BUIES CREEK, N.C. – As an NCAA Division I member, Campbell University competes at the highest level of college athletics.  A number of recent Fighting Camel alumni have not only gone on to success in professional sports, but many more have entered their intended academic field after their playing careers have ended.
 
At the highest level of professional sports, five Camel alumni (Seth Johnson, Cedric Mullins, Zach Neto, Ryan Thompson and Allan Winans) played in Major League Baseball during the 2024 season, while Julian Hill is in his second year as a tight end with the Miami Dolphins and Jesper Svensson was named DP World Tour Rookie of the Year while earning his PGA TOUR card.
 
However, four recent Campbell grads – three who played on the women's soccer team – have entered the administrative field of college athletics at their alma mater.  Those individuals journeyed to Campbell from near (Godwin, N.C.) and far (Las Vegas, Miami and Virginia Beach) and ended up not only earning at least one degree, but starting their career in Buies Creek.
 
Shelby Denkert | Assistant Athletics Director for Business Operations
 
The location and family atmosphere drew Denkert to Campbell, where she enrolled as a freshman in 2014.
 
"I was recruited to play soccer here. I had some family in North Carolina, so I was somewhat familiar with the area," said Denkert.  "The minute I stepped on campus for my official visit, I was in awe of the "brick" and the people. The team was so welcoming, the coaches were awesome, and I loved the community feel here. I had never experienced anything like this growing up in Miami. The people were a huge part of what attracted me to Campbell and the direction this university was heading.
 
Denkert graduated in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and added her master's in education/exercise science in 2021.
 
She returned to Campbell in August 2019 as a graduate assistant while serving as the Director of Operations for the women's soccer program. In her role, she oversaw all travel-related logistics, as well as assisting in scouting on-field coaching.
 
"Once I graduated (with her master's degree), I realized I wanted to stay in athletics and in July 2021 I started as the Assistant Director of Game Day Operations where I was in charge of all game day logistics for almost every sport on campus," said Denkert.  "I then transitioned into a new role July 2022 and added a business role on top my game day responsibilities.
 
While serving as Director of Business and Game Day Operations, Denkert added responsibilities of helping the Director of Athletics manage budgets, while handling day-to-day purchasing while maintaining her game operations role.
 
She was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director of Business Operations in 2024.  In her new role, Denkert is in charge of financial reporting, purchasing, and managing budgets for Campbell's 21 NCAA Division I programs and overseeing game operations.
 
According to Denkert, each of her previous positions helped prepare her for her current role.
 
"In my first graduate assistant position, my former coach (Samar Azem) played a crucial role in preparing me for subsequent roles by emphasizing a strong work ethic, maintaining high standards, promoting organizational proficiency, and attention to detail. Her mentorship significantly shaped my development during that time and primed me for advancement to Assistant Director of Game Operations," said Denkert.  "In that role, I quickly learned the paramount importance of effective communication, integrating it into our daily operations alongside rigorous organizational practices. These foundational skills seamlessly facilitated my transition to my position as Director of Business. Additionally, I've been fortunate to have had exceptional bosses who have provided invaluable support and guidance, imparting profound insights into the intricacies of athletics. Their dedication and commitment to our shared mission have been integral to my professional growth and success."
 
Denkert is grateful that her path led her to Campbell, not only for a soccer career, where she twice earned conference honors on the field, but in the classroom and other aspects of college life.
 
"I was fortunate to earn both my bachelor's and graduate degrees from Campbell University. The transition from high school to college, juggling academics and soccer, was challenging," she said.  "Learning to balance these responsibilities was crucial and greatly contributed to my career success. Throughout college, I managed various roles including academics, soccer, team captaincy, and maintaining a social life. This multitasking experience proved invaluable in my career. Moreover, the unwavering support and guidance from my coaches and professors were pivotal. They consistently offered assistance when needed, ensuring that I navigated challenges effectively and developed professionally."
 
The opportunity to continue her professional growth at a place she loved and working with people she cared for and respected made Denkert's decision easy when she accepted her Assistant A.D. role.
 
"One of the main reasons this position attracted me is the opportunity to work alongside and under the guidance of our Athletics Director, Hannah Bazemore. Her leadership has been incredibly enriching, and my time in this athletics department has been a tremendous learning experience," said Denkert.  "One of the most rewarding aspects is being able to give back to our student athletes, ensuring they have a positive experience just as I did during my four years here at Campbell University. Campbell University holds a special place in my heart; it provided me with numerous opportunities and experiences that shaped who I am today. Being able to contribute to enhancing the student athlete experience and giving back to the community here is truly fulfilling. Working with such dedicated and supportive colleagues every day makes this role even more enjoyable, and the sense of community here is exceptional. Moreover, working at my alma mater adds a unique and special dimension to my experience. It's a privilege to be able to contribute to a place that played such a significant role in my personal and professional development."
 
Zach Berly | Director of Creative Content
 
A huge soccer fan, who played in high school at Cape Fear Christian Academy, Berly was able to pursue his passion from the outset of his college experience.
 
"Campbell offered me the opportunity to start broadcasting high-level D1 sports in my freshman year," said Berly, who quickly earned a spot as a play-by-play announcer on Fighting Camel soccer video and audio streaming events.  "The commentators on staff committed to helping me grow through feedback and lessons based on their own experience. Put together, it was the best way for me to get a solid start into the play-by-play industry."
 
A 2020 Campbell graduate as a communication studies (broadcast & digital media) major, Berly gained experience not only in his broadcasting career, but also in the expanding world of video and other creative pursuits.
 
He was hired by his alma mater as digital media coordinator in January 2021 and was responsible for the coverage of Campbell's men's & women's soccer programs. 
 
Through the years, Berly's broadcast experience has included play-by-play coverage of games in the
USL Championship, League One, NCAA tournament and multiple conference championship events.
 
Now in his first year as Director of Creative Content, Berly manages Campbell Athletics' digital brand, coordinates the coverage of its teams, and grows the department's reach into the community.
 
"As someone who grew up in the shadow of this university, someone who owes so much of the success in my career to the people and opportunities it has given me, it was a great privilege to accept the position," said Berly, who is a Harnett County native.  "In particular, the student-athletes have taken me to places I would've never gotten to on my own – holding trophies, celebrating championships, meeting legends; some of my best memories in life have been on the field with them. Through this position, I get to give back to them, honor them in the way they deserve. I take great pride in telling their stories."
 
Berly is excited to head a growing group of young professionals in the ever-changing world of digital content.
 
"Years of contact with our programs, coaches, and staff gives me a foundation to continue our department's climb in the CAA," said Berly "I'm inheriting an incredibly talented group who've I gotten to witness produce remarkable content.  The rapport I have with them will help me empower them to reach even greater heights."
 
Rosie O'Neal | Director of Student-Athlete Development
 
Like Denkert and Phillips, O'Neal was recruited to play soccer at Campbell.  And similarly, she was impressed early by the welcoming atmosphere she encountered on her first visit to campus.
 
"My four years as a student-athlete at Campbell prepared me for this role because I was involved in a variety of organizations on campus, so I know what it takes to get out of my comfort zone to experience as much professional growth as possible.
 
She returned to her alma mater in January 2024 when she joined the Campbell Athletics advancement staff after working in logistics for three years with United Parcel Service.  Over the summer, she was named Director of Student-Athlete Development.
 
In her role, O'Neal is responsible for the development and implementation of educational programs for all student-athletes that are designed to grow and prepare them for success while in college and after graduation in the core areas of career/professional development, leadership development, and personal development.
 
She serves as Chairperson for the DEI Committee and is responsible for DEI programming/education/training for staff and student-athletes.
 
In addition, O'Neal oversees the Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee and collaborates with athletic department personnel on other key areas of professional development for student-athletes.  She also serves as the primary liaison for community service initiatives for student-athletes and collaborates with athletic department personnel on other key areas of community service projects for student-athletes.
 
"One of the best things about working at Campbell University in general is the sense of community and support that exists on campus," said O'Neal.  "There is a strong emphasis on student success and holistic development, which creates a positive and nurturing environment. I am excited to be the Director of Student-Athlete Development because I have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of student-athletes by helping them prepare for life after Campbell."
 
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., O'Neal joined the Fighting Camels women's soccer team in 2016 and was a four-time honor roll student, who also served all-conference honors as a senior in 2019 when she served as team captain.  She also joined the lacrosse program as a goalkeeper in the spring of 2020.
 
Off the field, O'Neal served as Senior Class Vice President in the Campbell Student Government Association and also served as a member of the Campbell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  She graduated in May 2020 with a B.S. in kinesiology/pre-physical therapy.

O'Neal's time in the athletics advancement office helped her gain a greater understanding of the overall mission of the department.
 
"Working in advancement has prepared me for my work in student-athlete development because it has allowed me to form connections with alumni and donors who care about the holistic development of our student-athletes and want to be a resource to help them off the field/court," she said.
 
Taryn Phillips | Director of Facilities and Game Operations
 
Despite traveling three time zones from her home in Las Vegas to pursue her academic and athletic career at Campbell, Phillips quickly became comfortable in Buies Creek.
 
"It felt like home away from home," said Phillips, who earned her undergraduate degree in sport management in 2022 and her MBA in 2024.  "It was such a tight knit community.  The women's soccer team was another family. Everyone was so welcoming, and you wanted to invest into the programs."
 
After serving as a graduate assistant for game operations for two years, Phillips was named Director of Operations and Facilities in the summer of 2024.
 
In her position, Phillips is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and strategic planning of athletic facilities. She and her staff ensure that all athletic venues are safe, well-maintained, and optimized for both athletic events and training activities. In addition, she collaborates with coaches, administrators, and external partners to enhance the athletic experience for student-athletes, staff, and spectators.
 
In her previous experience, Phillips helped manage games, events, and visiting teams and officials. Through that experience, she learned to manage interns and student workers while gaining additional management experience.
 
"My experience as a graduate assistant in game operations was instrumental in preparing me for the role of Director of Operations and Facilities," said Phillips.  "Having hands-on experience with Campbell Athletics teams, coordinating and problem solving before during and after games, communicating with the administration, coaches, visiting teams, and officials were just a few things that prepared me to assume this position."
 
During her undergraduate days, Phillips was a member of teams that won the Big South tournament title and participated in the 2020-21 NCAA College Cup, claimed two conference regular season championships, recorded a 71.3 won-lost-tied percentage (44-15-9) overall and won 84.2 percent of its league matches (30-4-4).  She also earned Big South Presidential Honor Roll recognition.
 
Not only was she able to pursue her goal of competing in collegiate athletics at the highest level, but she was able to work toward her career goals as well.
 
"In undergrad as an athlete I learned a lot of communication, responsibility and time management skills which have helped me in my position now.  Serving as a GA prepared me the most with getting first-hand experience," said Phillips.   "Having such a strong relationship with the university has helped me want to stay and get more experience in college athletics. Working alongside some of the best administrators and coaches helps make working at CU a lot better. Also being an alumnus and watching the teams play is something I get to enjoy."