From Bradley to the Big Leagues

When Olivia Claussen ’22 first visited Bradley University, she was drawn to the intimate campus atmosphere and the chance to build meaningful connections with professors. Growing up near Chicago with a passion for sports, she knew she wanted a career in the industry. Bradley’s sports communication program gave her the foundation—and the confidence—to turn that passion into a profession.

Initially, she pursued sideline reporting as a career, but after going to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Semester—a pivotal experience—she found another pathway. On her very first day in Los Angeles, she attended a career fair at Angel Stadium. There, she met a manager who would later hire her as an inside sales representative for the Los Angeles Dodgers. One month after graduation, Claussen was living her dream in Major League Baseball.

“Bradley gave me so many opportunities to grow,” Claussen said. “The Hollywood Semester was life-changing. It opened the door to my first job and showed me that big goals are achievable if you put yourself out there.”

After a successful year with the Dodgers, Claussen took on a new challenge in the NBA, moving north to San Francisco and joining the Golden State Warriors as a sales representative. Her role allows her to connect fans to the game-day experience, from season ticket plans to premium packages. For Claussen, it’s about more than sales—it’s about building relationships.

One of her most enduring connections occurred during a Dodgers family outing, in which the family was honoring their late father/husband by cheering on his favorite team. After spending time with the family, and chatting with his widow, Claussen learned that she shared the same birthday with her late husband. “We still chat to this day,” Claussen said. “I call her my California mother, because she checks in with me to make sure I’m OK, even though I no longer work for her favorite team.”

 

Thriving Through Initiative

One of Claussen’s former professors, Paul Gullifor (now retired), isn’t surprised by her success. “Olivia took advantage of every opportunity at Bradley. She was self-motivated, engaged, and driven. No goal is too big for her,” he said.

Looking back, Claussen credits Bradley—and especially the Hollywood Semester—for setting her career in motion. “I’d advise current Bradley students to get involved, ask questions, and take initiative. Opportunities may come in unexpected ways, but they can lead to something even better than you imagined.”

—Emily Potts