The People Who Make ASU’s Athletic Events Spring To Life

Before Arizona State University fans come trickling into their seats, ready to cheer for their favorite team and student-athlete, the athletic facilities staff at ASU has already spent weeks preparing for the moment the student-athletes step into the spotlight – ready for the moment the event comes to life. 

“In theory, everything is standard, you know? Year after year, you have your seasons, you have your ebbs and flows,” Krystina Mallon, the manager of athletic operations at Sun Devil Athletics, said. “But even within those same seasons, new stuff comes – new expectations. New opportunities.” 

Mallon’s primary job as the manager of operations entails being the “master scheduler” for all athletic facilities – from practices and competitions to outside events.

So far this year, Mallon along with the facilities crew have hosted 159 home events ranging from gymnastics, hockey and tennis to water polo and wrestling. In February alone, the team helped organize and host 52 events.

“The fact that it’s never stagnant is the great part about this job and there’s a lot of fun stuff we get to be a part of,” Mallon added.

Part of her job is also being flexible and adaptable because no day is the same. According to Mallon, there are new curveballs to learn from and adapt to with each practice or event.

“There’s always room for improvement there,” Mallon said about learning from those challenges. “Whether it’s just even communication, you can always make something better as small as it is.”

However, the most important thing to remember, she said, is ensuring the event takes place in a secure manner.

When gearing up for events, Mallon is one of many essential pieces in a large puzzle of event communications and facilities management.

On the other side, there are people like her colleagues Whittany Horton, an ASU athletic events coordinator, and Mark Gorski, the athletic facilities maintenance manager, who help fill in the blanks to guarantee the events take place safely and effectively.

Horton and Mallon work closely on the same side of events aspects, taking a heavy lead on ensuring that all the information is gathered and distributed with team event coordinators, communicating across various athletics departments for their needs, logistics and scheduling.

In her role, Horton oversees the event management of gymnastics and men’s and women’s tennis. Likewise, she oversees the guest services program for Sun Devil Athletics. 

“We’re basically like a big communication hub,” Horton said enthusiastically and mentioned they also guarantee the operations on the day of an event, preparing for the fan's arrival and making sure their needs are met as well as the athletes. “The best way I could describe it is like we’re the point person and then we spread out." 

While Horton and Mallon take care of event relations, Gorski takes care of the facilities and maintenance portion.

He primarily oversees ASU’s Desert Financial Arena and the practices, games and events that take place in the arena: men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and anything on the athletic side.

This includes meeting with other maintenance coordinators, departments, and coaches to execute any stadium operations needed. 

“[It’s] making sure everybody has their needs met and it’s set up the way it needs to be,” Gorski said. “Safely, accurately, and ready to roll through whatever issues might pop up.”

 

One of the biggest points, as they work together to bring the event to life, is being on the same page, Mallon said. If they’re not, then it leaves a crack in their correspondence.

For example, when Gorski and Horton work on scheduling team practices, Horton makes sure times don’t overlap and plans accordingly so that every team gets accommodated – all while guaranteeing Gorski has time to switch from volleyball to basketball or practice mode to game mode. 

Between the daily back and forth relays and working in the same office, there is also a familial bond and trust that comes from relying on each other and their decisions day in and day out.

In the facilities department, they also have a saying which they like to call “BYOE” for bring your own energy. And while the season can get busy, this camaraderie is fueled by lots of team building and celebrations once a season ends.

“We're one big family,” Mallon said. “I mean, we always say that we actually probably spend more time at work than we do at home.”

 

Ultimately, one aspect that drives each of them is their appreciation for being a Sun Devil.

Such as Gorski who worked for the facilities department as he completed his undergraduate degree at ASU and while he obtained a master’s degree in sports law and business at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He has now been with the department for 10 years. 

“It’s a testament to the culture we have here. There's a lot of people that just end up staying,” Gorski said. “They go to school here. They work here. They grow into roles, and they find a fit – they find their home.” 

In the same sentiment, Horton – who also completed her undergraduate at ASU and obtained a master’s of legal studies in sports law and business at the Sandra Day O’Connor College – said that being a Sun Devil has given her a unique appreciation for her work. 

“I wear the pitchfork proudly. I could tell you 1,000,005 facts about anything on campus,” she said. “Like, did you know that Packard stadium structure is the only structure with a spiral staircase?”

Her love of maroon and gold reflects not only in her work, but has also given her the role of spirit captain in the facilities office.

“You grow to love this place,” Mallon, who is currently also on her way to receiving a master’s degree in legal studies in sports law and business at the Sandra Day O’Connor College, said. “And I wouldn’t change it for anything.”