Evonna McGill '23, a former Elon basketball player, found success in the sports sales industry with the help of Elon University's Student Professional Development Center.
Originally from Lowell, North Carolina, Evonna McGill ’23 was born and raised in a community where success in both sports and academics was highly valued.
McGill graduated from Elon in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her mother is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her uncle transitioning from playing football for the UNC Tar Heels to a career in the NFL, providing McGill with strong role models to shape her journey. When she arrived at Elon University during the COVID-19 pandemic, her initial plan was to excel as a basketball player and eventually follow in her mother’s footsteps as a therapist.
But as time went on, McGill realized she couldn’t leave her love for sports behind. Having played basketball since the age of 4, she initially considered pursuing a career in coaching. With the opportunity to extend her college sports career for a fifth year due to the pandemic, McGill decided also to pursue a business minor. During this time, she connected with Paul Hvozdovic, a career advisor for student-athletes at Elon’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC).
Hvozdovic assisted McGill with building a resume, writing a cover letter, utilizing LinkedIn and networking effectively. With his guidance, she discovered many ways to stay connected to the sports industry beyond coaching. She noted and appreciated his patience and direction during their meetings.
Through her proactive approach, dedication and direction from the SPDC, McGill secured an interview with the Milwaukee Bucks, ultimately landing a position as a sales associate with the NBA team. Her transition from college student-athlete to sales professional in the sports industry was a smooth one, thanks to the support and mentorship she received along the way. With guidance from Assistant Professor Chris Nelson and a mentor from the Cincinnati Bengals, McGill honed her skills and quickly excelled in her new role. Through hard work, adaptability and a positive mindset, she became the top seller within eight months of joining the Bucks.
McGill is killing her role with the Bucks. She has also grown fond of many aspects of the company culture and enjoys the many opportunities to work with different businesses, groups, and premium spaces. She also appreciates the feeling of unity with the Bucks and how people from each level and department work together as teammates.
Reflecting on her journey, McGill credits the SPDC for playing a vital role in her success. From alumni events to personalized advice from mentors, she found the resources and support she needed to navigate her career transition. Her advice to fellow students and graduates is simple; Don’t be afraid to seek help and advocate for yourself. McGill often falls back on a quote from her coach — “Find a way.”
As McGill continues to thrive in her role with the Bucks, she remains grateful for the opportunities Elon University provided her and looks forward to a bright future in the sports industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration to students and alumni alike, showcasing the power of determination, mentorship and a proactive approach to career development.