Laura Spellacy
Sport Business Management Professional | General Management, Strategy & Business Development | Co-Founder & Host, Almost Pro Sport Podcast
Orlando, Florida USAAbout
Sport business management professional with 10+ years leading strategic growth and innovation. As General Manager of a multi-site organization, delivered expansion, partnerships, and system improvements. Qualified tennis coach developing players. Co-Founder and Host of Almost Pro Podcast exploring identity, transition, reinvention.
Experience
Co-Founder & Host
Jun 2025 - Present
Co-founded and co-host a sport podcast sharing the untold stories of athletes who came close to the professional stage, and the mentors and industry experts who shaped their journeys. Almost Pro explores themes of identity, transition, and reinvention, sparking meaningful dialogue around life in and beyond elite sport.
General Manager | Strategy, Business Development & Marketing
May 2021 - Apr 2025
Directed the strategic growth of a multi-site sport organization, driving business development, marketing, partnerships, and program innovation. Delivered expansion through new facilities, negotiated upgrades, and the launch of Pickleball, while implementing systems and initiatives that strengthened capability and supported long-term growth.
Business Development Manager & Tennis Coach
Jan 2016 - May 2021
Strengthened partnerships with Tennis QLD, councils, schools, and businesses while expanding through new venues, contracts, and community initiatives. Introduced membership models that increased revenue, redesigned programs to boost participation, and streamlined systems to improve sustainability and the overall community and team experience.
Education
Sports Management
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Sport Management)
Jun 2024 - Jun 2025
Completed the Graduate Certificate in Business (Sport Management) at Deakin University with High Distinction in all subjects. This program is the first stage of the Master of Business (Sport Management).
Exercise and Sport Science
- Bachelor
Jan 2014 - Dec 2015
Partially Completed.