A Sports Pro

For as long as Liz Montaño can remember, sports have been central to her life. Watching, playing, learning, aspiring to reach the highest level, she has now achieved that — not as a player but as a front office executive. Montaño is the chief operating officer of the National Hockey League’s Arizona Coyotes.

She landed the role by way of a few other professional paths: venture capitalist, business consultant, start-up entrepreneur. And she did so more than 20 years after she first saw, and was captivated by, the possibility of a business career in sports. As part of UC Santa Barbara’s UCDC program during her junior year, Montaño interned with the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

“I fell in love with a consistent theme of impact,” she recalls of the experience. “Sports is impactful in so many ways, from the memories friends and families make attending games to watching the athletes who inspire the next generation to the efforts made by each franchise to give back and take part in community relations. Having a career in sports, you can make a positive difference in so many lives, and I go to work loving my job each and every day.”

The daughter of a longtime UCSB staff member — mom Rose Quimby worked in the registrar’s office for 34 years — Montaño literally grew up on campus. She started her undergraduate years as a Gaucho but transferred and finished her bachelor’s degree in economics at Eastern Kentucky University. She returned to UCSB for her graduate work, earning a master’s degree, also in econ.

“At UCSB I felt an amazing sense of support — from both my peers and the faculty — personally, academically and in my career,” she says. “In fact, my first job out of college was through a referral from my professor during graduate school. Experiences like those gave me a feeling of gratitude and drive to give back in any way I can, to help elevate others. Additionally, the relationships I built while on campus instilled in me the importance of networking, even at an early age, and that has continued to pay dividends throughout my professional career.”

Liz Montaño M.A. '03

What advice would she offer those seeking a career in professional sports?

• “Get involved early. There are many options in sports — sales, marketing, strategy and analytics, to name a few. Experience as much as you can, ensuring that you are always learning, developing and growing along the way.”

• “Don’t let underrepresentation stop you from pursuing your passion. The sports industry is still predominantly male, but now more than ever, there are women making incredible strides at all levels and continuing to open doors. Know that you bring a unique perspective that should be valued — not only in sports but by any employer.”

• “Stay creative, and innovative, and always look for ways to make positive change. Consider spending part of your career outside of sports and keep a watchful eye on the dynamics of various industries, both domestic and abroad. There are many successful practices and strategies that can be applied to the business of sports.”

“I found that staying in touch with peers and contacts, communicating passions and always giving your best in every position (people do remember!) helps open doors. Above all, success comes from believing in yourself and having confidence in your ability to excel at any role.”