Utah Jazz Dream Team - October 2023 Winner

As a Utah native, sports was more of a religion for Makaelee Main growing up.

A former lacrosse player at the University of Utah, Makaelee grew up surrounded by four brothers, all of whom were highly active growing up. Without knowing it then, those early years helped pave the way and spark the passion that would be the driving force in her career.?

Now the Manager of Corporate Communications for the Utah Jazz, Makaelee thrives in the sports world more than she ever thought possible. Makaelee has been named the Utah Jazz Dream Team October 2023 winner for all her hard work throughout her time with the Jazz. The Dream Team was created to recognize individuals who go above and beyond their duties and exemplify the Utah Jazz's values daily.

"I think being in my new role for under six months, just to know I'm impacting the Jazz and future generations of the Jazz, it's great," she said. "We are trying to be more consistent and transparent with how we are communicating to our employees, and I think it's invaluable. … It's just an honor to be nominated.?

Despite her love of sports and desire to be in that world, that's different from where Makaelee headed once she graduated from the University of Utah in 2017.?

"I applied for a bunch of sports jobs and internships, but I found myself working for Corporate America," she said with a laugh.?

She was hired as the Market Communications Coordinator for American Express in Nov. 2017, staying with the company for just under two years. She continued to float around in the corporate world, working in the public relations departments for Overstock.com and The Summit Group.

Although she enjoyed her time in that world, time spent during the pandemic made her realize that her heart remained in sports. That was her world for much of her life and one she wanted to return to.?

Enter the Utah Jazz.?

She found out that the Jazz were hiring a part-time communications assistant and immediately applied. The fit seemed perfect. Not only was she a lifelong Jazz fan who grew up in the valley, this was her chance to get back into the sports world.?

"I remember thinking this could be how I get my foot in the door for these types of organizations," she said. "My family had season tickets, so I always came to the game as a little girl. … And now, to be on the court as an adult, it's just really heartwarming."

After getting the part-time job, Makaelee worked full-time as the Public Relations Manager for Faktory in Salt Lake City. She would spend time with them during the day before heading to Delta Center on game nights.?

With one foot in the door, Makaelee jumped all the way in when Utah posted an opening for her current role. She talked with those in Utah's PR office about the job, and their faith in her gave her the confidence to apply.?

Once she got the job, not only was she thrilled at the achievement, she couldn't wait to share that moment with her family.?

"They were all super excited," she said of her family. "I talk with them all the time about how this is a dream of mine — especially to work for the Jazz, a team they're so passionate about and the one my brothers absolutely love. It's a full circle moment for me every time I enter the arena."