Negotiation and Deal Making Interview with Margie Gill

Margie Gill is the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of Miami's program, which is a NCAA Division I team. Margie never played basketball; but, her father was a basketball coach for a high school team. She has always been around sports and wanted to pursue a career in sports primarily because of her father's involvement. Margie chose to a career in basketball management because she always loved basketball. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise with a specialization in Sports Management from the University of Florida.

Margie's role as Director of Basketball Operations is to handle the business side of the program. She reports directly to Katie Meier, the head coach. She set up the team's playing schedule. The conference games are already set, but Margie has to negotiate the non-divisional games the team plays. Part of the negotiation is to determine if the games will be home or away and she spends countless hours trying to mix and match games that work. She is also responsible for scheduling the team's travel show she spends numerous hours negotiating costs and accommodations for the team. Margie also works with the media and marketing staff to sell tickets. Her future goals for the team is to increase their ticket sales and media coverage. Margie does not get involved with recruiting players; this is the responsibility of the head coach. However, she shared that the team is rebuilding after losing some seniors from last year.

Margie was motivated by how sports play a big part in society and valuing teamwork. There are highs and lows with winning; as a result, sports are microcosmic of society. She enjoys seeing women for four years growing and being productive in society. Margie recommends that anyone who wants a career in sports is not to pigeon hole yourself into one area. Learn all aspects of sports because as you network you will make yourself more visible. She indicated that basketball operation is a tough area to break in because it is about networking and relationships.

The informational interview with Margie Hill was beneficial because Margie Gill was very open and truthful regarding having a career in sports. She recommended the area of NCAA compliance as a field to pursue a career. According to Margie, this is an upcoming field that will require additional staff.