Jennifer Stoll, 2005
Jennifer Stoll, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, came to Mesa State College with a passion for athletics and a drive to build a future in sports management. She graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in human performance and wellness with an emphasis in sports management, while competing as a member of the Maverick Softball Team.
After graduation, Stoll quickly rose in the world of major sporting events. She joined the PGA Championship Department where she coordinated operations for landmark tournaments including the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2010 Senior PGA Championship. These early experiences demonstrated her talent for managing large-scale events and laid the groundwork for her future as a visionary in sports tourism.
In 2013, she returned to Grand Junction to establish the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission. This organization was founded through a partnership between the university, city, county and surrounding municipalities. It was the first of its kind to emerge directly from a university setting. Under her leadership, the commission successfully brought high-profile events to the region, strengthening the local economy while positioning Grand Junction as a destination for national athletic competitions.
Building on this success, Stoll founded Stoll Strategies in 2018, a consulting firm focused on sports events and tourism. Her company became a respected voice in the industry, producing research, guiding communities and helping organizations measure the true value of sporting events. Through her work with the Sports Events and Tourism Association, she played a leading role in the creation of the Sports Tourism Learning Institute and co-authored influential studies on the intangible benefits of sports tourism.
Stoll earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Management with an emphasis in Sport Tourism from Troy University and holds the Certified Sports Event Executive credential. She also serves as an adjunct lecturer at Colorado Mesa University, teaching sport operations, economics and finance while mentoring the next generation of sports leaders.
Stoll’s journey reflects both global ambition and a deep connection to her roots. She has transformed the way communities approach sports tourism, while continuing to give back to the university that helped launch her career. Her story is one of innovation, leadership and a commitment to being a Maverick that values purpose, opportunity and community.