School to Career - New York Knicks - Community Relations & Field Mktg Specialist


		Basketball Camps
		The Groove Truck
		Coney Island Clinic

The Community Relations & Field Mktg Specialist visits schools during the year and speaks in classrooms to try to motivate children to do well in school. He is also involved in a wide range of programs, such as Read To Achieve and basketball clinics and camps, all designed to help kids while building the team's presence in the community.

Troy Bowers, handles this role for the New York Knicks, in an effort to help keep kids interested in school. "Good behavior in and out of school always brings positive feedback," says Troy, who enjoys working with kids.

Playing Around the World

Troy, who had a full scholarship and played ball for Boston college, went on to play professionally all over the globe, in countries like Spain, Israel, Turkey and France before retiring in 2001 to work with the Knicks.

His playing days taught him the importance of teamwork and responsibility, which he can now instill upon the kids he visits.

Speak Well and Be Confident

"Being able to speak well, having confidence and a high level of self-esteem are key ingredients to doing this job," explains Troy, who also adds that being people oriented and having patience certainly help.

Troy majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology at Boston College. He learned a lot from his course work, but also from playing ball. "Basketball taught me how to deal with different experiences," says Troy, who went from the court to the Field Marketing Department through the recommendation of a friend who worked for the Knicks. "After retiring from basketball, I decided I needed to give back to the community," he adds.

Not having a father in the home while growing up inspired Troy to become a strong male and build his own self-confidence. "Be confident in yourself and keep moving forward in life," says Troy.