Student Spotlight: Jessie Cobble

Program: Sport Management M.S., Sport Management B.S. ‘20

Hometown: Destin, Florida

Jessie Cobble is a master’s student in FSU’s sport management program. She currently works as an administrative assistant intern for FSU Football.

Throughout her time at FSU, Cobble has had a chance to experience the sport industry firsthand. As a sport management student, she’s interned both at Florida State and at various sporting events around the country, including the past three Super Bowls and the 2020 national championship game. These experiences have provided invaluable learning opportunities, a chance to network and a taste of what the industry is like.

As an undergraduate, Cobble served as the executive board president of the Sport Management Student Association (SMSA). She organized numerous networking trips in which SMSA students toured venues and met with executives from multiple professional sport organizations. She also organized community service projects for SMSA, including volunteering for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer and recruiting Special Olympics Unified partners.

When did you first discover your passion for sports?

Sports were a huge part of my life growing up. I was raised watching sports every night with my dad. He was my soccer coach from ages 4 – 12 and taught me how sports can contribute to your success in life both physically and mentally. My passion for sports and the desire to work in this field grew when I attended a Kansas basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse my senior year of high school. I grew up a Kansas Jayhawks fan because my dad, uncles and cousin all played football for them. The game was a Christmas present for me since KU basketball tickets are hard to come by. I still remember the exhilarating atmosphere and the noise of the crowd. During the game, I realized I wanted to be behind the scenes and be a part of creating that excitement. During the next seven months leading to my arrival at FSU, every sporting event I watched on TV, I thought of what it would be like to be a part of the process and help make these events take place. I not only love playing and watching sports, but I am devoted to a profession that brings a smile and a feeling of camaraderie and excitement to so many every day.

From athlete recruitment, to ticket sales, to event management, you’ve had lots of experience in the sport industry. What has been your favorite experience thus far?

I’ve had so many memorable experiences, thanks to FSU. One that stands out was the opportunity to work at the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship in New Orleans. The Department of Sport Management selected eight students to intern for five days with Etzel Agency. We worked at the Championship Tailgate where we did everything from putting banners (also called “scrim”) on every piece of fencing and barricade and created activations for sponsoring companies such as Capital One, Dos Equis and Taco Bell. We also broke down the entire event following its closure at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the National Championship. This event gave me a real behind-the-scenes look at just how important even the small details were in order for the event run smoothly.

The Championship Tailgate reported over 20,000 visitors coming to participate in the activities from many tailgate sponsors, such as Dr. Pepper, who gave guests a new product to taste. This event changed my perspective on the magnitude of tasks involved, and I participated in an integral role in the management of the event. The knowledge I gained from the hands-on work and behind-the-scenes tasks was invaluable. The five days working at the National Championship was an unforgettable experience and has changed my perspective of the work and team involvement needed to produce a successful event!

Tell us about your volunteer experience. What impact has volunteering had on you?

During my five years at FSU, I wanted to volunteer as much I could so that I could see different aspects of the industry and learn from professionals. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to have many different experiences and try new things in the field. Volunteering has given me an expanded network, increased my knowledge in the sport field and improved my performance skills. Thankfully, I joined the Sport Management Student Association (SMSA) my first week of freshman year. SMSA has provided me with numerous opportunities to meet professionals in the field as well as other students in the program. Through SMSA, I have had the incredible opportunity of volunteering at the past three Super Bowls! I owe a lot to volunteering because it is through these experiences that I learned what I want to do as a career. There were many different responsibilities I was given while volunteering, which helped me determine that I want to work within event management and operations.

What made you choose FSU for your degrees?

I applied to two universities: FSU and the University of Kansas (KU). Growing up a KU fan, I thought all my life that I would follow in my family’s footsteps. Around 2010, my dad began to adopt FSU football as our home state team and we went to a few games. I loved the beautiful campus and knew it was my school when I learned FSU has the no. 1 sport management program in the nation!

What’s been your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite class was Global Sport Management. I took this class in London during a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad in the summer of 2018. Our two professors, Katie Flanagan and Joshua Newman, had an engaging teaching style that allowed us to learn while traveling around the city. This study abroad experience examined the relationship between local sport cultures and the globalizing forces shaping our contemporary sporting existence.

As well as experiencing the sport and history and culture of London, we were able to travel to other nearby countries. The biggest benefit of studying abroad was the chance to become immersed in totally different environments. I loved learning about global sport and being able to attend events such as Wimbledon and The Open in Scotland, after our lecture on these events the previous day. My study abroad month in London was one of the best experiences of my life; it gave me a new perspective on sports in the United States and globally.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is to “treat others how you want to be treated.” This is my family’s golden rule and I follow it every day. The way someone treats you is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. This is an important piece of advice to follow, especially when volunteering or working with thousands of individuals in a day at events like the Super Bowl, because you never know what someone could be going through. I am known to always have a big smile on my face and treat everyone with genuine kindness. This rule truly follows me everywhere and applies to everyday life with friends, family and in the workplace.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am fortunate to be receiving two prestigious degrees from FSU in sport management. I am focused on both event management and operations within a sport organization, and I’m currently applying for these positions with a goal to have a job secured prior to graduation. I also plan to pursue more leadership roles to assist in the advancement of my field. I’m ready and excited for the next chapter in my life and to join the sport workforce team!

Anything else you’d like to add?

My time at FSU has been more than I dreamed it could be. My professors, classes, internships, intramural sports, sorority life, SMSA and the people I have met along the way have contributed to an enriching experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have created lifelong friendships and learned so much in a field that is not work to me, but a path to create the excitement and worthiness of sports to every generation, just like my dad did for me. I would advise everyone to get involved on campus and try numerous activities. Florida State is an exceptional university with so much to offer their students and I am grateful that FSU will always be a part of my life.