By James Johnson, Cody Staff Writer
Not everyone can make it to the big leagues, but there are other ways to have a career in athletics.
Once a reporter for CMA Communicator at Communication and Media Arts High School, Danielle (Whitmore) Harris has been the Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Championships at Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) since 2013. Her job consists of her ensuring that schools in the conference are following NCAA rules and regulations.
Harris had other sports related jobs leading up to this appointment. During graduate school at Kent State University, she was the assistant camp coordinator for assigned sports such as basketball, football and baseball. She also worked as the events operations assistant for the Quicken Loans Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2006 to 2007. Harris also served as the athletics coordinator for Cleveland State from 2010 to 2013.
Harris got her start in journalism at CMA where she learned the basics of writing stories and she credits journalism with making her a better observer.
“I have had to observe and be able to listen to my student athletes,” Harris said. “That’s key to understanding what they’re going through.”
Harris said she could never forget going to the Detroit Free Press to edit stories.
“Of course my most memorable moment would be winning the Ford scholarship,” Harris said.
After high school Harris used the scholarship when she earned her bachelors degree in journalism at Bowling Green State University in 2005. She then got her masters degree in sports and recreation management at Kent State University in 2009.
“Knowing and understanding both sides of the story is good in any job you pursue.” Harris said.
