Shelby Connett, 28

Shelby Connett says she “was one of those kids who tried out every sport when I was young.”

That lifelong, general interest in athletic pursuits is now paying off for her in her position as director of sports for Visit Sarasota County.

Connett started out at the visitor bureau as an intern after graduating from Florida State University. She has worn a lot of different hats over the years, also working in meetings, conventions and sales. In her current role, she gets to do everything from sitting down with presidents of national sports federations to learning about niche sports, such as BMX and ultimate Frisbee.