Playing Our Part
This Holiday

Beatrice Livioco

Senior Director, Marketing

I've been playing volleyball since I was seven years old. It's a family sport, and if you know my extended family, you know we ALL play, coach, run camps and even entire leagues. I've been fortunate to celebrate a lot of wins throughout my Junior Olympic, high school and college careers and even as an adult. But to me, volleyball has always meant family time. My dad was my coach until I went to college, my sister also played at the collegiate level and mom was famous for her “tournament pasta.” I've played in tournaments and leagues with most of my cousins and most of their children play volleyball too!

Without volleyball, I truly don't think I would have gotten to spend as much time and bond with my immediate and extended family. It has been such a blessing, even now, and I hope that sports bring other families together too. Fun fact: I was pregnant with my son when I was inducted into my college hall of fame. I hope more access to sports for females leads to my kiddo growing up in a world where there is more gender equality and he knows that women can do it all.

Caitlin Davies

Senior Media Manager, Integrated Media Investment

I grew up playing a variety of sports and they were everything to me! I can't say I was anything spectacular. I didn't leave much of a mark on any ONE sport, because I loved to fill my time with ALL the sports. That didn't take away from the fact that each of those sports has forever left its mark on me.

I'm the youngest of three girls and I followed in my sisters' footsteps to dedicate my time to gymnastics, soccer, swimming, and cross country. Whether we were scaling the kitchen counters for a snack, using the top of the couch for a beam routine or untangling our chlorine-filled hair after a day of swimming, sports kept our lives full of adventure and play. From time to time, we test who can still do a back handspring… not so easy, but a thread that bonds us together!

I found that it was one of the few spaces growing up where girls were celebrating each other's differences as strengths, rather than pulling each other apart because of their weaknesses. It helped me to develop my voice and sense of self as well as seeing the best in others. No matter the sport, trust was the foundation to everything, in your abilities, in your teammates, and in yourself. Most importantly, I learned that being a good teammate, often meant being a good friend.

Sports weren't just a hobby for me, they were my world. Although my world has gotten bigger now, every experience has built me into the resilient woman I am today. Being a parent to my son and my daughter have made me realize how important it is to support them and encourage them to be brave in anything they choose to do. Whatever path they choose, sports or not, it's their whole world for a short time and it will shape them into the person they grow to be in countless ways.

Emily Carlson

Director, Media Planning

I was fortunate to grow up in a place (Minnesota) and time (not THAT long ago) that allowed me to experience something that very few young female athletes ever had: I played on one of the country's first women's high school hockey teams. Hockey was always a family sport and I was incredibly excited when girls hockey became a sport my freshman year of high school. My Grandpa, the incredibly supportive type that he is, was at my first game and, as such, is quick to point out that I also received the first penalty in my high school's first girl's hockey season. I went on to play all 4 years of high school and loved every minute of it.

Heather Horton

VP, Business Operations

My love for sports started at age 5. In a matter of years I had dove into volleyball, basketball, dance, gymnastics (which I dreamed of going to the Olympics for), horseback riding, and softball...but softball stole my heart.

I started playing competitively at a pretty young age and as far back as I can remember, my dad was my coach. From t-ball, to little league, and through high school, softball was a way of life for me. My best friends were on the field with me, my schedule was built around it, and outside all of the games and practices, it was my dad and me in the backyard putting in the work.

Softball taught me how to be a good teammate, to appreciate everyone's contributions big and small. Softball taught me how to take losses and how to pick myself back up and try again. Softball taught me that all I can do is give it my all, and that sometimes even that's not enough. After my rotator cuff ended any dreams of competing at the collegiate level, softball then taught me that I could still love it just as much when playing just for fun. I played rec league in college and over the years through our own local advertising agency league at Rain. I am grateful for all the memories made on every diamond I have ever stepped foot on, and for every one on and off the field with my dad as my coach.

Jane Crisan

Chief Executive Officer

Growing up I played many sports, it was foundational in my life in many ways. I started by playing CYO softball at an early age, and played every seasonal sport in junior high, high school and college. This ranged from track to gymnastics, volleyball to lacrosse.

My main sport, which extended well into my 50's, was soccer. This picture was from my high school soccer team, senior year. I started playing soccer in Jr. High, but we had to play on a boys team because there was no youth soccer for girls at the time. When I entered high school, it was the first year that they had to field a girls soccer team because of Title IX.

The handful of us that had ever even played the game had to go on a recruiting spree to get enough players to field a team. Two years later we went to the state playoffs. There were so many lessons about hard work, preparation, teamwork, community and leadership. In addition in my adult years, as I moved around the country, I would join a women's soccer team. This gave me an immediate community of women to bond with outside of work.

Kat Sakata

Senior Art Director

In middle school, where it all started, my friends would play volleyball during recess. I'd never played before sixth grade, but I joined them every day just to be part of the fun. Before long, I loved it so much that I joined the volleyball team with them. Volleyball quickly became a huge part of my life—I wouldn't leave home without my ball. I even joined a summer beach volleyball league, which was intense in Hawaii, running drills on the sand. It was brutal, but I loved every minute of it.

I was never particularly good at the sport—as you can see in this photo, I was on the ‘B' team. But I didn't care; I was thrilled just to be on the team. I remember one game against a tough team. It was the final set, and I got subbed in at the last moment. Suddenly, the other team spiked the ball hard down our court. I sprinted for it, diving and stretching my hand out as it hit the ground. The ball landed square on the back of my palm. The other team thought they'd scored, so their guard was down. But when the ball bounced off my hand and barely floated over the net, we scored and won the game. It was epic!

To this day, it's one of my happiest memories. The team cheered, and we all celebrated. They used to call me ‘grandma butt' because I was so slow, but not that day. That day, I was Super-butt, soaring across the court.

Kate Kalevich

Group Director, Integrated Media Investment

I played soccer, basketball, and softball. I played sports all my life, but I was never breaking records or being named all-state. I was a dependable player who my coach could count on - to make good plays or keep morale up, really whatever she needed.

Being part of a sports team has had a lasting impact on my life and taught me all the values that make me successful in life (professionally and personally) - teamwork, commitment, discipline, perseverance, confidence, dependability, effort, hard work....just to name a few. (And, if I didn't have a game on a certain day, I would dress up as our school's mascot and cheer on other sports teams).

I am now coaching my 13-year-old daughter's softball teams. I am not pushing her or her teammates to "be the best." I say to them all the time - "show up, put the work in, try your best, be there for your team. That's all your coaches want to see. Win or lose, if you tried your best, you should feel good about yourself." I hope they take these lessons far beyond the softball field!

Kendra Tang

Programmatic Supervisor

"I am building a fire, and every day I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match." This mindset has guided me through the highs and lows of soccer and now shapes my professional career. Soccer has been my lifelong passion. From kicking a ball at four years old to playing competitively for 17 years, including a brief professional stint in Belgium, the game has always been my lens to understand the world. It has brought immense joy and taught me invaluable lessons—about redemption, belief, chance, pride, love, and wonder. In every scenario—work, personal challenges, or even political landscapes—I see reflections of the game. I encourage my team to embrace the fluidity, agility, and discipline that soccer embodies. Just like on the field, communication is key; we need to play within our zones while being ready to support (no hospital passes).

Soccer also provided me with a sense of belonging during my many moves as a child. It was my bridge to connect with others, including my parents. I'd dive deep into the game's analysis with my dad, seeking honest feedback, while my mom instilled in me the power of visualization and spirit. The countless hours spent together in cars heading to practices and tournaments are memories I cherish.

Transitioning from field player to goalkeeper at 14 opened my eyes to the mental challenges of the sport. I learned to embrace pressure and develop a unique perspective—one I wouldn't trade for anything. Though stepping away from soccer was difficult, I've channeled that passion into my career in ad tech. The dynamic nature of the industry mirrors the fluidity of the game, and I keep a picture of a woman in heels with a foot on a ball in my office as a reminder: passion starts somewhere. Every part of my character is shaped by this beautiful game, and I carry its lessons with me, ready to face new challenges with the same spirit I learned on the field.Access to sports for females represents a powerful avenue for self-expression, a source of purpose/belonging, and a pathway to educational opportunities.

Kyle Eckhart

SVP, Growth

I love sports, and women's sports is sports! I love super competitive matchups--that's available with women's sports. I love amazing athletes and their stories of overcoming adversity--women's sports has it. And in certain sports where the quality of the men's game has declined in certain areas (see college basketball and professional soccer), women's sports have filled the gap and become a more watchable option. My 10-year old daughter has a world of opportunities available to her in all activities, including sports. I'm thrilled that in 2024 she never seems to experience a situation where boys get to do something that she's not able to do. And she constantly gets to see women playing sports around town, on TV, and even when we travel to other countries. She's growing up in a world without limits on her ability to participate, compete, and have fun!

Lindsay Keithley

Assistant Controller

Sports are a huge part of my family. My dad played collegiate football, my sister played collegiate volleyball, and I was a collegiate golfer. I wish I could say I have a favorite golf memory, but I have too many to count. What I value most and will remember for the rest of my life is that my family always showed up for me at my tournaments. My mom or dad was there at every event, and if they couldn't make it, my grandparents or sister would come. My family was always there, cheering me on.

I used to say, “Golf is what I do; it's not who I am.” But the more I think about it, the game of golf has shaped me into the person I am today. It has given me countless opportunities, taught me patience, helped me deal with adversity, and molded me into the determined woman I am now. Without golf, I don't know who I would be today, and I don't think I would have spent as much time with my family. For that, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play this sport.

Marilyn Davis

Managing Partner

I came of age in the era of Title IX, a time that felt like the world was just beginning to recognize that women belonged in every arena, not just the sidelines. When I started high school in 1978, women had only been officially allowed to run marathons since 1972 and the longest distance for women in U.S. track and field was 1,500 meters. The prevailing belief from the medical community, the governing bodies of sports, and society as a whole was that distance running would somehow jeopardize a woman's ability to have children — that we simply weren't capable, mentally or physically, of going the distance. But Title IX, and the resilient women of the '70s, shattered that notion.

By the time I graduated College in 1987, women were not only competing at the Olympics in the 5,000 meters; they were shattering records in the marathon. Those 8 years spanned a seismic shift. I like to say running was my first love, and it changed my life for the better in so many ways.

Title IX opened doors, allowing women to finally prove we were capable and ready to compete, often in sports where men had been staking their claim for generations. Growing up, playing and competing in a variety of sports taught me invaluable lessons: teamwork, patience, grit, and the strength to push aside the cultural norms that told women we were the “weaker sex.” We were supposed to marry young, stay home, raise children — that was the script. But something about it never felt right to me. Why should men get to have both a career and a family, while we were told we had to choose?

In those days, every lap we ran, every race we won, was more than just a victory on the track. It was a step forward, a crack in the ceiling, proof that women could — and would — go the distance.

Mark Simon

VP, New Business Development

I've watched my daughter play soccer since she was three years old. Early on, it was co-ed and I think the girls somehow let the boys take the lead. Since she has played all girl soccer, I've found the game particularly more exciting to watch and even more competitive. Mimi tells me girl's soccer is more fierce - and she loves it. She is fearless!

Miranda Smith

Supervisor, Digital Media

Figure skating, gymnastics, rock climbing, track and field, softball and tennis. Participating in sports from a young age taught me perseverance, how to fail and provided lasting friendships through community. I find those early lessons have helped me through both personal and work successes and hardships later in life. Also taught me to find community through sports as an adult.

Nate Becker

Director, Media Planning

My daughter Callie is 10 years old and we have had the privilege of watching her explore several sports from an early age. She is naturally cautious and a bit trepidatious, but as she began to participate in sports we saw her confidence begin to grow immediately.

From the first hit she made in softball, or the first dive off of the blocks into the pool, or the first belt promotion in karate we saw her very quickly transforming into a new person. The way she began to carry herself and the way she began speaking to adults and to her peers was suddenly different, and it was clear that sports were showing her that she is braver and stronger and more confident than she thought what she was.

As she develops her abilities she continues to fall further in love with sports and she is discovering that she is capable of more and more. She is starting to realize what we've always believed for her: there is no limit to what she can achieve through heart and hard work.

Nic Parrish

Senior Director, Client Development

Growing up in a house surrounded by sisters that excelled in sports, it was clear to see how sports build confidence, perseverance, determination, and communication skills. As a parent I wanted to give my daughters the same chance to benefit from what sport offers. So far so good, as a soccer coach for my two daughters for a combined 12 seasons, I've been a witness to the positive impacts on young women to build confidence, forge friendships, and introduce the idea of competing to win- which is not something that's often available for girls due to pervasive societal norms. Access to sports gives females a chance to fight and win, and that's so important to learn as those lessons will be valuable for someone's entire life.

Robin Cohen

EVP, Integrated Media Investment & Planning

Growing up, I played soccer and tennis until I injured my knee, which took me out of sports for the remainder of my high school career. While I could no longer play, I found a great deal of joy in watching my friends play. I went to as many of their games as I could attend to cheer them on. Participating in sports as a supporter has been something I have carried with me ever since.

As my kids have entered their college years, they too have become huge fans of women's sports. Whenever I visit them at school, we try to experience a new sporting event. Most recently - women's volleyball (Go Gators!)

Sarah Brennan

Director, Growth & Development

Growing up, I played many sports but focused on volleyball and cheerleading throughout high school and college and moved on to running in my adult years. Both of parents fostered my love for sports but especially my mom who has been a true role model, living an active lifestyle centered around sports. When I was young, my mom would be out the door at 5am wearing a reflective vest to train for whatever road race she had coming up. I have fond memories cheering her on in local road races that I now compete in. Now she starts every day with cross-fit style boot camp and plays pickle-ball, competitively. I think about my mom's hard work and dedication and what an impact it has had on me as an athlete and try to set the same example for my two boys. Now they cheer me on from the sidelines in longer distance races and have started joining me in 5Ks.

I think access to sports for females is extremely important because it teaches teamwork, discipline and drive and that with hard work you can do anything you put your mind to.

Sarah Klein

Account Director

I have played soccer my entire life. I also ran track in high school and was the kicker of my varsity high school football team my sophomore year. Participating in sports has helped shape who I am today. The competitiveness needed in sports has kept me driven in my career and personal growth. I also learned how to be a leader and work successfully in team environments. Everyone should have access to sports. It's a healthy outlet and for women especially. It creates a space for women to feel empowered, strong, fierce and work together to achieve success.

Sierra Ambrosek

Specialist, Paid Search

I played basketball and competed on the track team beginning in the middle of high school and it completely changed the way I saw myself for the better. I made friends at a new, much larger school, it influenced where I went to college, and I had the opportunity to compete as a collegiate athlete! The advancement of women's sports will hopefully lead to better pay and publicity for women in sports as well as more equality within brand deals.

Sue Collins

Chief Client Officer

For as long as I can remember I have loved watching sports and participating in sports. Growing up in Toronto, Canada my love of sports came from my dad. Sports were always on the TV whether it was Hockey Night in Canada, golf every weekend of the summer, and he would often listen to the play by play for the Toronto Blue Jays on our drive to the cottage in the summer. He taught me how to skate, throw a ball, swing a racket and water ski. Most importantly he taught me that girls can do anything they set their mind to.

By the time I entered high school I made the varsity basketball team, ran track and threw a javelin, and played volleyball which became my true love. Outside of school I played club volleyball which offered me the opportunity to play at the highest level in Canada, compete across the country and even win a few national championships along the way. In my 20s I took my game to the beach and played on the Molson and Labatt Pro tour - yes there are some pretty amazing beaches in Canada! Now 25 years later I have the privilege of sitting on the sidelines watching my daughter play in the NWSL making a living as a professional soccer player and cheering her on as she represents Canada on the women's national soccer team. Playing sports has taught me teamwork, leadership skills and that success requires hard work and commitment. It teaches you how to deal with adversity and how important being coachable is to your success. Most importantly it has brought me lifelong friendships with some amazing people who share the same passion.... seeing women have the ability to complete in sport because it means so much more than just a game.

Susan Boland

VP, Communications Strategy

I grew up playing tennis. My father taught me, and he was so proud when I made the high school tennis team. During my four years on the team, we were undefeated league champs. Being part of the tennis team taught me commitment, focus, resiliency under pressure, and leadership. It has also really helped with my pickleball game!