UNLV’s nearly all-new football staff in 2020 includes Brittany Boehm, who came to campus as the director of football operations (commonly known as a DFO) after serving in the same capacity last season at the University of Missouri. A former soccer player at San Jose State University in California, it was there she got her start in athletics administration as well as her bachelor’s degree. Boehm moved to Mizzou and earned her master’s at the SEC school while working with soccer and then football programs for the Tigers. In January, first-year Rebel head coach Marcus Arroyo brought her to Las Vegas as just the second woman to hold her title in the history of the Mountain West Conference. Some of her duties include overseeing the coordination of team travel, oversight of the football budget, handling compliance and academic issues, facilities scheduling and planning, assisting with recruiting operations and managing the day-to-day functions of the program.

How would you explain what a director of football operations does to someone using just one sentence?

I do everything besides the X’s and O’s.

Where did you grow up and what was that like?

Early childhood, I lived in Patterson, California, which is an itty-bitty town. It was exciting when there was talk about a McDonald's being built there. The other half of my childhood I grew up in San Ramon. Being in the Bay Area, there was something to do all the time — and there were definitely more than enough McDonald's around.

What inspired you to get into your field?

I didn't know I was inspired until I was immersed in it. I was finished playing soccer and knew I had to get a "big girl" job and I was always intrigued about college athletics administration when I was a student-athlete, so I was lucky enough to get a job at SJSU and I fell in love with it. From there, I just kept being drawn into operations and how different and challenging every day is. 

What did you think you would be doing when you grew up?

A high school teacher and coaching high school soccer.

Pastimes or hobbies?

These days, sleeping is a great hobby, but I do love going boating, hiking, cooking, and working out. When I really want to indulge in self-care, I love spa days.

Tell us about an object in your office that has significance for you and why.

I have a sign my sister gave me that says "Drink some coffee, put some music on, and handle it." I'm a firm believer that even if I am having an "off day" that the world doesn't stop. I have Coach Arroyo, the staff, and the 105 players who I serve and things need to be accomplished — so just handle it and get it done.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I absolutely hate submarines. They freak me out. The Finding Nemo submarine ride in Disneyland...no thank you!

What books are on your bedside table?

I have to admit, I am not much of a reader. I have my Bible next to me, and in my opinion, that is a pretty important book to have on your bedside table.

What drew you to UNLV?

There is so much momentum here. With Coach Arroyo and his success as a coach, the staff he put together, the new football facility, and the brand-new Allegiant Stadium. It just screams "Let's go!" and who wouldn't want to be a part of something that exciting and positive?

What was your biggest misconception about UNLV or Las Vegas before you got here?

That there was just The Strip and that was Las Vegas — the end. Completely incorrect.

What’s the most Vegas thing you’ve done since you got here?

My sister came to visit me and we went on the High Roller and watched the water show at the Bellagio.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

It is so cliché but I love rom-coms. When people ask me what my favorite movie is I say Top Gun but deep down it's probably The Notebook.

Your deal summer vacation?

Ideal would be a sunny beach, an awesome spa, and amazing food! My dream vacation is Santorini, Greece. 

What is it like being on campus now? What is the atmosphere?

It's quiet surrounding the Fertitta Football Complex, but within our building there is a lot of energy. We are excited to get up and running again.

With the pandemic, what's your day typically like right now? What's the same and what's different from your normal day on campus?

Have you heard of this thing called Zoom? Like everyone, I'm on Zoom meetings all the time. By Friday, I avoid mirrors because I am tired of looking at my face. What is the same is how busy I am. Different is the why I am so busy. I am juggling my normal checklist items I have for the season while trying to adapt to the "new normal."

What's the silver lining in all of this for you?

Add it to the resume! As a DFO, you problem-solve a lot, but a pandemic is definitely a new one. My problem-solving skills have been raised so I am looking at problems and challenges from a different point of view.