Elizabeth City, N.C.— For most of his life, Garyn McDougald thought his impact on the sports world would be on the field. But when injuries forced him to rethink his path, he had a change of plans that would ultimately lead him to a winning career off the field.
“I originally transferred to ECSU to play football; however, due to injuries that I faced at my previous school, I made the decision to no longer play the game of football,” McDougald explains of his move from Limestone University. “This shift gave me the opportunity to refocus on my career goals, particularly in Sports Management.”
It turns out, stepping off the field didn’t mean stepping away from the game. Instead, it opened the door to a new playbook—one filled with opportunities in the front office, business operations and sports sales. Today, McDougald is an inside sales representative with Charlotte Football Club (FC), an American professional soccer club based in his hometown of Charlotte, NC.
For McDougald, sports have been a lifelong passion. “Since I was four years old, sports have always been a part of my life. When I found out that a career in Sports Management was a possibility, it felt too good to be true.”
But transitioning from athlete to industry professional wasn’t just about passion—it took perseverance. With the guidance of ECSU’s faculty, particularly Jason Hughes, assistant professor of Sport Management, McDougald navigated his way into multiple opportunities, securing internships with major sports organizations before landing his role with Charlotte FC.
“Due to Dr. Hughes’ guidance, he encouraged me to strive higher and pursue a long-term position that I could continue upon graduation. Through his motivation, I was able to interview with multiple organizations and received multiple job offers.”
With experience across football, golf and baseball, McDougald has built a dynamic resume that makes him a well-rounded professional in the sports industry.
Internships with the Pros
McDougald’s journey has taken him through some of the biggest names in sports, from the Carolina Panthers to the Wells Fargo Championship and the Charlotte Knights. Each experience brought new lessons that shaped his approach to the industry.
“Interning with the Carolina Panthers was an experience like no other,” McDougald says. “This gave me the opportunity to network and connect with the front office staff of the Carolina Panthers daily. Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are owned by David Tepper, which further deepened my connection to the local sports community.”
Shifting from football to golf at the Wells Fargo Championship was also a pivotal learning experience. “The transition from a sport like football to golf was grand, but after working in golf, I gained leadership skills and comfortability with operating and communicating with different crowds that I was not familiar with.”
And then there was baseball, which tested his stamina and adaptability. “Through my time with the Charlotte Knights, I learned that working in sports comes with dedication. Baseball operates on a six-game homestand, which requires long days and dedication to the sport. I learned that when working in sports, you have to adjust and adapt because each day, there can be something new that you have to be prepared for.”
Game Day at Charlotte FC
Now, McDougald is in the thick of the action at Charlotte FC, where every day is a new challenge. “As an inside sales representative, our main task is to sell season and group tickets. During this process, on a day-to-day basis, we reach out and connect with our fans via phone calls, email, and text to get a better understanding of what best fits what they’re looking for. Our goal is to maximize their Charlotte FC game experience, which is why it is important to stay connected with them.”
Balancing his academics with professional responsibilities has been no easy task, but McDougald credits his background as a student-athlete for his ability to manage it all. “Having been a student-athlete for most of my life, I’ve developed strong time management skills that help me balance academics and work. I ensure that I dedicate time to both my studies and my professional responsibilities.”
Giving Back and Paying It Forward
As McDougald looks toward the future, he’s focused on making an impact beyond his success. “Five years from now, I see myself as a Business Development Executive for a professional sports team or organization. I look forward to giving back my wisdom to the Sport Management students.”
His advice for ECSU students who want to break into the sports industry? “Listen to their professors and advisors. Through my time there, I’ve learned that they are giving us a blueprint to follow and all we have to do is put the work in.”
He also encourages students to take advantage of ECSU’s network. “Anyone who attends or graduated from ECSU is always open to help! Gaining hands-on experience through internships or part-time work on campus is also invaluable in building a strong foundation.”
A Legacy Beyond the Field
For McDougald, his “why” is clear. With a younger brother graduating from an HBCU in the next couple of years, it’s important to McDougald to show him there are no limits on who he can be.
“My ‘why’ is to show my brother and other young African Americans that there is a long-term career path in sports that doesn’t require being a player or coach. I want to inspire others to pursue careers behind the scenes in the sports industry, proving that there are many ways to make a lasting impact in the field.”
His most memorable moment so far? “Securing my position with Charlotte FC. It was the culmination of hard work, dedication, and the support of mentors like Dr. Hughes, who believed in me and encouraged me to aim higher.”
At the heart of it all, his biggest inspirations remain his parents. “My parents have shown me what it looks like to graduate from an HBCU and have successful careers in a world that doesn’t always cater to us.”
McDougald’s story proves that when one door closes, another one opens—sometimes, it’s just in a different section of the stadium. And as he continues his journey, he’s not just making plays for himself; he’s paving the way for others to follow.