By Felicity Boykin ’24 

Otterbein alumnus Elijah Gonzalez ’17 always knew he wanted to have a career that revolved around sports. The journalism and media communication grad has found a home in Stanford University’s athletic department as assistant director of technical operations. 

Gonzalez always took on any job that would lead to his Stanford opportunity. At Otterbein, he came in search of a career in basketball, but quickly took on responsibilities that led him down a different path. He began working with Tan & Cardinal Media and broadcasting games on 97.5 FM WOBN, Otterbein’s campus radio station and home of Cardinal athletics. 

“I give Otterbein so much credit for getting me to where I am today,” Gonzalez said. “All of the hands-on experiences offered gave me knowledge and skills that I used to seize every opportunity that led me to my career.” 

Gonzalez started his post-Otterbein career as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, a collegiate summer baseball team based in South Yarmouth, Mass., and a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He was also a broadcaster and media relations assistant for the Norwich Sea Unicorns, a baseball team located in Norwich, Conn., and formerly affiliated with Minor League Baseball. 

From there, Gonzalez spent time as a member of the broadcasting team at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. In his final year in Worcester, he was promoted to the director of video and network production within Holy Cross athletics. He spent three years in Worcester before taking his job at Stanford. 

He cites connections as key to his landing each new position and hopes Otterbein students realize there are endless opportunities. 

“Otterbein students need to focus on building connections,” Gonzalez said. “Just reading from a textbook won’t give you the experiences you need — and realize the people at Otterbein are there to help you succeed beyond the classroom.”