By Katie Brokes

On a breezy summer evening, as the crowd’s attention shifts to an elementary school child racing the bases for a Dunkin’ gift card, Adelphi senior and mathematics major Daniella Speranza is quietly making it all happen behind the scenes.

Daniella Speranza works in game-day operations for multiple New York sports teams. She works to expand the in-game experiences for fans in the stands. She focuses on coordinating promotions and ensures that engaging activities catered to fans run seamlessly during live events.

Speranza never imagined she would be working alongside some of the most respected athletes in the world. After spotting an ad for Blue Crew members, the New York Rangers’ game-day operations team, she nearly skipped the audition due to nerves and self-doubt. Instead, she took the chance and ultimately landed a role that opened doors she never thought possible. 

Speranza works part-time across multiple organizations including the New York Rangers, New York Knicks and New York Mets. Each team presents unique challenges, timelines and fan expectations that require her to constantly adapt. “It’s a lot to balance, but I love the fast pace and being part of so many different environments,” Speranza said.

Photo by Michelle Farsi

Her responsibilities vary depending on the venue, but one of her primary roles involves organizing contestants for in-game promotions. This includes selecting fans, gathering their information and ensuring they are ready to step onto the field, court or ice at precisely the right moment.

“We have to make sure everything happens right on time,” Speranza said. “If someone is going on the ice or the court during a break, they have to be ready immediately.”

Promotions must fit perfectly between gameplay, television broadcasts and arena entertainment. Whether it’s coordinating the seventh-inning stretch or preparing a tightly timed Knicks segment lasting just over a minute, Speranza must plan every second.

In addition to contest coordination, Speranza plays a key role in mascot appearances and fan interactions. She helps organize meet-and-greets, and guides mascots to performance locations including leading them onto the dugout for crowd-engaging dances. Occasionally she even becomes a mascot, too.

At times, she stands on top of the dugout holding “Let’s Go Mets” signs to energize the crowd. On other nights, she takes the field, stepping into mascot duties and participating in races with other mascots to entertain fans between innings.

Speranza said she also assists with special events like exclusive fan experiences and media opportunities, ensuring each element runs smoothly and aligns with the team’s schedule.

Photo by Michelle Farsi

Working across ice, turf and court has strengthened her ability to think quickly and adapt. “Every event is different,” Speranza said. “You never know exactly what’s going to happen, so you have to be ready to adjust.”

Speranza collaborates closely with athletes, performers, fans and event staff to ensure each game-day experience runs without disruption.

A colleague with the Rangers organization Emma Rossi is impressed with Speranza’s work ethic. “Her unwavering dedication to everything she commits herself to is a true testament to the kind of person she is,” Rossi said.

Speranza’s passion for sports began long before her career. Growing up, she admired athletes like David Wright of the Mets and Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers. “As a kid, I was a huge fan of all the teams that I work for, so being able to work alongside these athletes is crazy to me,” she said.

Despite the excitement, the job comes with challenges. Long hours, late nights, weekend schedules and demanding commutes are all part of the routine. The spring season is especially busy, as the Mets begin play while both the Knicks and Rangers often enter playoff contention.

Still, for Speranza, the vitality of live sports makes it all worthwhile. “I love being part of the energy,” she said. “Seeing fans excited and knowing you helped create that experience is really rewarding.”

As a smiling face on Jumbotrons she once only dreamed of being on, Speranza encourages others. She said, “Take chances because you’ll never know where you’ll end up.”