Growing up in an athletic family with a father who played college basketball, Kate Kasabula was interested in sports from an early age. Little did she know she would establish a career in the historically male NFL, rising through the ranks over the last two decades to vice president of client services at the Baltimore Ravens.
Kasabula was a star player in both high school and college. As a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, she was team captain of both the varsity field hockey and varsity lacrosse teams. After graduating in 1998, she headed to Duke University on a lacrosse scholarship, was named a four-time All-American midfielder and was recruited to the USA Women’s Lacrosse World Cup Team.
While at Duke, Kasabula took a class on the business of sports, and something clicked.
“It opened my eyes to the business side of the industry,” Kasabula said. “I found it fascinating. It also combined my love of sports with a professional career.”
Kasabula interned with the Ravens during training camp one summer during college. That led to a full-season internship with the corporate sales department and, eventually, a full-time position. Her responsibilities include helping develop and manage relationships with corporate partners and sales staff.
Kasabula started her 20th season with the Ravens in 2022, and credits the people and culture for her longevity at the organization.
“The Ravens always strive to be the best – and it’s not just on the football field,” said Kasabula, who lives in Lutherville with her husband, Brian, and children Connor, 9 – who was due on Super Bowl Sunday 2013 – and Caroline, 6. “We hold ourselves to high standards and always work to improve and be better. We have an amazing group of employees who are like family. And as my personal life has changed and evolved, I have had the flexibility to raise a family while maintaining a career.”
Kasabula and her family are parishioners of Church of the Nativity in Timonium. Faith has always been important in her life, she said, including helping to guide her career.
“I have always held the belief that God has a plan,” Kasabula said. “Sometimes that plan and path are a little easier and sometimes it’s a little more challenging, but my faith keeps me strong through those more difficult times.”
Kasabula, who earned her MBA from Loyola University Maryland in 2010, believes that being a woman has not excluded her from any opportunities in the industry. In fact, as the Ravens organization has grown, more women are rising to leadership roles.
For young women thinking about a career in the sports industry, she said it is important to get involved early, whether it is with a high school, local recreation council or college athletic department. She also emphasized the importance of asking questions and reaching out to make connections.
Kasabula intends to continue raising the bar for her department.
“I never want to settle or be complacent,” she said. “I love a challenge and find myself rising to the challenges set ahead.”
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