Morgan Tencza may not share the same story as lifelong soccer fanatics, but she is using her passion for the game to build an online presence for professional soccer in Jacksonville.
Tencza serves as JAXUSL’s social media manager. Having this position with a sports team is a dream job for many, but it’s not quite so glamorous when the team has yet to start play. This presents the challenge of creating content without any on-field action, which is a challenge Tencza takes pride in resolving.
“We have to figure out a way to pull stuff out of nothing to show people what the possibilities are,” Tencza said. “With the announcement of the branding coming soon, it’s gonna be a game-changer for everything.”
How Tencza is tackling this inherent difficulty is fascinating in its own right, but it’s her journey to this point that sets her story apart.
Like many American soccer fans, Tencza doesn’t necessarily have the most orthodox history with the beautiful game. Ironically enough, she has an ex to credit for getting her into the sport, which has–in one way or another–led her to where she is today.
“The only good thing that came out of that relationship was introducing me to the Philadelphia Union,” Tencza joked. “I’ve been a diehard fan of soccer ever since.”
The New Jersey native broke into sports media as a photographer for the student newspaper at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Her hunger for more soccer drove her to interning with former USL Championship side Bethlehem Steel and then with her favorite team, the Philadelphia Union.
“It was just a way for me to get my hands on and do some social stuff,” Tencza said. “Ever since college, I’d just known that I wanted to work in soccer.”
At the conclusion of her collegiate career, Tencza took a job as a communications coordinator with the United Soccer League in Tampa, Florida. This helped lead her to where she is now with JAXUSL.
As for her favorite moment on the job, Tencza pointed to June’s USL Super League announcement at the Wells Fargo Center as a great opportunity for social media content, but also as a personal source of excitement as the event highlighted the early support that professional women’s soccer has in the River City.
“It’s pretty dang cool to be a part of it,” Tencza said. “Seeing the people so excited makes me excited.”
Despite being a Jacksonville local for just over a month, Tencza has quickly developed an appreciation for the area and looks forward to being a key part of professional soccer’s development in northeast Florida.
“I’m starting to be passionate about this city,” Tencza said. “That’s what sports does: It gives us that insight into a community.”
Overall, Tencza is beyond excited to be a part of JAXUSL’s earliest days. The organization’s current structure and nature have allowed her to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience as she helps craft a professional soccer club from the ground up.
“Being able to be hands-on on a team that doesn’t really exist yet, and get to see this process is honestly a dream come true for a soccer nerd like me,” Tencza said. “I can put my stamp on this place and it’s a crazy opportunity that I’m super excited to see come to life.”
For many, doing what Tencza does might seem like a far-reaching dream. She understands that breaking into the sports industry can be daunting, but encourages those who are interested to give it their all. After all, this very advice got her to where she is.
“If you’re passionate about it, just go for it because you’ll find a way to make it happen,” Tencza said. “You’ve just got to put yourself out there and be confident.”
