For the June edition of the Little League® Staff Spotlights, enjoy this first-person letter from Corey Wright, Senior Director of Regional Operations, as he walks you through his journey:
Finding My Passion Early
My childhood was fantastic, and it’s all thanks to my parents, who provided me with endless opportunities to explore my interests in both sports and education. These early experiences allowed me to learn from some incredible coaches, teachers, teammates, classmates, and individual leaders within the community while also creating friendships that I am honored to still have today. From early childhood through high school, my experiences were so meaningful, and I knew at an early age that I wanted to provide the same experience and have the same impact on others, specifically children, through teaching and coaching.
After graduating from South Williamsport Area High School, I attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where I majored in Elementary Education with a Minor in Mathematics. After graduation, my teaching career began in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, before leading me back home, where I taught seventh and eighth grade mathematics at Roosevelt Middle School in the Williamsport Area School District for four years while also coaching high school boys’ basketball at Montgomery Area High School.
I’ve always had a passion for sports and competition. I truly believe my experiences from playing were the foundation that shaped my passion, from playing Little League to being a three-sport high school athlete. It all molded me as a person and allowed me to develop a deeper desire to someday work in the sports industry. From coaching middle school and high school to working at various camps in different sports, I was able to realize that I may be able to utilize my skills in developing a successful career if that opportunity ever developed.
Working at Little League
That opportunity first presented itself when I was 16, still in high school and playing baseball. I was asked to work for Little League as a Summer Camp Counselor. After that first camp, as I grew older and continued my professional development throughout and after college – which included not only summer camps but volunteering at the Little League East Region Tournaments and the Little League Baseball® World Series – I was able to learn various intricacies of the organization and the different operational aspects from Little League full-time staff.
It was in that time frame that I saw my potential to be a contributing factor in this incredible organization, if given the chance. I knew that this would provide me with professional growth, challenge me in development, and, ultimately, would lead to experiences in a sports organization like no other. That opportunity presented itself in 2000, when I landed my first full-time role with the organization as the Assistant East Region Director in Bristol, Connecticut. I remained in this role until 2017, when I was named the East Region Director, before taking over as Region Operations Managing Director three years later.
As a South Williamsport native, I was able to attend the Little League Baseball World Series every summer. I would ride my bike to the stadium every day to watch and experience all the excitement that the event embodies. I don’t think that excitement or happiness ever leaves you once you experience it. Many years later, now as the Senior Director of Regional Operations, I still have that same excitement and anticipation as we look to future tournaments and the continued growth of the program.
From the incredible staff that I get to work with every day, to the countless volunteers that devote so much passion and time, to the lifelong friendships made, to the experiences of players, coaches, parents, and fans that I learn of throughout the country, to the tournament season, conducting and attending Region Tournaments and ending it all each summer with the various World Series events, it’s simply all just, well….magical. I am truly fortunate. There are so many aspects of my job that I greatly appreciate and enjoy. Knowing that I am just a small part of something so much bigger than just sports management/operation, something so very special that it will shape lives, form lifelong memories, and create special moments that will be cherished forever by not only players, but parents, families and entire communities – it’s incredibly fulfilling.
Advice for the Next Generation
Take full advantage of every moment and opportunity that comes your way. Face the challenges without resistance. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Ask lots of questions. Actively listen to anyone who can further develop your abilities. Prioritize connecting with your team members. Be bold in your pathway forward. And, in the end, always be sure to take a few moments to step back and reflect, knowing that your impact is greater than you expect.
This feature is part of a series of Little League International Staff Spotlights, highlighting the career journey of the organization’s employees, which began during Little League’s Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Celebration (LittleLeague.org/GWG50) in 2024.