Millersville alumna Casey Saussaman has gone from the academic buildings of Millersville to becoming the driving force behind the Hershey Bears’ digital presence and online fan engagement. However, her path to success wasn’t always a smooth one. As a woman in the sports industry, she’s faced challenges and outdated perceptions. But, through determination and a great support system, Saussaman has persevered and risen to success in the hockey industry. Her work brings excitement for the game to Bears fans all over.
As Manager of Marketing Content and Promotions, Saussaman is responsible for running the social media accounts for the Bears, which includes creating content, managing the content calendar, and interacting with fans online. She also designs promo items and specialty jerseys.
“On any given day, I could be photographing practice or a game, designing content for the video board or social, handling player appearances, or anything in between,” Saussaman shared. “I always say there is no such thing as a typical workday in this field, which definitely keeps me on my toes!”
Saussaman didn’t always know she wanted to work in hockey. She originally attended Millersville for secondary English education and changed her major to public relations with a journalism minor during her junior year.
“I had an opportunity in my first journalism course to interview Nathan Walker, who played for the Bears at the time,” she remarked. “I spent some time around the rink, shadowed the broadcaster, and never looked back. Prior to college, I hadn’t watched a lot of hockey or immersed myself in the sport. But once I did, I fell in love.”
Being a woman in sports isn’t always an easy road, however. Saussaman, like many women in this field, has faced criticism from many people she’s encountered throughout her career.
“Without a doubt, the greatest challenge is trying to alter the perspective of those who have been in the industry for a long time, who believe women don’t belong,” she shared. “If I had a dollar for every time I heard ‘if you were a man, it wouldn’t be a big deal’ in my career, I would have a lot of dollars.”
Having supportive coworkers has helped Saussaman drown out the noise, though.
“I have the most incredible coworkers who support me and stand up for what I do,” Saussaman shared. “That goes from the front office, to the support staff, and I would say even the players themselves. Of course, there will be naysayers, but that comes with the territory. Overall, I feel very lucky to have found such a supportive group.”
Saussaman shared that her counterpart, boss, boss’ boss, and boss’ boss’ boss are all women. She said that despite there being a low number of women who focus solely on hockey, there are many women involved in Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, which gives her many role models to look up to.
She also shared that her time during her internship was formative, as she got to work under and learn from successful women in the marketing, partnership, and sales business.
“I credit the Hershey Bears staff for making me who I am today,” she admitted. “Meredith, Amanda, and Amy always made me feel at home, and truly paved the way. Funny enough, I sit at the same desk as one of the first women I met in the sports industry. I always think of her and the kindness she showed me when I have young professionals sitting across from me, in the very seat I once occupied. Now, I am so fortunate to work with Kelly and Marion who are excellent examples of hard work, dedication, and passion.”
As for the future of women in hockey, Saussaman hopes that women continue to occupy and thrive in the industry.
“This may come off as a bit strange, but I truly hope that someday, we do not have to hold ‘women in sports night’ because women being in this industry at every level becomes as normal as a man. And I think we’re getting there,” Saussaman admitted. “Seeing women behind the bench (or behind the scenes) on coaching staffs throughout major sports leagues is amazing. We are proving each day that we deserve a seat at the table.”
With every social media post and game-day promotion, Saussaman continues to work to prove that women belong in every corner of the sports world. As she helps shape the future of hockey, Saussman has one piece of advice for young professionals.
“My greatest piece of advice is to be yourself, unapologetically,” she shared. “And if you find yourself in a situation where people don’t value who you are, you aren’t yet where you’re meant to be.”
