Meet Jess Smith, the dynamic president of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team based in San Francisco. With nearly two decades of experience in sports, Jess shares insights into her morning routine and career journey.
Starting her career by interning at a minor league baseball team in upstate New York, Jess discovered the power of sports in building community connections. Fast forward to today, she leads the Valkyries with a focus on business operations, partnerships, and fan engagement, making them a standout team in their inaugural season.
Jess’s journey to leadership included earning a master’s degree in sports administration and taking on prominent roles, such as heading revenue for the Angel City Football Club. Under her guidance, the club became the most valuable women’s sports league globally by 2024.
Leading the Valkyries since February 2024, Jess applies her decade of experience to elevate the team’s performance and presence. She emphasises the importance of creating a distinctive identity for women’s sports organisations rather than mirroring men’s leagues. Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, the team embraces its roots by being known as the Valkyries and seeking a unique mascot to enhance fan engagement.
Despite her busy schedule, which typically lacks breaks, Jess prioritises self-care by starting her day with a workout and a moment of relaxation before diving into work. She credits her ability to manage stress and chaos to her upbringing and past experiences, emphasising the importance of empathy in leadership.
One of Jess’s proudest moments with the Valkyries is not just the team’s statistical achievements but the trust they’ve built within the community. Focusing on why fans support the team and how it impacts them drives the Valkyries to continue growing and making a difference.
In a world where women’s sports are often compared to men’s leagues, Jess’s story stands out as a testament to creating a unique and impactful presence in the sports industry. Her dedication, resilience, and strategic leadership have set the Golden State Valkyries on a path to success, both on and off the court.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.