The football fan
Within 15 minutes of getting to know me, you'll find out that I love the New England Patriots.
With a lot of luck, several thank you cards, and a go-getter mentality, I was able to reach the peak of being a sports fan.
This is my story on how networking, seizing opportunities, and having a lot of passion can help you accomplish anything.
new england patriots at cleveland browns
november 7, 2010
When I was 13, my dad took my sister and I to our first Patriots game. We sat in the infamous "Dawg Pound," a fanzone known for crude language and harassment towards the opponent.
During pregame warm-ups, one of the coaches randomly tossed a practice football to us. (Maybe he felt bad for us?) The Patriots ended up losing this game, and I remember telling my dad I'd trade the ball for a win. I didn't realize that football would pave the way to so many opportunities. |
New england patriots at tampa bay buccaneers
August 18, 2011
The following season, my family took a trip to Tampa Bay to watch the Patriots vs. Buccaneers.
We were waiting for autographs when we saw Coach Dante Scarnecchia leaving for his morning jog. We recognized him as the coach who tossed the football to us, called out to him, and started a conversation. This was the start of a family friendship. I sent him a thank you card after the game and let him know that my family was planning to attend the Patriots vs. Broncos game in Denver that December. |
new england patriots at denver broncos
December 18, 2011
We were only able to visit briefly with Coach Dante because of his schedule. As we were waiting in the hotel lobby for our dad to pick us up, Mr. Robert K. Kraft, the team's owner, was leaving to go to dinner. We asked him for a picture, and we became known as the "Girls from Houston."
After this game, I asked Coach Dante if he could deliver a thank you note I wrote to Mr. Kraft. In the note, I expressed appreciation for his leadership in ending the NFL's Lockout and asked if there was anyway he could help my family get tickets to a Patriots home game, since tickets to Gillette Stadium were expensive and hard to get. |
New England Patriots vs. denver broncos (afc divisional playoffs)
january 14, 2012
new england patriots at seattle seahawks, miami
dolphins, cincinnati bengals, houston texans
2012 - 2013
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For the next several games we attended, we always met up with Coach Dante, and our family friendship developed.
We also always made an effort to reach out to Mr. Kraft and thank him for his generosity with the playoff tickets. He always referred to us as the "Girls from Houston," and the nickname just stuck. |
new england patriots vs. INDIANAPOLIS colts (afc divisional playoffs)
january 11, 2014
new england patriots at new york jets, dallas cowboys
vs. indianapolis colts (afc championship)
2014 - 2015
summer internship at the kraft group
july - august 2015
During my senior year of high school, I asked Coach Dante if he could give my cover letter and resume to Mr. Kraft. A few weeks later, I was invited to interview for one of the companies in the Kraft Group.
I ended up working for International Forest Products, the first business that Mr. Kraft started, for the summer before my freshman year of college. During this time, I was able to network with different divisions of the company since all the offices were located at One Patriot Place (Gillette Stadium). I also got to attend the Patriots' training camp. I ended up being featured on their Instagram page because of Mr. Kraft's recognition. |
internship at the houston super bowl host committee
september 2015 - february 2017
When I started my freshman year at Rice, I applied to work for the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee. Because of my previous work experience, I was able to get a position with the Events and Hospitality team.
I helped produce and attended various events like the Media Party, Luminaries of the Game Gala, NFL Honors, and more. Because of my relationship with Mr. Kraft, I was selected to serve as the NFL's liaison to the Kraft Family during Super Bowl 51, as part of their White Glove Program. |
new england patriots vs. atlanta falcons (super bowl 51)
February 5, 2017
For the NFL's White Glove Program, I also asked if my older sister, Truce, could work as a liaison since we both knew Mr. Kraft. During Super Bowl week, we provided hospitality and assistance in the Greater Houston Area to the Kraft family. On Game Day, we organized on-site transportation for them and all their guests, including Gisele Bundchen, Sir Elton John, John Legend, and more.
After the Patriots won (in epic fashion), we were able to celebrate on the field with the team. Also, because of my connections with the Host Committee, I was able to purchase face-value tickets for my parents. To have the Patriots make it to the Super Bowl in my hometown and then win, to have my family there, and to be part of the team was the ultimate dream. I was on Cloud Nine for the rest of the month. |