Fans of the Creighton women’s basketball program no doubt recognize a familiar face standing on the periphery at Bluejays games at the Ryan Center. Ally Thrall, a former standout player for Jim Flanery and the Bluejays, now works for the CU athletic department as Director of Sales.
Thrall was an All-MVC performer at point guard for the Bluejays. She is in the top 10 all-time in Creighton history for 3-point field goals made (154), free throw percentage (81.4%), assists (378), and games played (123). Entering this season, Thrall’s 1,137 career points put her at 16th on the school’s all-time scoring list. And she applies her unique perspective as a former CU athlete to her job in the business side of collegiate athletics.
White & Blue Review caught up with Thrall to discuss her role at CU and how her past performance on the court translates to success in her new field.
White & Blue Review: You were a top performer at Creighton for four years. How has that experience helped you in your professional life?
Ally Thrall: Thanks for the compliment. The athletic world and what I call the “working world” are very comparable. Success in both require commitment, teamwork, hard work, focus, communication, work ethic, drive…I could go on and on. All are qualities that I will carry with me, and I have no doubt that my experiences as a student athlete helped me to grow in these areas.
WBR: What is your favorite part of your job?
AT: The people; work is so much more enjoyable when you like who you’re around every day.
WBR: What are some of the more challenging aspects of your job? Tell us a little bit about your role as Director of Sales?
AT: A lot is going on, and every day is different. You have to be able to switch gears and take on the task at hand, whatever they may be. The main focus of my position is to market Creighton Athletics in any way. From selling season tickets, game sponsorships, in-game advertising, promotions, radio spots, etc. It’s all about getting people involved and building on it.
WBR: Coach Flanery yet again has the women’s team on the right track this season. Tell us a bit about your experience playing under Flan, and now working with him in a business role. You have a unique perspective as a former athlete now working from the business side of sports, how exciting is it to see all the progress CU has made, particularly in women’s basketball?
AT: The progress is incredible. We now have a facility for women’s athletics on campus – home of Creighton women’s basketball and volleyball. It says a lot about how far Creighton has come, and the promising future ahead. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Creighton, and I feel fortunate to still be a part of it all. As an athlete, you go to practice, show up to the game, etc. I never realized there was so much work being done behind the scenes!
The women’s team is so enjoyable to watch this year. They play hard, and they play together. Should be exciting to watch Flan and crew in February and March!
WBR: There was bit of an uproar with the loss of the Dance Cam at the beginning of the men’s basketball season, but it seems to have made a bit of a comeback. What other promotions can we look forward to at CU athletic events? Do you have any advice to the CU fans or students to get the respective arenas rocking?
AT: It’s not just about the game itself — it’s about the entire game atmosphere, from the minute you walk in the door. The fan experience is something we value. Every day is a big day. We are always discussing ways to enhance our atmosphere and better the fan experience at games. Incorporating new promotions is a part of this, which sometimes goes over well with fans, and sometimes doesn’t.
WBR: So the Dance Cam goes over well with fans?
AT: Justin Timberlake brought sexy back. Paul Liberty brought Dance Cam back 🙂