always changing, there is never an off season, and a lot is asked of our Guest Services Team since we are at every event and vital to the operation and guest experience. Tough conversations are never fun – whether they are with irate guests, team members, or leaders. Learning to navigate those conversations, ask for help when needed, and advocate for myself have been the most important lessons that I have learned in my career. 

How did your education at Bushnell University prepare you for your career path? 

Group projects – collaboration within my own department and across other departments is one of the most important parts of my job. The various group projects and hands-on activities that I had to do throughout college prepared me for my current manager role.   

Minor in Communications – knowing how to communicate is important in any career. I learned so much from Doyle Srader and my classmates that has helped me be a better leader and have tough conversations. 

What advice would you give to current Bushnell University students who are interested in pursuing a similar career? 

No job is insignificant or too small – you have to start somewhere. You most likely will not get your dream job right out of college and that is OKAY.  All experience is good experience. You will most likely get a “no” or two before you get a “yes.” And that is OKAY. I applied for at least 6 or 7 jobs in sports before I got a part-time job as a Guest Services Representative at the Footprint Center. From there I got promoted to a part-time Host, then a full-time Guest Services Coordinator, and now a Guest Services Manager.  

Bushnell University is committed to providing practical job experience for all students, as Blaser’s experience attests to. To learn more about Bushnell’s internship program, visit our Career Development page. We are also proud to now offer an online Master’s in Sports Management.