Alumni Spotlight: Preston Petri

Preston Petri with trophy following a soccer championship win

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

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Meet Preston Petri, who earned a BA in Media Communications from Webster in 2011 and is an Assistant Sporting Director for San Antonio FC – Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

What enticed you to choose Webster for your degree?

I initially chose Webster due to a desire to go to college out of my home state of Texas combined with the fact that Webster offered a Sports Journalism certificate. That certificate hovered around my first potential career choice, and the school presented a great opportunity to get started on it beginning in my freshman year.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

Aside from connecting with the pace and style of Webster from an academic standpoint, my biggest takeaway from my time at Webster is being able to interact with people of different backgrounds, cultures and thinking. I was a pretty standard private school kid from Texas who was pretty pigeon-holed in my experiences. Attending Webster introduced me to so many amazing people who were all very different from me, who also taught me more about our world and society and how I can do my best to positively impact the people around me. I am very grateful for my time at Webster and how I grew as a person. 

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

Because of the opportunities Webster provides from Day 1, I was able to get a head start on my competition when it comes to getting a job after I graduated. Working with The Galaxy Radio station and the Webster Journal created a great stepping stone of learning. My wonderful advisor, Larry Baden, was also instrumental in helping me succeed after college. I am forever grateful for his mentorship.

What is your favorite spot on your Webster campus? Favorite spot around the University?

I spent most of my time in Sverdrup, but I always loved hanging around with friends at the WVA (Webster Village Apartments).

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster University for their degree?

There's plenty of options to choose from, but I could not recommend Webster more. Academically, the University will challenge you and support your growth. Being able to start on my major-specific classes beginning freshman year was super impactful as I progressed through college and started my career journey. For me, maybe even more importantly, you will meet amazing people within the student base, as well as faculty and staff. I am lucky to have lifelong friends from Webster, including my freshman year West Hall roommate. I had such a great four years at Webster.

What's your favorite part about your job?

I love that no day is the same. The stresses and complications that come with building a successful roster for a professional soccer club evolve every day. Because of this, each day is challenging and ultimately rewarding. At times, the losses on the field can impact daily life maybe more than your mental health would prefer. But winning is such an adrenaline rush that any stress or worries that existed in my career prior to a win seem to fade pretty quickly. I love working with the people and staff that we have here, and I am grateful for getting to experience amazing people from all around the world that are connected simply by the sport of soccer. At the end of the day, I always remind myself ... it's soccer. How can I be upset about my career? 

What's something valuable you've learned during your career?

"Adapt or die." That quote I learned early on in my career has proven to be my torch as I have advanced in the industry. The sports world is constantly changing, and to be consistently successful, the individual, as well as the organization, has to constantly adapt. Adapt to changing trends, emerging technology, unforeseen obstacles, etc. I have also been lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who have both led and worked with me. Collaboration is vital in any professional world, and it has been a massive part of my career.

What has your life journey looked like?

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and I am lucky enough to live there now. After spending my first 18 years in San Antonio, I moved to St. Louis to attend Webster. After studying abroad in Vienna and graduating, I have worked in the professional sports industry in Houston, New York City, New Orleans and now, San Antonio. I traveled regularly for my job for over a decade and was lucky to visit some amazing places, as well.

What was your very first job, and what do you remember most about it?

I worked in a warehouse in high school picking food/candy/supplies that we would load onto trucks and deliver to local businesses. Above just being a dumb, tired high school kid, I remember the people most. It was a fun group of guys out there grinding.

How did you spend your free time while at Webster?

I went to Blues and Cardinals games, saw movies and generally just tried to spend as much time with my friends as possible. I liked exploring new places to eat in St. Louis and learning as much about the city as I could.