DeAndré Fernández Phillips
Director of Media Relations
Washington Wizards
Washington, DC USA
“Don’t limit yourself. If you have to go to Siberia because that is the only [opportunity] you have, then go to Siberia.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDeAndré Fernández Phillips
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Grew up in a small, low-income area of Portsmouth, Virginia called Cavalier Manor.
Was originally interested in becoming a reporter.
In high school, he was a campus correspondent for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Virginia.
Attended Old Dominion University, where he received his degree in English.
While in college, he realized that being a reporter wasn’t what he really wanted, so he decided to use his background in journalism to pursue a career in public relations.
He got the opportunity to intern for ESPN, the Carolina Panthers, the Detroit Lions, and in the Sports Information Department of ODU.
His first job after graduating was working for one of the highest profile teams in professional sports history, the Miami Heat, as their Business Communications Manager.
He then went on to become the Director of Communications for the New York Giants and now works as the Director of Media Relations for the Washington Wizards.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Director of Media Relations
I am in charge of media relations for the Washington Wizards basketball team.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Sports
Accomplishing Goals
Day to Day
No day is the same and I do a lot of different things. My main duty is serving as the primary contact for the local and national media regarding the team. I also prep / coach players and the Head Coach for media availability, I promote various aspects of the organization, I write press releases and game notes, and I coordinate interviews, press conferences, and other media events. I also do a lot of traveling and am constantly keeping an eye on the news and what is going on.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Getting into this industry is hard. It's not always about talent, but being in the right place at the right time. Take opportunities, take risks, and open yourself up to the options that it provides. Intern as much as you can to gain experience. Don't limit yourself geographically. If you have to go somewhere far away to get an amazing experience, do it.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Career Change
Financial
Divorce
Interviewed By
Old Dominion University Roadtrip
Old Dominion University students and alumni
