THE PULSE | MARCH 2024 ISSUE
DAN MAHONEY
AND THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Gratefully, on Friday, Jan. 12, my parents surprised me with a visit to Oklahoma to see my favorite National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. I traveled with my family to see The Thunder play against the Orlando Magic, and while we were at lunch, we received a response back from the Oklahoma City Thunder giving me the opportunity to obtain an interview for The Pulse with Dan Mahoney, the vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications for the Thunder. According to the website TheOrg.com, in his role as vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications, Mahoney oversees the Thunder’s public relations efforts, the website (okcthunder.com), and the broadcasting operations. Previously, Mahoney served as a public relations consultant for the Professional Basketball Club, LLC and the New Orleans Hornets. He also worked in radio television as a news director for 18 years.
Photo of Mr. Dan Mahoney and Brandon Levine. Photo taken by Lucas Levine.
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By Brandon Levine
While interviewing Mr. Mahoney, I could tell right away that this isn’t just a job for him; it is his passion. His zest for this career is truly inspiring, because if you have a passion for something, you have to pursue it. Mahoney stated, “I was you 45 years ago, writing for the high school newspaper.” This really meant a lot, showing that everyone starts somewhere, and many of us have similar paths. The highlight of my interview was getting to know Mahoney and understanding his journey. He detailed how he started in radio, television, news, and sports. Mahoney stated, “I knew I wanted to pursue this career beginning at the age of 7 years old.” When asked about his path leading up to this position with the Thunder, Mahoney said, “I had my own public relations firm. When the New Orleans Hornets had many issues with Hurricane Katrina, I was brought in for public relations.” In 2006, the owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder bought the Seattle Supersonics, and this was the start of his journey. Mahoney stated, “I went to work as a consultant for Mr. Bennett.” In 2008, when the relocation of the Oklahoma City Thunder happened, Clay Bennett made an offer for Mahoney to work for the team. Mahoney told The Pulse, “I jumped at the chance. This was a dream job for me.”
What does this job mean to Mahoney? Mahoney continued to tell The Pulse, “I love to see the impact the Thunder have on our community.” He also said that the way they can help people in need truly inspires him to put his full heart into this role.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Dan Mahoney Page 1, Brandon Levine
Winter Production Page 2, Logan Kreisberg
Harvey Baseball & Softball Page 3, Luke McCarthy
Our Strange New “It Girl” Page 4 & 7, Ellie Florin
Mahoney is a huge part of the Oklahoma City Community. The team runs a program called Thunder Cares. When Mahoney was asked about this endeavor, he gave me a very meaningful response. He told The Pulse, “When you have players feeding Thanksgiving meals to the less fortunate and people who look up to our players, it is truly special.”
A Holiday Brings a New Beginning Page 5, Cindy Wang
The Value of Local Business Page 6 & 7, Connor Harrington
A MET-amorphosis Page 8, Olivia Barsky
‘Palworld’ Experience Page 9, Dylan Gueli
As vice president of broadcasting and corporate communications, Mahoney has an important role in communicating with the front office, as well. He mentioned that it is mostly on the basketball side more than the business side while working with the front office. Mahoney is a very vital part of this Oklahoma City Organization and community. I am incredibly thankful for the chance to learn more about the franchise that I have been a diehard fan of for almost 11 years and about the people behind the scenes that impact everyday lives. This interview truly was an opportunity of a lifetime.
THE PULSE STAFF Editor-In-Chief & Layout Annissa Khanna
Sports Editor Dylan Gueli
Olivia Barsky Ellie Florin Connor Harrington Logan Kreisberg Brandon Levine Luke McCarthy Cindy Wang
Faculty Advisor Virginia Holmes
RIGOR WITH HEART
Passion for Learning. Respect. Integrity. Determination. Excellence.
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