Lauryn Dillon
Lauryn Dillon serves as the Director of Game Operations for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and the Fishers Freight of the Indoor Football League, both competing at the Fishers Event Center in Indiana. In her role, she oversees every aspect of game-day production, from building detailed run-of-show scripts and leading production meetings to coordinating staff, vendors, sponsors, and in-game entertainment. Known as the “eye in the sky” on game nights, Lauryn calls the show from the production booth, ensuring seamless execution from player introductions through the final buzzer. Under her leadership, the Fishers Freight earned Best Game Operations in the IFL during their inaugural 2025 season, a proud organizational achievement that reflects the teams’ commitment to delivering an elite fan experience. One of Lauryn’s most distinctive contributions is serving as the specialty jersey designer for the Indy Fuel. She conceptualizes and designs themed jerseys that align with brand identity, community initiatives, and fan engagement strategies. Seeing fans proudly wear her designs around the arena is one of her most rewarding moments. Beyond creative direction, she is deeply involved in mentorship, regularly hosting student shadows and aspiring sports professionals to provide hands-on exposure to the business of sports. Her leadership style blends organization, creativity, and high-energy collaboration, ensuring that every department works together to create memorable experiences for fans and partners alike. Originally from Long Island, New York, Lauryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University before carving her path into the sports industry. Although she began her professional journey in the wholesale fashion industry, her lifelong love for hockey ultimately guided her into game operations. She first built her foundation in collegiate hockey, including leadership roles in community outreach and conference game-day operations, before advancing to the professional level. Working in a traditionally male-dominated field, Lauryn leads with confidence and professionalism, determined to be recognized for her expertise and impact. Now based in Indiana, she enjoys exploring her new city as a self-proclaimed foodie, building a strong community of friends and colleagues while her family remains in New York and Colorado.
• Georgia State University-Bachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology
• Best Game Operations in the Indoor Football Leauge (IFL)
• Guest speaking at University of Indiana Bloomington
• Creating the "Cargo Crew" Program for Local Highschool Students
What do you attribute your success to?
"While networking is often emphasized as the key to success in the sports industry, and it certainly plays an important role, I believe it is equally critical to understand your own value and what you uniquely bring to the table. When I applied for my role in Indiana, I did not know anyone in the state and had never even visited. What I did know was that the position aligned perfectly with my career goals and skill set. I approached the opportunity with intention, dedicating significant time to preparing for the interview process. After advancing through two rounds and meeting with senior leadership, including the Vice President of Marketing and the Vice President of Operations, I was able to confidently articulate my experience, preparation, and vision. That preparation, combined with a clear understanding of my strengths, ultimately positioned me for success. At the same time, I believe growth in this industry requires personal initiative. No one is going to build your professional network for you. I have made a conscious effort to cultivate meaningful connections within my field by reaching out, asking questions, and learning from professionals who have more experience. Huge Shout out to Chris Tolzman of the Rockford Icehogs, our AHL affiliate, for being my sports and game presentation mentor. Chris is the Manager of Event Presentation & Creative Services and has shared so much knowledge about the industry with me, I'm grateful for him and his mentorship. I never want to approach this industry as a know-it-all. Staying curious, open-minded, and coachable has been essential to my development. I also prioritize continuous learning by attending other sporting events and observing how different teams execute their game presentation. Watching how organizations approach fan cams, intermission entertainment, sponsorship activations, and overall production inspires new ideas and creative strategies I can bring back to my own teams. Every organization offers something unique, and the more exposure you have, the more innovative and energized you become. I genuinely enjoy connecting with fellow directors across the league, sharing insights, and finding new ways to elevate the fan experience."
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “be a sponge”'. Always stay present, absorb everything around you, and apply the lessons you learn to future experiences and opportunities. Continuously soaking in knowledge and perspective not only helps you grow in the moment but also lays the foundation for long-term success."
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
"I think one piece of advice I would have to share is just, it's all about confidence. Once again, this is a male-dominated field and industry, so just being super confident in yourself and your abilities is essential. Full transparency here, being able to snap back and defend your work and ideas when needed in a respectful and professional way is also very important. I'm only 24, I'm relatively young for the position I'm in, and I'm grateful and blessed to be here, but I've definitely had to go through some challenges while working with different people that look at me objectively. Some people will deem you as "just another pretty face", but I think being super confident in yourself and your abilities, knowing exactly what you bring to the table, and not letting anyone take that from you is very, very important in this industry."
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
"The values that are most important to me center on self-awareness, integrity, and compassion. I believe in having a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for, and never straying from your own morals and standards. I also prioritize approaching every situation and interaction with a kind heart, empathy, and thoughtfulness, recognizing that how we treat others reflects not just on them, but on ourselves. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to lead with honesty, respect, and generosity, fostering meaningful relationships and making a positive impact wherever I can."