Story Links
Alyssa Rice, a standout from Kentucky, chose to actively engage with her student-athlete journey, ensuring it was not just a routine experience.
Balancing the rigorous demands of being a Division I women’s basketball player, Rice recognized the importance of nurturing her growth beyond the court. She often reflected on how she could develop herself in diverse areas outside of basketball.
Rice sought opportunities outside of basketball, serving as a representative for student-athletes on various NCAA and conference committees. Her peers in the Southeastern Conference elected her chair of the SEC Women’s Basketball Leadership Council, and she represented college athletes on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Competition Committee, collaborating with commissioners, athletic directors, and senior woman administrators at important meetings.
In these roles, she advocated for women’s basketball players, gaining insight into the legislative workings of collegiate athletics.
“Expanding my knowledge across different areas—academically, athletically, socially—helped me become the best version of myself,” she shared.
Alyssa was drawn to Kentucky as an ESPN top 20 recruit, with her parents encouraging her to select a school where she could thrive, irrespective of her basketball career. She prioritized finding a coach who valued her growth as both a student and a person.
“I wanted a coach who cared about my development beyond athletics,” she explained.
As a Wildcat, Rice quickly embraced her role, often preparing meals like smothered chicken, pasta, and tacos for her teammates, complete with homemade desserts.
“I became the ‘Team Mom,’ making sure everyone was well-fed,” she laughed. “The grind is tough, and those moments of laughter in the locker room while singing and having fun are the memories you cherish.”
The team’s camaraderie translated into athletic success, with Kentucky qualifying for the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship in three of Rice’s four years and reaching the SEC tournament semifinals three times.
These tournament experiences ignited her interest in championship operations. After graduating from Kentucky with a degree in accounting in 2018, Rice pursued a graduate assistant position at Ohio and joined the SEC’s tournament operations team in her first year.
“Seeing the entire SEC tournament come together was incredibly rewarding, especially from the perspective of a former student-athlete,” she noted.
At Ohio, she further cultivated her interest in operations, contributing to high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, and NBA All-Star Game.
“Every experience deepened my passion for creating exceptional event operations, knowing that these moments are once-in-a-lifetime for many attendees,” she explained.
In 2020, Rice became an NCAA postgraduate intern, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the Division I Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Group. Drawing on her own experiences, she aimed to prioritize and amplify player voices in the NCAA’s decision-making processes.
“Understanding how decisions impact student-athletes on a daily basis is crucial,” she emphasized.
After her year-long internship, Rice secured a full-time position with the NCAA in championship operations, overseeing men’s gymnastics, Division II softball, and Football Championship Subdivision football.
“At championships, I strive to ensure that student-athletes feel celebrated and appreciated, regardless of the outcomes. Each moment matters,” she affirmed.
For Rice, her journey in college basketball has opened numerous doors, granting her a seat at various important tables. She attributes much of her personal and professional development to the sport.
If Rice could impart advice to student-athletes, it would be to fully engage with their experiences and remain open to the opportunities that come their way.
“When you participate in diverse areas, you can amplify your impact on the world,” she concluded.
