NY Liberty - Mgr, Scouting & Video Operations


		Playbook Page
		Microsite Practice Plan

Prior to each game, Catherine Proto looks at game tapes of the opposing team and reviews their plays. Catherine then prepares all of the scouting information via film or scouting reports for the coaching staff to present to the team. This allows the Liberty to prepare more thoroughly for their opposition.

A typical day for Catherine includes meeting with the coaching staff to review what will be emphasized in the team’s practice session. She attends practices and helps with player skills and drills. Afterwards, she watches and edits the opponents game films and organizes the scouting information for the next Liberty opponent.

Organization & Multi-tasking

The ability to do several things at once (multi-tasking) and being organized are among the necessary qualities for handling this job. Knowing a lot about basketball coaching helps and advanced computer knowledge is a must. You also need to learn, and use, video editing systems effectively.

“It is also important that each person on the coaching staff communicate well with one another as well as helping each other out with team preparation,” explains Catherine.

Sports Management & Lots of Internships

Catherine graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Sports Management while minoring in Business and Economics. It was her internship with the Liberty in 2001, in the basketball operations and video operations department, that got her started. “I made my contact with the Liberty back when I was in college and stayed with the team working every summer, says Catherine,” who always wanted to be involved in the sports business. Not only did she intern with the Liberty, but also with the Women’s Sports Foundation, The New York Mets and The Connecticut Nutmeg Games.

Classes in computer programming, video editing and in coaching basketball all helped prepare Catherine for her current career. “I also took several other coaching developmental courses. This prepared me to assist on a coaching staff both on and off the court,” she adds.

If you are interested in pursuing this type of coaching career, learn as much as you can about your specific sport. “You have to go out and take initiative to get better and improve your knowledge and skills,” advises Catherine to students. “Pursue an internship in the field in which you would like to have a career. This will prove to be a great experience not only in an office, but also as you network and make personal connections with people who may hire you for a job.”