There is No Set Path to Achieving Your Goals

By: Sports As a Job

By: Kolby Castillo

Chad Jones-Hicks is the perfect example of why it is important to tell the stories of the people in the sports industry. Each story we are able to tell, reinforces the statement that there is no set path to where you want to go. What if I told you Chad worked for free for three years? How about if I told you his first job was working for a youth basketball program as the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade coach? Would you believe me if I told you he is currently the Assistant Director of Ticketing at University of North Texas? Like many former student-athletes, the transition into no longer playing is a difficult one. Chad says, "I focused on basketball in high school and played in college for two years at Moberly Community College and Lindenwood University.  After I stopped playing ball, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do." The one thing that Chad did know, was he loved Basketball and wanted to work in the NBA. He set a 5 year goal of working in the NBA. Chad shared with us his journey to where he is today, lessons he has learned, and the people who helped him along the way.

Chad after you stopped playing ball, you mentioned that you set the goal of working in the NBA. You had an idea of what you wanted to do. Where did your journey begin and go?

My first job was working for a youth basketball program as the 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade coach. After that I became the Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach at Avila University.  After Avila I went back to the youth basketball program and became the Director of Basketball Operations.  I then finally got the chance to work for a division one school at UC Davis as the Video Coordinator. Then, I finally got the opportunity to work in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets. 

​During this time I went three out of four years unpaid. It was tough but it was what is expected to work in college basketball and NBA. I was lucky to have my family, my school loans, and side jobs. During this time I was also working on my back up plan, I got my masters in Athletic Administration from Concordia University. Before I got my first athletics job I worked in a elementary school for a year and a high school as a para for a year. There isn’t one right path to get to where you want to be you can create your own path. Its hard work but if you have a dream don’t give up on it and keep pushing.

Now, I have to ask about the actual interview and hiring process. Was there any doubt whatsoever that you were going to get your current position? 

I saw this job online through D1 Ticket and applied. I had two Skype interviews. One with a group of my current coworkers and the other with my boss Matt. It was a good process and I felt I was prepared for questions they asked me, I knew going in I didn’t have some of the sells training background they wanted but I had everything else. It took about 2-3 weeks before I was offered the job and I accepted that day. 

There is always doubt even if you think you are the perfect fit for the job. I always go into every interview hoping for the best and always prepared. I had more people tell me no than yes when it comes to jobs but it doesn’t mean I should give up. If  what you want to do is important, you chase your goals/dreams and don’t give up.
 
Here is a statement from Chad's boss Matt Carabajal: "Chad’s diverse skillset, positive attitude and experiences in college and professional sports made him the ideal candidate for the North Texas Athletics Ticket Office. Chad is not only a consummate teammate in the athletics department, but he is also an invaluable resource to our student athletes, coaches, donors and season ticket holders. With an eagerness to continue to learn and grow, Chad has left a positive mark on the ticket office every day since he arrived in Denton."

Any advice to young and aspiring sport professionals?

If you have a dream then go for it and don’t give up. I don’t work in collegiate athletics for the pay, you can do this for the money especially starting off because its not there and its something that will come but in time. There are great resources and people out there who will help and give you great advice. Just keep networking, working hard, don’t give up, and everything will work itself out. You have to be patient, it’s the hardest thing to do but you have to and in the end it will work out like it is supposed to.

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from Steve Jobs, "You can’t connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards you have to trust somehow the dots will connect in the future. You have to have trust in something, your guy, life, destiny, karma, whatever.​"

Chad Jones-Hicks Shout Outs (No particular order)

• Kristen Davis gave me my start in basketball coaching 3rd, 4th, 5th graders and I worked my way up to Director of Basketball Operations.
• Coach Perry gave my first college basketball job. 
• Coach Chris Davis took a chance on me to work at UC Davis as the Video Coordinator. 
• Ray Rios hired me to become a intern for the Charlotte Hornets and he helped me accomplish my dream and goal of working in the NBA.
• Brent Lewis gave my my chance to work in college administration, he hired me when I didn’t have any ticket experience and only coaching experience and I will be forever grateful to him!
• I also can’t forget my family who has helped me more than they should have and have always taught me to push for my dreams. 

Thank you to Chad for sharing his story and helping inspire others. We wish him luck but we know they we will continue to amazing things!

You can follow Chad on Twitter: @joneshicksc and LinkedIn