Mac grad on cheering on Team Canada while working for Canadian Olympic Committee

McMaster grad Melissa Hatcher ’08 has spent the last decade working for various sports organizations that have local, national and international reach. As a Humanities graduate, she sharpened her storytelling skills and developed an understanding of culture and society, which she paired with her lifelong love for sports and recreation.

Hatcher is currently an Account Manager, Marketing Partnerships with the Canadian Olympic Committee. She shared what it’s like to work in sports and event marketing, her experience with Team Canada and some memories from McMaster.

Can you tell me about your experience with sports both before and during your time at McMaster?

I’d always been athletic growing up. Growing up I curled, played tennis, hockey, figure skating, soccer, basketball, baseball, so I’ve always been very sporty. I didn’t play on any of the varsity sports at Mac, but I did play on rec teams. I was part of a dodgeball team and played ultimate frisbee. I also had friends on the football team, which was always fun to go and watch.

And what about how you got into sports after your time at McMaster?

I was in the Communications Studies and Media Arts program. Communications is a very broad degree so I went to George Brown for a post-graduate [program] in Sport and Event Marketing. Part of the program involved a four-month internship, which I completed at Rugby Canada. We were planning for the Rugby World Cup and I was flown out west for different test matches, which was such an amazing experience, especially as an intern! From there I went to work for the CHL in partnership marketing, but then was quickly drafted to the NHL – the only way I would have ever been drafted! It was a great experience.

Then this position at the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) came up. Cheering for Team Canada is amazing and very humbling. When I was with the NHL, I would cheer for all 31 teams, although I am a born and raised Leafs’ fan. But now, having the ability to support our Canadian athletes is a special and unique experience. I’ve been with the COC for the past two Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, held in 2021, and Beijing 2022 Winter Games), both of which I’ve been supporting remotely, due to the pandemic.

So in a non-COVID year, you would ideally be at the Olympic Games.

Yes. I would have been on the Home Team for Tokyo. There is always a small contingent that stays back. For Beijing, the plan was I would have been on the Mission Team as a Ticketing Officer, but we have had to pivot for the last two years, so I’ve been on the Home Team for both Olympic Games.

Do you find you’re still carrying your education at McMaster and your Humanities degree into your career?

I took a critical writing linguistics course that helped significantly. I’m not bilingual by any stretch, but I found learning the phonetics was very helpful. I also took a cultural studies course that really opened my eyes and I still find myself referencing things that I had learned. I actually still have a textbook from that course and will reference it on occasion! A fun fact is that on the cover of the textbook is a picture of a Tim Horton’s in this little plaza from the part of Toronto I grew up in! It doesn’t exist anymore, but it’s very nostalgic.

I like that you graduated with a major in Communications and yet you’re finding that the elective courses that you took also had a real impact on what you’re doing now. Do you have a favourite sports memory or an interesting experience from working with the Canadian Olympic Committee that has been a career highlight?

One area that I’ve been a part of is supporting the family and friends of athletes. When fans are able to attend in-person, Petro-Canada provides two tickets to every Canadian athlete so their family and friends can attend their events – from round robin all the way to the final, however long they compete! In this current environment, we have had to pivot and find ways to keep that strong connection. The team sent cheer boxes to the family and friends to show their support and cheer on their athletes from back home. The photos, videos and stories that have emerged from the teams behind the team are so touching and remind me why I do what I do!

To finish off, a couple rapid fire questions! Are you a summer Olympics person or a winter Olympics person?

I’m a winter Olympic person – I love hockey, but I’m really into snowboard these days!

What was your favourite spot on campus when you were a student?

We always met at Quarters (now 1280) and would have lunch there or, you know, have some fun evenings and late nights at the Student Centre! I also spent a lot of time in the library. It was great.

And do you have any advice or a message for students who are interested in pursuing a career in sports?

Focus on what you believe in and stay true to yourself. Sports and event marketing is a small industry, but there are a lot of opportunities. Be open to change, your path may zig zag and that’s okay. I have been able to adapt and work for several different organizations that are amazing in their own ways. Keep your head up and most importantly have fun and enjoy what you do!