From Emmanuel to the Celtics: Alice Zottoli Linnehan ’13 Finds Success in Sports Finance

When Alice Zottoli Linnehan ’13 first stepped onto the Emmanuel campus, she immediately sensed something unique about the place.

Tucked into Boston’s vibrant urban landscape, the college offered an ideal balance: the intimacy of a close-knit community paired with the boundless opportunities of a major metropolitan hub. “It felt like a small campus in the middle of a big city,” she recalled. “I didn’t want to get lost in a huge school, but I also wanted to be close to everything Boston had to offer.”

That sense of connection, combined with Emmanuel’s strong liberal arts education, set her on an unexpected trajectory—one that would lead to a rewarding career in finance with one of the most storied organizations in sports: the Boston Celtics. For Linnehan, the blend of personal growth and professional opportunity she found at Emmanuel became the foundation for her success in the high-stakes world of professional sports.

Finding a Home at Emmanuel

An English Communications major, Linnehan also took business and philosophy classes alongside her major courses, giving her a broad understanding of different industries. “I loved the variety,” she said. “It wasn’t just about hyper-focusing on one thing. I felt like I was learning how to think critically and communicate effectively, which has been invaluable in my career. Emmanuel’s liberal arts education gave me a wide-ranging skill set that I use every day.”

But it wasn’t just the academics that shaped her time at Emmanuel. It was the people. Professors like Patricia Clarke, Associate Professor of Management, who brought in professionals from the sports industry to speak to her classes, opened her eyes to new possibilities. “She showed me that I could work in sports,” Linnehan said. And Eustace Phillip, Associate Professor of Accounting, encouraged her to explore different career paths. “They believed in me and pushed me to take risks,” she added.

From Intern to Director

Linnehan’s first big break came through an internship with the Boston Bruins, which she found through Emmanuel’s internship portal. “I had no idea you could intern at a professional sports team until I saw the posting,” she said. “It was a game-changer for me.” For three years, she worked as a game-night intern, helping manage ticket access and club operations. It was her first taste of the sports industry, and she was hooked.

After graduating in 2013, Linnehan joined the Celtics’ inside sales program, a nine-month role designed to help young professionals break into the sports world. Though she left briefly after the program ended, the Celtics called her back—this time to work at the front desk. “The Celtics often use the front desk as an entry point for internal growth—several people have started there and moved up,” she explained.

Her curiosity and strong work ethic caught the attention of the finance department, and she transitioned into financial planning and analysis. Her managers took her under their wing, teaching her the intricacies of accounting and financial planning. “They sat me down and walked me through everything—how to read a P&L statement, how the NBA’s financial ecosystem works,” she said. “I was so lucky to have people who believed in me and invested in my growth.”

Today, as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Linnehan oversees budgeting, revenue tracking, and financial strategy for the Celtics. She works closely with every department in the organization, helping them align their goals with the team’s financial realities. “In sports, there’s always something happening—whether it’s planning for the playoffs or preparing for the next season,” she said. “It’s fast-paced, but I love it.”

A Community That Feels Like Family

What stands out most about Linnehan’s journey is the sense of community that has guided her every step of the way. At Emmanuel, she found a campus that felt like home. With the Celtics, she has found a workplace that feels like family. “The front office is relatively small, so you get to know everyone really well,” she said. “It’s a team environment, just like it was at Emmanuel.”

That sense of belonging has been especially important as a woman in two male-dominated fields: sports and finance. “It’s definitely a challenge,” she admitted. “But the Celtics have made a real effort to invest in female leaders. I’ve always felt supported here.”

Her advice to young women aspiring to work in similar fields is simple: start small, build connections, and don’t be afraid to take risks. “Look for opportunities at your college or in your community,” she said. “Volunteer with sports teams, take on internships, and network with people in the industry. Hard work and a positive attitude will take you far.”

Paying It Forward

As Linnehan looks to the future, she’s focused on continuing to grow in her role and mentoring the next generation of sports professionals. “I want to be someone who can lift others up,” she said. “I want them to know that their career path doesn’t have to be linear. It’s okay to take detours and learn along the way.”

Her story is a reminder that success isn’t always about following a straight line. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right community, embracing unexpected opportunities, and believing in yourself. For Alice Zottoli Linnehan, that philosophy has taken her from the classrooms of Emmanuel College to the front office of the Boston Celtics.