Clearing her throat, Raven begins, “Before the game, I would confirm I know the opponent's current record and how we have historically played against them. I would want to make sure regardless of if the player shows up I understand how we stack up to them now and in the past.”
Libby eagerly nods, a sparkle of amazement in her eyes as if she has a girl crush.
“I would want to highlight the key successes in the game so far,” Raven continues. “Let’s say this interview is during the first intermission. I would highlight two to three strong plays from our team.”
Interrupting her, I ask, “What if we are losing?”
“Great question.” Raven doesn’t reply for a beat. “I’d talk about opportunities we missed where we could build strength or something from the previous game that was successful the team would attempt to capitalize on.”
I’m about to interrupt again, but she keeps explaining. “Before the game, I’d want to sit down with whoever I am interviewing to understand what they see as opportunities and weaknesses for this game and what they view as the best success this season.” Her voice carries a vibrant confidence. “That way I can have some player quotes as well as an expert answer on how we can improve our game.”
“Fabulous idea,” Libby remarks.
Kat chimes in, “Agreed, I’ve done that before some games actually.”
Raven continues to elaborate more, but my attention is elsewhere. Both girls seem to be in awe of Raven’s well-thought-out response. Is she as impressive as they seem to think?
Kat follows up with another question, but I don’t hear what she asks. Taking a sip of water to calm myself, I paint a smile on my face. I’m being ridiculous.
Libby calls me out, bringing me back into focus. “Right, Laur?”
“Absolutely,” I answer, not knowing what I’m agreeing to. Glancing at the clock, I inform everyone we have time for one last question and nod to Libby, signaling to her to pose the question.
“Raven, with your background focused on fashion, why are you interested in a program focused on sports marketing?” Libby maintains a serene demeanor, with no hint this question was rehearsed.
Raven twirls her hair around her finger. “Truthfully, I have had a lot of opportunities within the fashion industry because of family connections.” Her voice is low with uneasiness.
She pauses, taking a long breath. “I want to distance myself and prove I can form an established PR career on my own.” Her voice cracks at the end. “My mother has a thriving career in the fashion world, and I’m very lucky to have had opportunities because of her.”
She pauses, taking a long breath before whispering, “She doesn’t think I will be successful without her.”
The conference room and the call fill with an eerie silence. Before I jump in to fill it, Raven continues.
“I don’t want you to feel bad for me. I want to make a name for myself.” Raven’s voice shakes. “Growing up, I was around hockey a lot. My closest guy friends and family friends played hockey. Compared with other sports, I’ve been around it the most.”
Taking a sip of water, I try to wrap my head and heart around the fact that not everyone can have blood ties to hockey like Libby and I do. Libby’s cousins play college hockey just like Nick did.
Raven inhales sharply. “But I specifically applied to this program because of the large charitable focus. Helping to plan and execute charity events has been the most rewarding part of the experience I have. The Wyverns’ program focuses on charitable events more than any other program I found.”
Building back the confidence in her voice, she explains, “I looked at programs across multiple sports, but hockey I have the most familiarity with as I mentioned. The Wyverns’ program really stuck out to me. Your work with the Nick Bellinger Foundation last year and giving back to the larger hockey community really amazed me.”
“Without the Wyverns’ program, the Nick Bellinger Foundation wouldn’t have been founded,” I respond, voice soft and airy.
“I might not have the most experience with sports, but I promise you—” Raven’s voice grows steadier and stronger with each word“—I am extremely dedicated to making the world a better place through charitable work. It’s my biggest passion.”
“I can hear your passion,” I assure her. “Thank you for sharing your heartfelt answer with us.”
She would be such an asset to our team. I should have seen it more clearly before. Raven needs to join our team. I feel it in my gut.
We take a short break after hanging up with Raven. It’s unanimous—we want to extend her an offer.
The last two candidates go very quickly, nothing wowing me. Although Libby and Kat are fond of one, we all agree that one of yesterday’s candidates would be the best fit. I offer to stay to clean up the conference room and create the offer letters.
“Thanks for letting us leave early” Libby shouts as she opens the door. “I have a hot date tonight to get ready for!”
Raising my eyebrows, I inquire, “With Blaine?”
“No,” She rudely snorts, leaving before I can ask any other questions.
