Jaycee Cotton
Allendale,MI
Summary
Dedicated Graduate Assistant adept in research and academic publishing, demonstrated through a history of academic excellence. Quick-learning, dedicated, and experienced in working within postsecondary research environments. Dedicated to skill development and bringing value to dynamic teams.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Assistant, Director of Operations
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
08.2025 - Current
- Managed daily operations for a Division II women’s soccer program, supporting coaches, student-athletes, and departmental initiatives.
- Liaised with alumni, donors, and external partners to enhance program engagement and drive fundraising efforts.
- Oversaw team travel operations, coordinating hotel bookings, meal logistics, transportation, and communication with opposing programs to ensure seamless travel experiences.
- Planned and executed game day operations, ensuring compliance with conference and university policies, while delivering a high-quality event experience.
- Maintained and updated the Teamworks calendar to organize practices, travel, events, and staff schedules.
- Managed equipment ordering and inventory organization, ensuring readiness for practices, competitions, and special events.
- Assisted with budget tracking and operational planning to support fiscally responsible program management.
- Coordinated community engagement initiatives, camps, and special events, including staffing paperwork and event logistics.
- Acted as the external relations liaison, coordinating communication between the program, campus departments, vendors, and community partners.
Bartender
Graphite
Columbia, Illinois
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Provided bartending and table service in a high-volume restaurant environment, while maintaining a strong focus on guest experience and efficiency.
- Provided bartending and table service for private and public events, ensuring high professional service standards and enhancing client satisfaction.
- Supported event operations at the restaurant’s partnering event venue, assisting with setup, breakdown, and execution of events, including weddings, celebrations of life, birthday parties, and monthly community events.
- Led on-site operations during events in absence of event coordinator, overseeing staff, managing guest needs, and promptly resolving issues.
- Assisted with event logistics, including room layout, décor setup, timeline coordination, and vendor support.
- Communicated directly with clients, coordinators, and staff to ensure event expectations were met and schedules remained on track.
- Exhibited leadership and problem-solving skills in fast-paced, high-pressure service and event environments, adapting quickly to changing circumstances.
Director of Operations Intern & Assistant Coach
University of Missouri-St. Louis
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Supported daily operations for the women’s soccer program while simultaneously serving as a student-athlete and team captain.
- Balanced internship responsibilities alongside full-time coursework and a part-time job, demonstrating strong time management and leadership skills.
- Coordinated team travel logistics, including hotel planning, food organization, and travel schedules.
- Managed equipment and gear preparation for travel and competition to ensure team readiness.
- Assisted with practice setup and breakdown, ensuring efficient and organized training environments.
- Served as a leadership bridge between the coaching staff and teammates, contributing to effective communication and team organization.
Hostess/Bartender
One Cardinal Way
Saint Louis, Missouri
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Promoted to bartender while continuing hostess responsibilities, providing high-quality beverage service in a fast-paced environment.
- Began as a hostess, managing guest check-ins and front-of-house operations during high-traffic Cardinal game days.
- Supported community and resident events by helping with event setup, breakdown, and on-site guest services.
- Assisted the residential coordinator with planning, setup, and seasonal decoration of amenity floor events throughout the year.
- Managed market operations, including stocking, inventory tracking, and organization of retail items.
- Maintained operational support across year-round events, contributing to inventory control, event logistics, and resident engagement.
Game Day Staff
UMSL Athletics
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Assisted with setup, breakdown, and on-site operations for volleyball games and swim meets.
- Helped ensure smooth event flow, facility readiness, and positive spectator and participant experiences.
- Worked collaboratively with athletic staff and event personnel in fast-paced, live event environments.
- Supported athletic event operations as part of a sports management course requirement.
Merchandiser
D&D Distributing
Waterloo, Illinois
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Maintained organized, visually appealing product displays on the sales floor to maximize availability and presentation.
- Stocked and replenished Dr Pepper products across assigned retail locations, ensuring shelves met company and store standards.
- Managed backroom organization to ensure efficient storage, inventory rotation, and accessibility of products.
- Demonstrated reliability and independence while managing a designated route, and maintaining strong relationships with store staff.
Education
M.Ed - Master of Educational Leadership
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI05-2027
BES - Educational Studies: Exercise Science And Wellness
The University of Missouri- Saint Louis
St.Louis, MO05-2025
Minor - Business Management
University of Missouri- St. Louis
St. Louis, MO05-2025
Skills
- Team coordination
- Event planning
- Event coordination
- Time management
- Punctuality and work ethic
Certification
Work In Sports: Building and Maintaining Your Sports Industry Network, 2024
Accomplishments
- UMSL Grant, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- NCAA Women's Soccer Scholarship, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
References
Available upon request
Sports Industry Experience
- UMSL Athletics, Game Day Staff, 09/01/23
- EA National Championship, 06/01/23
Timeline
Graduate Assistant, Director of Operations
Grand Valley State University
08.2025 - Current
Bartender
Graphite
11.2024 - 06.2025
Director of Operations Intern & Assistant Coach
University of Missouri-St. Louis
05.2024 - 05.2025
Game Day Staff
UMSL Athletics
09.2023 - 12.2024
Hostess/Bartender
One Cardinal Way
06.2023 - 02.2025
Merchandiser
D&D Distributing
05.2021 - 05.2023
M.Ed - Master of Educational Leadership
Grand Valley State University
BES - Educational Studies: Exercise Science And Wellness
The University of Missouri- Saint Louis
Minor - Business Management
University of Missouri- St. Louis