Cougars Appoint New General Manager
Published on February 28, 2006 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
California Cougars News Release
STOCKTON, CA-John Thomas and Darrell Petray, co-owners of American ProSports, Inc., owner/operator of the Major Indoor Soccer League's (MISL) California Cougars, announced the hiring of Emily Ballus as General Manager, a 20-year veteran of sports management. Her responsibilities will be to oversee the entire operations and staffing of the California Cougars.
Ballus founded her own sports event production company in 2002, MOJO Sports Event Solutions, which produces international, national and community sports event including productions featuring Mexican, Argentine, Guatemalan and El Salvadorian professional soccer teams. Prior to launching MOJO, Ballus served as Executive Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing for the San Jose CyberRays of the former Women's United Soccer Association. Under her direction, the team enjoyed a 25% increase in season tickets and an 80% increase in group sales.
Before joining the CyberRays, Ballus successfully managed national marketing outreach as the National Director of Marketing Programs for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, which became the largest attended women's single sporting event in history. In 1995, Ballus joined Major League Soccer as Director of Game and Player Operations, where she orchestrated programs for the league's launch. For nearly four years, Ballus was Director of Operations for the American Professional Soccer League, which at the time, was the highest level of professional soccer in the U.S. In 1991, Ballus produced her first international soccer event when the Colombian Federation accepted her bid to produce the South American championship Copa Libertadores series between Colombia and Venezuela.
"We are pleased to have someone on board who has been immersed in and has a ferver for the business of soccer," said Darrell Petray. "Emily's track record proves she's the right choice-she's highly qualifed and has been instrumental in developing successful sports entities. Her leadership skills will be invaluable and will guide the Cougars organization to the next level."
"I am extremely grateful to American ProSports for the opportunity to work with the Cougars in their inaugural campaign. With our home in Stockton's new premier arena, and our membership in the MISL, the Cougars represent a new era in indoor soccer," said Ballus. "My goal is to work with these incredible resources to build the Cougars into a model championship team both on and off the field."
Ballus is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She received her B.S. in Sports Management at Guilford College, Greensboro, North Carolina, and her M.S. from St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, Daphne, Alabama.
Recognized as the best professional indoor soccer league in the world, the MISL California Cougars feature internationally recognized players from 31 countries. The MISL intends to expand to 20 cities internationally within the next several years. The California Cougars began their inaugural 2005-2006 season last Fall and will play 15 games of their 30 regular season game schedule in their new home, the Stockton Indoor Sports Arena at 248 W. Fremont Street in Stockton, CA.
California Cougars single game seats and Flex Packs (pick your own four games) are now on sale. For more information on Cougars soccer including season tickets, groups, and Cougar Camps: (209) 373-1550 or www.CaliforniaCougars.net.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 28, 2006
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- Northeast Catholic's Pat Morris Named MISL Defensive Player of the Month - Philadelphia KiXX
- Cougars Appoint New General Manager - California Cougars
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