Jarietta Benton
Name:
Jarietta Benton
Team:
Saint Louis Billikens
Job Title:
Director of Basketball Operations
What I do:
Coordinate film exchange & community service, supervise the team managers, assist with team travel, camp director, assist Coach SGM in any day to day needs, and oversee all team meals.
How long I've been doing it:
I'm in my 2nd year with the program.
Training/Education:
I have a BA in Physical Education from DePaul and I'm currently working on my MA in Higher Education. I’m hoping to finish it before I hit menopause.
My responsibilities on a "typical" day:
Responding to emails, tackling film exchange, prepping for team travel, maintaining the organization of our community service commitment with Big Bros/Big Sisters, & assisting with stats and the clock during practice.
My responsibilities on a game day:
Giving team managers their game day responsibilities, making sure team pre and post game meals are taken care of, and keeping track of fouls and certain stats during the game.
Biggest challenge:
Not being involved in the coaching aspect of the program is a challenge for me because I really want to get out there and work with the players.
Biggest reward:
Seeing our players develop and reap the benefits of our teachings.
Biggest misconception about this job:
When the season is over, you stop working. That is a huge misconception because this is a year round job. In order to compete with the best in your profession, you have to put in work, day in and out!
To be most successful at this job...
Be assertive in what you want. Make things happen! Being proactive really helps me to as well as staying on my toes and being a quick thinker. My job really requires a lot of organizational skills, which I'm still working on! Last but not least, be confident!
Advice I'd give to someone pursuing this career:
Be aggressive and never be satisfied. Always look for more responsibility and double-check everything you do, and never assume that things are going to go smoothly.
What I love about sports:
I love the intensity, the sweat, the blood, the tears, and the heart that many athletes display!
When I leave this job I'd like to be able to say that I...
I'm NEVER leaving! Shimmy you are stuck with me forever! Just kidding! Seriously, it's a great opportunity to progress in this profession. When I leave here I'd like to be able to say I was a part of history. I made contributions along with my colleagues that changed player's lives and presented opportunities that exemplified what being a D1 athlete is all about. In my opinion, that measures success.