Alice Rooks Featurette

When talking to the Big Ten Network’s marketing aficionado Alice Rooks, I notice some of her top teams all have something in common: Her alma mater Fighting Illini, the Chicago Bears and the Denver Nuggets.  The orange and blue-blood sportsgirl is serious about her fan allegiance and it’s good for the Bears that she approves of their No. 1 draft choice.

“The Chicago Bears made a good selection with their first round draft pick of defensive end Shea McClellin from Boise State. I believe Shea will be a wonderful compliment to the defensive line especially helping Julius Peppers on tackle patrol this football season.”Good job Mr. Emery, you don’t want Alice on your bad side!



Alice Rooks
Marketing Executive

My Day-to-day job duties:
Change everyday. I’m presently working on marketing initiatives for one of our fall shows. That would include signing the celebrity host, creating the creative marketing elements and promoting the show within the Big Ten community.

I love my job because:

It gives me a chance to combine two of my favorite things -- marketing a product and interacting with sports on a daily basis.

One word describing your sports knowledge: Respectable.

Being a woman in the sports industry has taught me: Endurance.

Cleats: When did you begin your career?

AR: I began my career in marketing while in high school participating with a Junior Achievement radio station in Chicago.  I also kept statistics for my high school sports teams.

Cleats: Have you ever been discouraged from showcasing your fashion sense at work because you work in the sports industry?

AR: No, I sometimes enjoy wearing the “HOT” new trends in fashion at work. My big thing now is to occasionally wear my 5-inch heels that make me feel taller than some of the guys in the office.

Cleats: Are you a sports fan?
AR: Yes, I am. Since childhood, I believe. My fan allegiance is to my alma mater University of Illinois since the Flyin’ Illini days.

Cleats: Describe a moment/experience when you knew you were a sports fan?

AR: I knew when my father would come to me first, before my brothers, and started asking me questions about particular players and teams while in grade school.


Cleats: What is your favorite team and why?

AR: I really don’t have a favorite team since I like sports in general but I do make a concerted effort to watch the Denver Nuggets. <Inside Joke>

Cleats: What is your office style.

AR: Where I work is very business casual. Some folks wear jeans every day and some of us are suited.  Personally, I like to wear some comfortable slacks and a stylish blouse or jacket.

Cleats: Name a celebrity that closely resembles YOUR style?

AR: There are three celebrities that I have to point out regarding my celebrity inspiration:

Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game’s Tasha Mack)

Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives’ Renee Perry)

Kate Walsh (Private Practice’s Dr. Addison Montgomery)

Cleats: What are your 5 Makeup Bag Must Haves?

AR: Mascara, Eye Shadow compact, Lip Gloss, Hand Lotion, and Perfume (Purse-sized bottle)

Cleats: What trends are you most excited to try this spring?

AR: Neon colors and tribal prints

Cleats: What are two skin products you can’t live without?

AR: Kiehl’s toner/facial and Dove soap

Cleats: You are stranded on an island, yet, still granted retail therapy…what two stores and two designers make make the cut?
AR: Neiman Marcus and TopShop. Designers: Elie Tahari  and Alice & Olivia

Cleats: Long day at work, home team went into overtime, what is your go-to meal when you finally get home?

AR: I keep a bag of frozen edamame in my freezer to warm up when I don’t feel like cooking, so that is my go-to meal.

Cleats: What is your advice to other women trying to break in and STAY in a career like yours?

AR: My advice for women is to start young, even in high school, learning as much as you can about the sports industry. For someone that is truly interested in working in sports, try to participate on a sports team or work as a manager by keeping stats.  When you get to college, work in your sports information or athletic marketing office. Lastly, get to know the star players on your athletic teams, they can be a valuable asset to you one day.

Cleats: How have you utilized social media in your job field?

AR: Social media plays a big role in terms of communicating and engaging with the target market. Via Twitter and Facebook, you can provide up-to-date information on the consumer’s favorite team, player and program.  You can create contests and sweepstakes with these different social media platforms and get instant feedback from your audience. Utilizing social media is a "Must" to take your brand to the next level.

Cleats: What has been your most valuable life lesson?

AR: To trust in your God-given ability and stay humble!

******Thank you****