Nicole Smythe
Current Role:
Facility Coordinator with the St. Louis Cardinals. My role focuses on coordinating daily parking operations and communicating with upper management on parking accommodations. I work closely with our Security and Special Events teams for any and all events going on at Busch Stadium. I also assist the Project Management team with various stadium projects, strategic planning, revenue analysis and budgeting for our facility operations.
How did you end up in your current position?
I started out my career working as a Marketing Intern for Mizzou Athletics and I fell in love with the sports industry. I then started out with the St. Louis Cardinals working in Ticket Sales and was looking for an opportunity to stay within the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Working in sports, it can be a very competitive environment and I sought out an opportunity that opened up. It was a brand new role they created and I loved the idea of building a foundation for a role, creating it as my own, and exploring what possibilities can come from it.
What is something fascinating happening in your industry now?:
The sports industry is always changing with new technologies and trends much like other industries. I would say for the MLB and Busch Stadium, we are witnessing so many changes in the way baseball is being played, advertised, broadcasted, and it is exciting being apart of the newness of it all. Sports organizations are also becoming more progressive and it's incredible to see more women working in sports!
In what ways has your Mizzou education/affiliation impacted your life since graduation?
Mizzou Athletics specifically has always been a huge part of my life and what I love to keep up with. Mizzou sports can keep me on an emotional rollercoaster, but I love every second of visiting as a Tiger in Columbia. It's a special place and I am more than proud of where I completed both my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree. It's always incredible to see how connections are made from being a Mizzou alumni in the state of Missouri. It has helped me get where I am today with the connections and friendships I have made.
Why did you choose Mizzou—what makes Mizzou special? Why should someone consider Mizzou?
Mizzou will always be home to me. I chose Mizzou because it was always where I dreamt of attending since I was a child. For me, I was raised watching Mizzou sports and supporting them each year in Columbia and here in St. Louis. Mizzou is special in Missouri and I loved the community in Columbia. It's a school in one of the best college conferences for sports, it has an incredible reputation for select academic programs, and you get the opportunity to meet people from all over the United States. It's a large school with opportunities, but a community within itself where you can find define your future.
Fondest memories while a student or faculty member here?
My fondest memories while being a student at Mizzou fall within the clubs, the classes, and the events I attended. I played Club Ultimate Frisbee and met the most genuine friends through it while also getting to travel around on weekends! My classes were very unique and the best part of my day was getting to walk around campus, especially the quad on my way to class. It is beautiful! I attended football games, basketball games, and any of the free concerts or events with my friends, too. As a Graduate student, I worked in downtown Columbia and I really got the feel of what the community is like outside of Mizzou. The community is so genuine and exploring new places around the city was something I really enjoyed as an older student.
In your spare time, what do you like to do?
I enjoy being a foodie and exploring new restaurants/foods. I also love exploring new breweries in the cities I travel to. My favorite thing to do in my spare time would be attending sporting events where I get to also enjoy good food and memories with friends.