Pizza with the Pros welcomes Natasha Moody

Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact welcomed Natasha Moody, senior vice president of diversity & impact at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), on Monday, Sept. 29. Moody was the second guest this semester to speak to students in King Auditorium, sharing her extensive background in sports, beginning as an intern with the Cleveland Browns following her graduation from Hampton University.

As a stadium operations intern, Moody was heavily involved in multiple areas, performing tasks such as removing the tarp, delivering Gatorade, and assisting with ticket sales. From there, she continued in the NFL, earning a position in the guest services department with the Buffalo Bills. Over time, she was promoted to a manager in that department, where she credits this position with opening up more doors for her future.

Following her six-year tenure with the Buffalo Bills, Moody decided to try a different career in banking, where she remained for a year. However, she quickly realized that it wasn’t for her, as she was eager to return to the sports industry. 

“While you’re young and early in your career, don’t be afraid to move, don’t be afraid to go outside of the marketplace that you’re comfortable in,” Moody said. “Don’t be afraid to try a different sport, one that you’re maybe not familiar with, because that’s where the opportunity is.”

Taking her own advice, Moody ended up in the sport of hockey with the New Jersey Devils, a sport that she had never been familiar with before accepting her new position. During her discussion, she constantly reminded students how important it was to keep relationships within the sports industry, which is partially the reason why she was offered her entry position with the Devils.

“At the end of the day, how you choose to show up every day, how you choose to be a teammate, and being willing to want to learn, and being honest, is how you become comfortable,” Moody said. “Be willing to fail forward, and get comfortable asking questions, and remain committed.”

While speaking on her adjustment to her multiple positions in sports, Moody admitted to often suffering from imposter syndrome, but told students that you have to remind yourself that you are in that position because you’re meant to be there. 

“It’s okay to not be the smartest person in the room; confidence comes over time,” Moody said.

Now in a high-leadership position with HBSE, Moody says she loves seeing so many women in leading roles in sports. In 2001, when she first began her career in the sports industry, she explained how there was a limited number of roles available to women. In her current position, Moody works hard to make sure that everyone in each department of HBSE is contributing to the commitment of keeping itself and its fanbase inclusive.

As her career in sports continues to thrive, Moody hopes that she is able to join Philadelphia’s WNBA team when it comes in 2030. Although it’s still a few years away, Moody says she is excited to be part of the organization. Before ending her conversation, she left students with one last piece of advice.

“Be where your feet are, be where you’re supposed to be,” Moody said. “Don’t think about what you’re doing tomorrow, don’t think about what you did yesterday; enjoy the moment.”

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