USC has a known history of producing professional athletes. But beyond that, USC has equipped many Trojan women to change the culture in the sports industry behind the scenes.
The sports industry has been male-dominated for centuries, whether in broadcast, media, analytics or any head position. According to Sports Business, women generally hold positions of responsibility in between 10% and 20% of the total jobs in the sports industry field. Every day, women must prove themselves capable of being involved in the industry that claims to be a “man’s game.” Therefore, the women who continue to persevere and break the mold need to be recognized.
Holding the position of director of football Communications for USC is Katie Ryan, who graduated with her master’s degree in strategic public relations from USC in 2022. Ryan oversees all media about the coaching staff or any of the 101 players on the roster. Whether on or off the field, the realm of football is fairly male-centric and a huge undertaking for everyone involved. For Ryan, this was something she was prepared for.
“I’ve worked in this space for about 10 years and you need to know the game, be able to talk the talk and walk the walk and immerse yourself in it,” Ryan said. “I didn’t grow up playing football, so I had to learn the game … I read countless articles, I watched countless games, I would talk to my dad growing up and he would bring me to USC football practice when I was a kid just to learn as much as possible.”
These women are blazing a path for others who feel there may be no place for women in the sports business. “The Trojan family is real,” Ryan said. “I can think of countless members of the media right now that are Trojans and want to offer help [to other women], whether it’s a phone call, advice or an internship.”
Isabel Castillo is a production assistant on the production and talent development team at FOX Sports — not to mention a 2021 graduate of USC. Castillo has worked on various sporting events with NASCAR, WWE and the Super Bowl LVII.
While Castillo herself is marking milestones in her career, the women around her continue to play the part of role models and influence her future aspirations.
“When I meet all of these women in different areas of sports, it gives me hope that maybe one day I can be in those areas of achievement and really give back to other women and continue that cycle,” Castillo said.
Closing the gap between women and sports is not only for the benefit of aspiring women but also for the betterment of the industry itself. Gia Larez is the assistant director of sports brands and communication for USC Athletics and graduated with her master’s degree from USC in 2020.
“Women offer a different perspective and voice that I think is truly valuable in the sports world,” Larez said. Women and men have the same goal when it comes to athletics: to appreciate sports, the athletes and to share that passion with the world.
“I realized that [Division I] athletes face numerous struggles off the field that aren’t recognized,” Larez said. “That piqued my interest to work in college athletics and find ways to help student athletes reduce distractions off the field so that they can focus on their performance on the field.”
These women are trailblazing for people of all genders. They are powerful. They are resilient. They are women of USC.