Arkansas Travelers Hit Home Run With New GM Sophie Ozier

Jason Masters

Sophie is the first female GM of the Arkansas Travelers.

Sophie Ozier
Job title: General Manager of The Arkansas Travelers
Age: 29 | Higher Education: Webster University

Sophie Ozier has loved baseball her entire life, so it was no surprise when she wanted to make a career out of it. Although her university in St. Louis did not have a sports management major, she was still able to follow her dreams by pursuing a degree in public relations.

“Every time [Webster University] offered a sports class, or I could make the subject of my projects and assignments about sports, I did,” Sophie said. “This made it easier when I started interviewing for internships because I had a portfolio built up for the industry I was trying to work in.”

Sophie found connections through a mentorship program where she was connected with a director of media relations for an NBA team.

"I hope more young females grow up aspiring to work in sports. I didn’t know this was an option when I was a kid. Hopefully, girls will grow up seeing more females in these roles and aspire to be them.”

“I told them early in my college career my goal of working in baseball, and they did everything in their power to help me get there,” Sophie said. “...You choose the people you surround yourself with–make sure they support you and your aspirations.”

She first took to the field as an intern, where her duties included pulling the tarp for the field, getting the mound ready for the game, and stocking food and drinks for concession stands. Although these tasks seemed mundane, they were essential in getting her the career she has today.

“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and be a sponge,” Sophie said. “The best way to learn from the industry is from the ground up–in my case, literally.”

Sophie now oversees all business operations as the general manager of the Arkansas Travelers, a North Little Rock-based Minor League Baseball team. She said the most rewarding part of her job is getting to help create core memories for fans.

“Whether they catch a ball in the stands, attend a birthday party with their best friends in the splash pad, or go on a first date with their future spouse, we bring people together,” Sophie said.