Katie Ellinger

About Katie Ellinger

Sports have a unique way of bringing people together, and I’ve always been drawn to the connections they create—whether on the field, the court, or behind the scenes at events.As I pursue my Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Business & Marketing at the University of Oklahoma, I’ve transformed that passion into hands-on experience across multiple sports and platforms. From setting the stage for ESPN College GameDay to enhancing fan engagement at OU football games and working on community initiatives with the Oklahoma City Thunder, I thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of sports marketing and community relations.Most recently, I expanded my experience through an internship with USA Softball, helping manage national-level events and contributing to operations that elevate both the athlete and fan experience. Whether it’s coordinating event logistics, planning interactive activations, or building lasting relationships with community partners, I’m passionate about using sports as a platform for connection and positive impact.Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing in the sports industry through opportunities at the NCAA postgraduate level and in professional sports, where I can keep building experiences that inspire, unite, and leave a lasting impact.If you share a passion for sports, events, or using athletics to drive change—let’s connect!

Experience

1. Community Engagement Associate

   Oklahoma City Thunder

   Oct 2025 — Present · US

   Across my time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, I’ve had the opportunity to support community initiatives that extend beyond game day—using sport as a platform to create meaningful, lasting impact across Oklahoma. I approach community engagement with the same intentionality as live events: thoughtful planning, strong relationships, and mission-driven execution.Community Program Execution: Support the planning and on-site execution of Thunder community initiatives including Homeland Shopping Spree, Thunder All-Team and Blue All-Team appearances, Book Bus appearances, and various community activations across Oklahoma—ensuring each experience is impactful, organized, and aligned with the Thunder’s community mission.CRM & Reporting: Utilize CRM systems to log appearances, track nonprofit and partner engagement, and support reporting for programs such as Miles for Smiles—contributing to season recaps, partner summaries, and long-term community impact tracking.Partner & Relationship Coordination: Assist in maintaining relationships with nonprofit partners, schools, and community organizations by coordinating communication, logistics, and event details that support education, basic needs, and healthy communities.Brand Representation & Storytelling: Represent the Oklahoma City Thunder brand in diverse community settings—from corporate partners to cultural institutions—helping elevate stories that reflect the organization’s commitment to service, access, and positive change.

Education

• University of Oklahoma

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA

  2022 — 2026