Olivia Donofrio Sport and Entertainment Management Professional

Where Passion Meets Profession — That's Sports Management.

A graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management and Spanish minor. A motivated, team-oriented, and creative future leader with practical experience in hospitality, sales, operations, and customer service, closely following my fathers career.

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My name is Olivia Donofrio. I am a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management and a minor in Spanish. My time at USC was incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. The College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management (HRSM) offered countless hands-on opportunities and provided valuable insights from industry leaders and legendary professors who helped me grow as both a student and an aspiring sports professional. I am so fortunate to have developed my leadership skills, built professional relationships, and gained invaluable hands-on experience in the sports industry.

From a young age, I've been surrounded by sports, starting with competitive gymnastics, then later playing soccer and participating in competitive cheer throughout high school. I also closely followed my father's career in the sports industry, which inspired my own interest in the field. I became fascinated by the behind-the-scenes operations of sporting events and teams, and when it came time to choose a university, the University of South Carolina and the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management was the perfect fit.

During my time at USC, I was fortunate to gain unforgettable experiences across both professional and collegiate sports. Each opportunity helped grow my network, sharpen my skill set, and deepen my understanding of the sports business. I've learned the importance of leadership, patience, and effective communication. I'm incredibly grateful for these four years and the impact they've had on my personal and professional growth. This portfolio showcases what I've learned and how I apply those lessons to my approach as a future leader in the industry.

Key Insights

From hospitality excellence at world-class events to international experience, here's a glimpse into my sport and entertainment management experience.

I've learned early on that building relationships aren't just beneficial, they're essential to creating long-term opportunities in business and the sports industry.

Legends/ASM Global Training Camp:

Out of hundreds of applicants, I was honored to be selected for the Legends/ASM Global Training Camp, an immersive five-week program designed to develop future leaders in sports and entertainment. The experience brought together executives, mentors, and peers from across the country, creating an incredible environment to grow both professionally and personally.

While we explored topics like corporate partnerships, ticketing, sales, and venue operations, the most valuable takeaway was the power of connection. The relationships formed during the program led to ongoing mentorship, real-world industry insights, and new career opportunities. Collaborating on presentations, solving challenges, and participating in workshops helped foster genuine trust and support among participants. These connections gave me a clearer view of the various career paths in the industry and the confidence to actively pursue them.

From the Desk of the President:

I was honored to be accepted into a highly selective leadership course at USC called From the Desk of the President, taught by three award-winning industry professionals and mentors I'm now fortunate to call part of my network. The course featured guest lectures from iconic leaders including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, Carolina Panthers' Nicole Tepper and Kristi Coleman, and Gamecocks Head Coach Shane Beamer.

It was a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from top executives about their leadership journeys, decision-making processes, and the evolving landscape of the sports industry. A consistent theme in every session was the critical role of relationship-building in achieving long-term success. These authentic conversations didn't just offer career insight; they helped expand my professional network and deepened my understanding of how personal branding and visibility shape career paths in sports. Being selected for this course reaffirmed that even one meaningful connection can open doors to lasting opportunities and growth.

Whether through events or meaningful classroom experiences, I've seen firsthand how authentic relationships can open doors and shape careers. The connections I've built so far have not only provided guidance and mentorship but have also reinforced my belief that success in the sports industry is built on trust, collaboration, and staying genuinely engaged with others.

Throughout both my college journey and personal life, I've learned that adaptability and strong communication skills are essential, especially when navigating high-pressure or unpredictable environments.

Type 1 Diabetes:

Since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of seven, I've had to manage a chronic, incurable condition while continuing to pursue my goals without compromise. This lifelong challenge has taught me how to adapt quickly, stay disciplined, and communicate clearly, whether with doctors, coaches, or peers.

For 10 years, I served as a Youth Ambassador for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading research foundation for Type 1 diabetes. I advocated on their behalf through public speaking, community events, and digital outreach, sharpening my ability to engage diverse audiences with clarity and empathy. Through my team, "Olivia's Team," I've helped raise over $250,000 via the annual JDRF Walk in NYC and was honored as a top fundraiser year after year. These experiences have not only built my communication skills but also strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose, qualities that continue to guide me in both personal and professional settings.

The Masters Tournament:

Working at the Masters Tournament, widely regarded as "A Tradition Unlike Any Other", was an invaluable opportunity to refine my adaptability and communication skills in a world-class, high-pressure environment. For three consecutive years, I was selected to serve at this prestigious 10-day event, delivering top-tier hospitality aligned with Augusta National's elite service standards.

Each year brought new challenges that required quick thinking, flexibility, and strong collaboration. I was honored to be chosen for the iconic Masters Par 3 Contest two years in a row, an assignment reserved for trusted, high-performing staff. From managing high-profile guest requests to adjusting logistics on the fly, I learned how vital calm, clear, and professional communication is to delivering exceptional service.

Maintaining excellence under pressure sharpened my problem-solving abilities, time management, and attention to detail. These experiences taught me how to remain composed, efficient, and team-oriented, skills that are essential for success in any area of the sports business industry.

2024 Paris Olympics:

The pinnacle of my experiential learning came during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where I served as the face of NBCUniversal's VIP Hospitality program. As the primary point of contact, I was responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of hospitality operations for over 1,200 high-profile guests, executives, and corporate partners during the world's largest global sports competition.

Managing logistics at this scale required meticulous planning, quick adaptation, and a deep understanding of cultural nuance. I coordinated exclusive viewing parties, arranged transportation for international dignitaries, and navigated time-sensitive changes with precision and poise. Representing NBC's program, I worked closely with cross-functional teams to manage on-site operations and ensure each guest felt valued and prioritized.

Through this experience, I learned that true hospitality excellence means anticipating needs before they're expressed, staying composed under pressure, and creating authentic connections that transcend language and cultural barriers. Whether in Paris or back home, the principles remain the same: attention to detail, genuine care, and crafting moments that guests remember long after the final event.

Whether managing a chronic health condition, serving guests at one of golf's most iconic tournaments, or supporting a global stage like the Olympics, I've learned that adaptability and communication are not just skills, they're necessities. These experiences have shaped my ability to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and connect meaningfully with others, qualities that will continue to guide me throughout my career in sports and entertainment.

After working several years in the industry, I quickly learned you can only discover what truly excites you by being exposed to real opportunities, through hands-on work, behind-the-scenes involvement, and direct interactions.

South Carolina Gamecocks Football:

Few experiences in college sports rival a Gamecocks football game at Williams-Brice Stadium. That energy and tradition sparked a deeper passion in me, one that truly came to life during my internship with Gamecocks Football.

As part of the on-campus recruiting team, I had the opportunity to turn that passion into impact. I helped coordinate visits for top recruits and their families, ensuring every touchpoint, from campus tours to personalized materials reflected the excellence of our program. My goal was simple: create a first-class, memorable experience that mirrored the electric atmosphere I'd fallen in love with as a student and deliver the highest level of hospitality and professionalism.

Using my role and enthusiasm to showcase the program's strengths was the most rewarding part of the experience. That energy, pride, and attention to detail helped build meaningful connections, and ultimately played a role in securing commitments. Seeing recruits choose USC and knowing I contributed to that decision made it clear: I want to work in environments where passion, purpose, and culture drive success.

Charleston Battery:

In 2023, I completed my first internship with the Charleston Battery, a professional soccer club. From day one, I was trusted with responsibilities across multiple areas of the organization, including hospitality, sponsorship activation, promotions, concessions, and game-day logistics. Each task challenged me to manage communication effectively and deliver a polished experience that reflected the club's brand and values.

I also contributed strategic feedback to boost social media engagement and identified opportunities to grow merchandising and fan-focused sponsorship efforts. Being immersed in such a fast-paced, collaborative environment helped me discover how much I enjoy enhancing the fan experience and building lasting relationships.

This exposure showed me that I thrive in roles that combine creativity, organization, and cross-functional communication, especially when the goal is to strengthen the connection between fans and the teams they support.

Each of these experiences deepened my passion for the sports industry by giving me a front-row seat to the energy, strategy, and connection that drive it. Whether supporting recruiting at the collegiate level or creating memorable fan experiences in professional soccer, I've learned that exposure to all sides of the game fuels both personal growth and professional purpose.

Experience

My journey through the University of South Carolina and professional development experiences has been marked by diverse opportunities in hospitality, operations, and event management. From serving at world-class sporting events to managing international VIP experiences, each role has contributed to my growth as a sport and entertainment management professional.

2021-2025

Education

Bachelor of Science

University of South Carolina

Sport and Entertainment Management with Spanish Minor. Completed coursework in event management, marketing, and finance. Gained foundational knowledge in sports operations and hospitality management.

Academic Excellence Spanish Minor

May-Aug 2025

Internship

Gamecocks Football On-Campus Recruiting Intern

University of South Carolina Football

Managed all aspects of recruit visits and events, creating personalized experiences that aligned with Gamecocks Football’s culture and vision. Supported the recruiting team by preparing materials, maintaining compliance, and fostering strong relationships that influenced top-tier talent.

Game Day Operations Fan Engagement Stadium Management

2023-2025

Event Experience

Beverage Attendant

Augusta National Golf Club

Served at the Masters Tournament for three consecutive years in Concessions Stand 8. Maintained high standards of customer service during peak tournament hours.

World-Class Service Customer Service Event Management

July-Aug 2024

International

Hospitality Guide

NBCUniversal - Paris Olympics

Led Hospitality program for over 1,200 VIP guests at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Managed logistics for exclusive viewing parties and coordinated transportation for high-profile attendees.

VIP Service International Event Coordination

May-Aug 2023

Internship

Stadium Operations Intern

Charleston Battery

Summer internship with Charleston Battery professional soccer club. Assisted with game day operations and provided recommendations for social media marketing.

Operations Management Fan Experience Event Planning

Leadership

Through my academic and professional journey, I've come to understand that leadership is rooted in adaptability, relationship-building, and leading by example. Each of the roles I've held in the sports industry has reinforced these qualities and shaped how I aspire to lead in the future.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, I managed logistics and hospitality for over 1,200 VIP guests and corporate clients. In a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, I learned to lead through clear communication, fast decision-making, and staying composed under pressure, especially when things didn't go as planned. That same ability to adapt served me well at the Masters Tournament, where precision, tradition, and consistency were non-negotiable. In both cases, I learned that effective leadership often emerges in moments of quiet urgency, when poise, attention to detail, and service excellence matter most.

My leadership mindset was further shaped through my semester in the From the Desk of the President course, where I had the opportunity to learn directly from top sports executives. That experience taught me that the most impactful leaders listen, empower those around them, and build cultures rooted in purpose and vision. Just as importantly, I learned that developing into a strong leader starts with building relationships with current ones. By learning from their experiences, observing their decision-making, and understanding how they lead teams, I gained insights that will shape how I lead in the future. I brought those lessons into my work with Gamecocks Football's on-campus recruiting team, where I helped cultivate a championship culture by focusing on meaningful relationships and making every recruit and family feel valued.

Each of these experiences is tied to what I've learned both in and out of the classroom at USC. Great leaders communicate clearly, adapt quickly, and serve with intention. As I look ahead, I plan to lead with compassion, especially when making hard decisions, and develop environments where every team member feels empowered to contribute. Whether managing people, collaborating with partners, or delivering fan experiences, I'll prioritize respect, trust, and a shared sense of ownership. From experience, I know that when people feel valued, they take pride in their work. I will carry that forward as I continue building a career in sports, leading with purpose, raising standards, and inspiring others through a commitment to excellence.

Contact Me

Connect

Send me a message directly

livnyc123@gmail.com

Connect professionally

linkedin.com/in/oliviadonofriousc