At 21, Kara Linse is living a sports fan's dream

By Stefanie Loh

In an industry still largely dominated by men, Kara Linse is a rarity.

Kara shows off her excellent pedigree, including a stint as an SIOC correspondent. Photo courtesy of Kara Linse

Just three months out of college and armed with a bachelor of arts degree in business and Spanish from the University of Oregon, Linse, 21, recently became president of the Eugene Chargers, an International Basketball League team based out of Eugene, Ore.

Linse joins a small but growing pool of women in leadership positions in the sports business industry, and she says she's motivated by her realization of her minority status. "That definitely motivates me, but I'm an optimist, and I definitely work best when I'm challenged," Linse says. "I was that way in class, and in sports too. It gives me energy, I think it's a good thing.

"Sometimes I'm worried that people might not take me seriously [as a young woman in the industry]," Linse says. "But I think that as long as I'm poised and professional, they'll have to take me seriously and respect me."

Linse, a Portland native, grew up thinking that she wanted to go into politics. As a senior in high school she applied to several schools in Washington, D.C., in hopes of getting a jump on a career in politics.

But she ended up going to Oregon to major in international studies. Then in her sophomore year Linse chanced upon an introductory sports marketing class that changed her life. "I just loved the idea that I could actually sell something that makes people excited and that they want to buy... the product of sport, pretty much," Linse says. "That and the fact that you're promoting athleticism and a healthy lifestyle. It really got me excited."

In her last two years at Oregon, Linse gained real-world marketing experience through stints with a host of different companies all related to the sports marketing industry. She worked a marketing internship with Sports Illustrated On Campus, interned with Columbia Sportswear's licensing and public relations department, helped the University's recreation center promote its intra-mural leagues and was appointed campus representative for Luna Bar.

Upon graduation in December, Linse landed a marketing internship in Australia. In January she flew to Sydney and spent the next two months working with the National Basketball League, the Australian version of the NBA. Toward the end of her internship Linse began looking for jobs in the Eugene area. One of her old professors, Paul Swangard, told her that the Chargers were looking to hire a new president and he recommended her for the job.

Linse applied, but says she never thought she would get the job. So she was surprised when Chargers owner Ron Ingalls called her in Australia and offered her the position. "He wanted someone with a business background," Linse says. "And I think he liked the combination of my business degree and my experience with basketball."

Linse officially started work on April 2. Her duties include managing a staff of about 15 -- five full-timers, and a group of interns -- and overseeing the franchise's promotions and marketing campaigns. She is also responsible for sponsorships, ticket sales and operations.

Linse admits to initially feeling a little overwhelmed by the all-encompassing nature of her job description. But ever the optimist, she views this as an opportunity for personal improvement. "There's a lot of pressure, but luckily the team's new in this market and that makes me feel like I can grow with the team," Linse says.

With their new president at the helm, the Chargers are set to open their second season at home against the Salem Stampede on April 13.