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Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day

On National Girls and Women in Sports Day and every day, the Philadelphia Eagles recognize the tremendously talented women who work in sports.

By Philadelphia Eagles

February 7^th, 2024

The Eagles are committed to female empowerment and inclusivity in sports. Our goal is to motivate girls and women to pursue their passions in sports and beyond, recognizing the powerful influence of sports in shaping leaders and changemakers. We believe in the power of these stories to inspire, engage, and drive a deeper connection with our fans, fostering a community that supports and uplifts women.

To celebrate and support National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we are turning the spotlight on the female employees by telling their stories and honoring their accomplishments.

Each story will dive into how sports shaped their lives and influenced their careers.

Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Emily McNichol

Title: Director of Merchandise

An Eagle Since: 2012

For Emily McNichol, there is no “I” in team.

In her role as the Director of Merchandise, Emily leads all merchandising operations across all of the Official Eagles Pro Shop locations, including the 15 store locations within Lincoln Financial Field. This includes engaging with sales associates and other employees, which has instilled values in her because of her experience working in the industry.

“Sports has hugely shaped my values as an individual. It has taught me to always care for those around you because the betterment of the team is stronger than that of the individual,” Emily said. “For that reason, I really value relationships and having strong connections with those around me.”

Sports has taught Emily many lessons in her professional and personal lives. The industry's fast-paced environment has helped her prioritize accomplishing the most pressing task while staying in the present. The ability to focus on the current moment has shaped how Emily is as a parent, always making sure to enjoy every moment with her daughter.

The lessons and experiences that sports taught Emily help her engage with the public on a daily basis. Representing the organization in a public setting and connecting with the greatest fans in sports are what Emily loves about working for the Eagles.

“I love that working in sports allows you to be a part of something greater - a team, a city, a fan base,” Emily said. “It paves the way for a connection to be made with any stranger. With our resources, we have the ability to positively impact those around us and that brings me such joy and appreciation to be part of this organization.”

Taylor Wilson

Title: Community Relations Coordinator

An Eagle Since: 2022

What Taylor Wilson did off the field as a student-athlete influenced her to pursue a career in the sports industry. Taylor was a softball player at the University of Maryland and now serves as the Eagles’ Community Relations Coordinator.

“Being able to give back to the community as a student-athlete inspired me to pursue a career in community relations,” Taylor said. “Using that experience to serve others showed me how important it is to build relationships with fans to do good off the field.”

Taylor works with fans and nonprofits to create special experiences throughout the season. She is also heavily involved in the organization’s voting and social justice initiatives. Taylor creates opportunities for Eagles employees, players, and their families to give back to our community.

Working in sports, and with a close-knit community relations team, has helped her become a better teammate at work – and in life. The industry has taught Taylor how to lead and when to listen, think creatively, and make decisions confidently.

“My involvement in sports has introduced me to so many amazing people, places, and experiences,” Taylor said. “It's made me physically and mentally resilient, competitive, and confident.”

Brittany Mecca

Title: Pro Shop Manager, Lincoln Financial Field/Cherry Hill

An Eagle Since: 2015

Brittany Mecca’s journey with the Eagles started as an intern in 2015 and came full circle in 2021 when she was hired full-time as a Pro Shop Manager for Lincoln Financial Field and the Cherry Hill locations. Brittany’s various roles with the organization have taught her how to be a great leader.

“Sports has definitely helped to shape any leadership qualities I possess, the way in which I communicate with others, and my strong value on discipline and hard work,” Brittany said. “I often find myself comparing days at work to sports practices growing up and striving to find that consistency, yet variation in daily tasks to accomplish bigger goals with the staff.”

It was Brittany’s experience at the University of Connecticut that solidified her desire to work in a sports-centered environment. While at UConn, Brittany was lucky enough to witness five National Championships in basketball and was a member of the Timber Team that competed in collegiate lumberjack competitions. In 2012, she was one of eight students accepted into UConn's sports management program and managed the softball team.

Sports has taught Brittany many lessons that she uses in the workplace today.

“My involvement in sports throughout my life has definitely shaped my approach to tackling tasks and setting goals,” Brittany said. “I am self-disciplined, work through adversity, and will consistently put my best self forward in hopes of accomplishing any goals I may set for myself.”

Barbara Zaun

Title: Director of Entertainment Groups

An Eagle Since: 1999

Barbara Zaun’s career with the Eagles started in 1999 as a cheerleader and has blossomed into her role as the Director of Entertainment Groups. She leads and manages a team of more than 80, including the Eagles Cheerleaders, who also serve as global brand ambassadors for the organization. Being able to inspire and serve the greatest football community in the world is what Barbara enjoys so much about working for the Eagles.

“My involvement in sports, especially in my role here with the Philadelphia Eagles, has provided me with an extensive platform to impact others, which has enriched my personal life significantly,” Barbara said. “I have always felt the desire to be a part of something so much larger than myself and to help make a difference in the world. There is a natural connectivity of humanity in sports and a great sense of community.”

Barbara is a pioneer in the professional cheerleading world. She is always advocating for the sport and her squad members. In 2021, cheerleading was recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), an integral first step to becoming a part of the Olympic Games.

“It is very promising where the sport of cheerleading is headed, which will create tremendous new opportunities for young athletes in this sport,” Barbara said.

Her journey in sports has been defined by resiliency and perseverance. Barbara attended three Eagles Cheerleading auditions before being selected to the squad on her fourth attempt. That gave her a new outlook on life in sports and taught her valuable lessons that she uses and teaches today.

“Being a part of the NFL changed the trajectory of my future and I am indebted for the life lesson learned over the course of those unsuccessful years – never give up when faced with adversity!“ Barbara said. “Over the past 20-plus years with the organization, I’ve gained substantial, invaluable life lessons that translate to my life outside of work. My career with the Eagles has also led me to work on one of the largest stages in the world – Super Bowl XXXIX, Super Bowl LII, and Super Bowl LVII, along with the unique adventures of traveling extensively internationally from Hong Kong to London and many other regions across the globe.“

Tracy Foster

Title: Vice President of Corporate Partner Activation

An Eagle Since: 2008

Long before joining the Eagles in 2008, Tracy Foster was taking full advantage of everything that sports could offer her. Tracy played soccer at Rutgers University and for the Under-19 United States Women’s National Team. She was a part of the pool of 40 players up for selection to represent the United States at the 1999 Women’s World Cup. While Foster did not make the team, she was able to compete against the best players in the country and learn valuable lessons.

“Sports has been a great teacher of overcoming adversity with injuries, learning how to rise to a challenge, learning to deal with defeat, and being humble in victory,“ Tracy said. “Sports teaches you highs and lows, but brings out the passion and joy in life.”

In her role as Vice President of Corporate Partner Activation, Tracy oversees a team that manages the team's relationships with corporate partners and executes the contractual benefits of their contracts.

Playing sports has led to a successful career in a team setting for Tracy and opened doors in her personal life.

“Being involved in team sports allowed me to develop friendships and camaraderie with all types of individuals,“ Tracy said. “It taught me how to work together in a team setting towards a common goal. It also allowed me to travel and see all parts of the U.S. and Europe, leading to my love of travel.”

Katherine Mulders

Title: Event Staff Experience Coordinator

An Eagle Since: 2022

Katherine Mulders believes that sports is a way for a community and society to understand bigger issues, learn important values, and come together as one. In her role as an Event Staff Experience Coordinator for the Eagles, Katherine oversees part-time and Gameday staff and assists with incentives and celebrations.

Before working in sports, Katherine played ringette at the national and world level for Canada. Ringette is like ice hockey, but played with a ring and a straight stick. Katherine remembers being cut from her local competitive club ringette team and then having to join a different team where everything was new to her. This experience taught her how to overcome adversity and handle negative situations.

“I had to make new connections, learn how to play their style of ringette, work with a coach that was not respectful to players, and travel distances for practices and games,“ Katherine said. “I don't remember being in those moments and thinking, ‘I am growing and learning,’ but looking back now, I see how much that experience shaped me into how I am today, and the type of athlete and role model I want to be for others.”

Being involved in sports enriched Katherine’s life and offered lessons she would not have learned in school or at home. It has also led to amazing experiences that would not have been possible in another industry.

“Many of the lessons I have learned, which have all been applied to my life outside of work, are values and lessons one does not experience in typical day-to-day life,” Katherine said. “Sports teaches you loss and disappointment, emotional intelligence and regulation, teamwork, time management, communication, commitment and dedication, work ethic, criticism, and getting better from mistakes made, as well as working at smaller tasks to achieve a bigger goal. These have all played a role in creating the person I am today and, though hard in the moment, allowed me to grow and continue to implement these values when coaching or interacting with others on a day-to-day basis.”

Allison Waddington

Title: Communications Manager

An Eagle Since: 2015

Allison Waddington has been an integral part of the organization's corporate and football communications efforts since starting as an undergraduate intern in 2015. In her role as Communications Manager, Allison manages media credentials and oversees the team’s press conference transcript process while also promoting off-field initiatives. Being on a team and feeling a sense of family at the Eagles is what Allison relishes about working in sports.

“Sports has helped shape my personality and values in many ways,” Allison said. “I think one of the biggest ways is by teaching me that it’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself. As I got older going through organized sports, with every team I found myself on, I felt like I was part of a community. You spend so much time with your teammates and coaches that not only do they become family, but their families become family, and you are all working toward a common goal together. I think that teaches you a lot about teamwork, how to be selfless, and knowing what your role is in the grand scheme of things.”

Allison is one of four siblings and spent most of her childhood watching or playing sports with her three brothers. Sports has always been something that brought the Waddington family together. She is thankful for the influence that her family had on her journey as they have motivated her every step of the way. Allison has spent most of her life on the court or the field. She played basketball and softball at Central Bucks South High School and was a member of the 2012 CB South softball team that won the PIAA Class AAAA State Championship. After high school, Allison joined the La Salle University softball team as a walk-on. Allison also spent time as a Phillies Ballgirl following her softball career.

“The experience in sports that has significantly impacted my life would be walking onto the La Salle University softball team my freshman year in college,“ Allison said. “I hadn't gone through the recruiting process while in high school because I never thought I was good enough to play at the collegiate level. Throughout the summer heading into my freshman year, I really missed playing and decided to see if La Salle had tryouts for their team. They allowed me to try out, and I eventually earned a spot on the roster.”

Allison found that playing sports and working in the industry have helped her develop into a stronger, more confident woman. She has seen all the values and lessons learned from playing sports transition into her professional career with the Eagles.

Stacy Kelleher

Title: Director of Production

An Eagle Since: 2019

Stacy Kelleher attributes playing sports and being a woman in the industry to her self-confidence, drive, and resiliency. This has helped Stacy become an integral part of the Eagles Entertainment team and a leader within the organization. As the Director of Production, Stacy manages production workflows and logistics and leads a talented staff of producers, editors, production managers, and on-air talent.

“Being part of a team, whether it’s been professionally or competitively, has taught me that we have more in common with others than we think,“ Stacy said. “I love the way sports can bring unlikely people together in search of a common goal.”

Sports has been a part of Stacy’s life since she was born. It was a way of life for the Kelleher family. Sports gave Stacy lifelong friends and mentors who have helped get her to where she is today. She now instills the values of sports in her young family. Stacy fondly remembers being pregnant with her daughter Clare for an entire Ohio State football season while working for the university.

Stacy has learned to cherish the positive moments, learn from the negative, and appreciate everything that comes with working in sports.

“I don’t think there is ever one moment that singularly impacts your life. It’s all of it over time,“ Stacy said. “The moment when you get the job, the moment you feel underappreciated and pick yourself back up for the team, the time someone doubts that you can do it because you’re a woman, the time a mentor tells you that you CAN do it because you’re a strong woman, the people you meet who become groomsmen and godparents, the championships, the losses, and everything in between are what has impacted me the most.”

Christine Dorn

Title: Senior Designer

An Eagle Since: 2013

Christine Dorn has used her artistic and graphic design skills to make a positive impact on the organization and the world of sports. As a Senior Designer for the Eagles, Christine contributes to building brand awareness by creating and producing graphics that are not only visually appealing but also establish a profound connection with the Eagles’ audience.

“Incorporating my artistic skills into the branding of the Philadelphia Eagles has enriched my personal life by providing a unique source of pride, self-confidence, and inspiration,“ Christine said. “The opportunity to contribute to such a prominent sports team's identity has given me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, blending my passion for art with the world of football.”

Working in sports has taught Christine invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the game. She has learned the significance of teamwork and cooperation. Having that knowledge has allowed Christine to collaborate with others in the organization to achieve success in team and individual settings.

“The competitive nature of sports has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and dedication,“ Christine said. “These experiences have contributed to my sense of determination and my ability to navigate obstacles with a positive mindset.”

In 2014, Christine had the privilege of teaming up with Mural Arts Philadelphia to create a 17,000-square-foot Eagles mural on Darien Street across from Lincoln Financial Field. The mural later earned the title of fifth-largest mural in the nation. Her experience in sports aided in the success of the project. For Christine, the project was not just a professional achievement, but a testament to community collaboration.

Autumn Lockwood

Title: Associate Performance Coach

An Eagle Since: 2022

Autumn Lockwood was born with a passion for sports. Her dad, David, was a football coach and she spent most of her childhood around teammates as a soccer player and track runner. Before joining the Eagles, Autumn played collegiate soccer at The University of Arizona. Now as an Associate Performance Coach for her hometown team, she helps with strength and conditioning while serving as an inspiration to young women of color in sports. Last season, Autumn became the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl.

“The things I am most passionate about professionally are women in sports, the African American community, and the City of Philadelphia. I was truly so grateful to be able to represent each of those in my first year,“ Autumn said. “I am looking forward to growing from that experience, showing young women that their dreams of working in sports are within their reach always, empowering the African American community, and sharing something special with my hometown for as long as I am an Eagle!”

One thing that Autumn enjoys about working in sports is change. She moved around the United States 14 times during her childhood. Autumn learned at a young age that change was a good thing and it made her more adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced, and always-changing industry.

“I think the number one thing is that change is good. Change is the one thing that we know for a fact that is coming for us in multiple different ways,” Autumn said. “Learning to be adaptive to whatever environment I am in has helped me be the ‘new girl’ a majority of my life. It has also taught me to value every single relationship that sports has brought my way.”

Being around sports, especially football, has created many relationships for Autumn. As an outgoing person, she cherishes the people she has been introduced to thanks to being an athlete and working in sports. This has helped Autumn when working with players. While developing athletes physically as a strength and conditioning coach, she is also able to develop them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Because of this, Autumn is a well-respected coach among players and staff and is a role model for women working or looking to work in sports.

Colleen Scoles

Title: Talent Acquisition Manager

An Eagle Since: 2010

Colleen Scoles has played a major role in bringing in the incredibly gifted people who work for the Eagles, especially many talented and accomplished women. In her role as Talent Acquisition Manager, Colleen implements the recruitment process and talent acquisition strategies for business operations and drives employee branding and recruitment strategies with an emphasis on building relationships and developing a diverse talent pipeline. Colleen thrives in this role because of what sports taught her.

“Sports taught me that working with others towards a common goal and going out of your way to do something that will benefit the team – not just yourself – is extremely rewarding,” Colleen said.

As a high school athlete playing field hockey and running track, Colleen has experienced the ups and downs of team and individual sports. Being involved in sports has been a rewarding experience for Colleen as she has been able to meet so many different people and create fond memories.

One lesson that working in sports has taught Colleen is that practice and effort are essential to improving and gaining positive results. Whether you are a player on the team or a part of the Human Resources Department, practice and effort are integral to getting better and performing well as a collective group. Colleen uses that valuable lesson to be a leader in society.

“My involvement in sports gave me the opportunity to contribute to and be part of a team, gain a sense of accomplishment, and build relationships with people from different backgrounds,” Colleen said.

Kelsey Welsh

Title: Short Form Content Specialist

An Eagle Since: 2023

Kelsey Welsh joined the Eagles during last year’s playoff run and has served as a bright light and creative mind in the organization ever since. Kelsey is the Short Form Content Specialist on the social media team where she produces and edits vertical videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Kelsey consistently creates amazing content for the Mini-Mic and Sideline Suprise series.

“I am who I am today because of sports,” Kelsey said. “Growing up an Eagles fan I learned very early on how sports has the power to bring people together. Sports has been there to give me a sense of community in times when I felt I had none. Playing sports gave me a purpose before I even realized I needed one.”

Kelsey was an avid athlete growing up. She grew up playing soccer and field hockey in middle and high school and played lacrosse in college at the University of Mary Washington. Kelsey’s knowledge of many different sports has helped her thrive as a woman in sports, especially in a team setting.

She has always embraced the sense of family that being a part of a team gives her. Going to play college lacrosse without knowing any of her teammates was less scary for her because she knew she had family waiting for her in the form of her team. Just like college, Kelsey has embraced the family and team environment at the Eagles. Her ability to show up for herself and others was obtained because of her experience in sports. That helps Kelsey be a great teammate, not just with the Eagles Entertainment team but the organization as a whole.

“Whether I'm on the field, on the bench, or now in the press box, I've always prided myself in my ability to be a good teammate,” Kelsey said.

Ari Manelis

Title: HR Engagement Specialist

An Eagle Since: 2023

Ari Manelis enjoys how fun it is to work in sports and, in turn, has made the lives of Eagles employees that much more enjoyable. In her role as a Human Resources Engagement Specialist, Ari plans and executes employee engagement initiatives and internal communications.

“Sports taught me the importance of not taking things too seriously and to have more fun in life,” Ari said.

Ari grew up playing recreational sports and was also a dancer. Her fondest memory of being involved in sports was when she danced at a Philadelphia 76ers game as part of the halftime show. She remembers that she felt like a rock star at that moment.

In her short time with the Eagles, she has experienced a family-like environment where everyone comes together as one. Sports has also been an avenue for Ari to connect with her family. Ski trips every winter give her a sense of the togetherness that she has been able to find as a woman in sports.

“Every year, we all get together for a long weekend in the mountains, no matter what's going on in our lives,” Ari said. “It's a way for us to feel connected to one another and have fun together.”

Footnotes

Stories written by Owen Boyle; Studio Portraits captured by Kiel Leggere

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FootNotes

Stories written by Owen Boyle; Studio Portraits captured by Kiel Leggere

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