Meet Elly Simpson

When Elly Simpson arrived at Drake University in 2013, her gaze was fixed on distant galaxies. With a self-proclaimed first love of science and stargazing, she initially pursued a double major in astronomy and physics, dreaming of studying space.

“I have projects from middle school and high school where they ask students to write out their goals for your future,” she said. “In mine, it’s ‘go to Drake, study astronomy and win the Nobel Peace Prize.’”

Yet, as the complexities of advanced math grew during her sophomore year, so did a different realization: Her true passion lay not in the quiet solitude of a lab, but in the vibrant energy of live events and human connection.

“I’m a people person,” she reflected. “I want to be around lots of people, not in a lab for the rest of my life.” This pivotal shift led her to explore business and communications before finally settling on marketing. She saw it as a versatile foundation for a career rooted in her secondary passions: performing and athletics.

“I knew if live entertainment and sports didn’t work out, I’d have a really solid foundation under me to explore other industries,” she explained. Her lifelong involvement in choir, band, theater, and high school sports fueled this desire to be competitive and entertain others.

What also proved to be fertile ground for this transition, of course, was Drake University. With a solid education in the works, Elly immersed herself in relevant internships, gaining hands-on experience with Drake Athletics, Catch Des Moines, and the Iowa Barnstormers.

But perhaps the most unique and impactful experience, she said, was her three years as Spike the Bulldog. Donning the suit for special events from 2014 to 2017, Elly fully embraced the opportunity. “It’s a whole different persona,” she said. “When I wear the suit, I’m no longer Elly—I’m Spike the Bulldog.”

This role allowed her to merge her love for sports and entertainment, interacting with fans at countless sporting and community events and traveling with the women’s basketball team to the NCAA tournament in 2017. This experience, she says, was always “the number one hook in interviews” throughout her job search.

Close-up of the Drake University mascot, Spike the Bulldog, wearing a light blue Drake t-shirt with the number 5, standing on a basketball court.

“It’s a whole different persona … I’m no longer Elly

— I’m Spike the Bulldog.”

After her brief but valuable stint post-graduation as a development coordinator for the Nashville Sports Council, Elly returned to Des Moines, the city that has “truly stolen her heart.” She gained valuable experience at local agencies like Two Rivers Marketing, worked as a marketing manager for the Iowa Events Center, and then landed her current job as the director of marketing, promotions, and communications for the Iowa Cubs.

Here, with a “small but mighty team,” Elly orchestrates the fan experience, from preseason planning to game-day execution. The off-season is dedicated to scheduling, campaigns, and promotions, while game weeks demand meticulous day-to-day event planning. Her role is a whirlwind of activity. She coordinates everything from themed nights like Dog Days—ensuring that dog waivers are signed and water bowls are available—to vendor setups, fan communications, and more.

Elly takes particular pride in co-creating the annual Sensory Friendly Day at the ballpark, an initiative with ChildServe and the Autism Society of Iowa. This thoughtful program provides quiet spaces, dimmed lighting, sensory toys, and detailed stadium maps to ensure a welcoming environment for individuals and families with sensory needs. Another standout is “Pickle Night.” Elly conceptualized this unique and successful event that features pickleball paddle giveaways and an array of pickle-themed drinks and food, like pickle beer and pickle cheese curds (yes, please!).

But what truly excites Elly about her work is witnessing the culmination of her team’s efforts in real time. “It’s watching the planning and programming come together to bring joy to the fans at the ballpark,” she said. “Knowing that you make that little bit of a difference in their experience and that you’re a part of the memory-making.”

“It’s knowing that you make that little bit of a difference in their experience and that

you’re a part of the memory-making.”

A smiling woman in a gray Iowa Cubs sweatshirt poses next to the Iowa Cubs bear mascot in a blue jersey at a stadium at night.

She also finds satisfaction in watching young players develop. “Honestly, I feel like a mama bear to some of these guys,” she quipped. Elly noted the pride in seeing promising prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong, a former Iowa Cub who’s now with the Chicago Cubs, thrive. “You just want them to do so good, right? You want them to succeed.”

For future Bulldogs considering a career in sports or event marketing, Elly has some valuable advice: “Keep an open mind—and get involved in a ticketed event as soon as you can.” She also encourages students to become highly proficient in their chosen discipline, like marketing, and to understand the foundational principles. She adds that once you’re in the door, it’s crucial to learn about the rest of the organization and how all the pieces work together.

By now you may be wondering if MLB is somewhere in Elly’s future. In her world, it appears the sky’s the limit; but for now, she’s emphatically fulfilled in her current role. “Truthfully, my goal was really what I’m doing now: director of marketing for a team. My dream job’s right here in front of me. The stars aligned for what I was looking for—it’s been so rewarding and fulfilling.”

The stars have aligned indeed. Elly’s journey, from an aspiring astronomer to nurturing baseball stars and fostering unforgettable experiences, truly embodies a unique trajectory: a Bulldog lighting up the Des Moines skyline, both literally and figuratively.

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