Jackson Jeffcoat ‘23 has secured a full-time role as a Business Intelligence Coordinator in the Partnerships department with the Houston Rockets, marking an exciting step in his career in professional sports. His journey to this opportunity was shaped by years of hands-on experience, networking, and a passion for the business side of sports.
“After matriculating at Rice, I was lucky enough to begin work as a manager for the Rice men’s basketball team, where I spent the next four years assisting with every practice and game,” Jeffcoat said. “While with the team, I helped with analytics, recruiting, on-court training, equipment management, and travel logistics. Three players on those teams have since gone on to play in the NBA.”
Beyond his work with Rice Basketball, Jeffcoat also interned with Professional Sports Partners (PSP), where he played a role in prospecting leads for partnerships ahead of the 2023 NCAA Final Four.
“Much of what I learned at PSP informed my current role,” Jeffcoat said. “All of my experiences in sports have been extremely influential in my growth process.”
As the Business Intelligence Coordinator in the Corporate Partnerships department with the Rockets, Jeffcoat plays a critical role in using data to drive sponsorship strategy. His day-to-day responsibilities involve prospecting potential partners, conducting data analysis, evaluating deals, and building strategic narratives to showcase the value of a Rockets sponsorship.
“Life working in the NBA presents new challenges every day - that’s part of why we love sports! However, there are a few main duties that I find myself working on regularly,” Jeffcoat said. “I am primarily focused on quantitatively proving why the Rockets are a fantastic team and marketing outlet for brands across the world. That includes new companies and existing partners of the Rockets.”
For students looking to break into the sports industry, Jeffcoat emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity.
“My best advice is to say ‘yes’ when presented with an opportunity in sports,” Jeffcoat said. “It is important to remember that any experience in the industry is better than none. Being around the inner-workings of a sports business and placing yourself around decision-makers is a necessary education. Lastly, lean on your Rice Sport Management family including students, faculty, staff, and alumni!”
Looking back on his time at Rice, Jeffcoat credits the Department of Sport Management with preparing him for a career in the competitive sports industry.
“Network, network, network!” Jeffcoat emphasized. “Outside of that, Rice Sport Management taught me so much about the importance of the interdisciplinary nature of the sports industry. By offering such a wide array of classes supported by the amazing faculty, the department has prepared me in every way for my career.”
Sergio Rojas, a junior from Houston, Texas, is double-majoring in Business with a concentration in Finance and also Sport Management with a concentration in Leadership.