INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- Former softball player Calli Norton graduated from West Virginia State University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Public Relations. Now, she lives in Tallahassee, Fla. and works as the Digital Director for Governor Ron DeSantis.

Q: What was your career path that led to your current position?

A: Right after graduation, I had a job lined up in Washington, D.C. at Targeted Victory which is one of the largest Republican digital firms in the country. I began as an Analyst and moved up to an Associate on the Client Strategy team serving U.S. Senate candidates seeking re-election.

A year and a half later, I moved to Austin, Texas to serve as Governor Greg Abbott's Digital Communications Director and later became the Digital Director as we began to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My job primarily was focused as a messaging outlet for the State of Texas's robust pandemic response. I served the people of Texas until January of 2021.

I then had the opportunity to work at The Blaze (Blaze Media) in Dallas, Texas as a Senior Strategist for their digital team for five months before I got the call to join this team in Florida, which is where I am now!

Q: What advice would you give to a current WVSU student-athlete?

A: ALWAYS take the opportunity to network on campus. Whether you're pursuing a career in communications, nursing, or business, who you know is SO important. Put your foot in every door and always take the opportunity to nurture your relationships.

Q: How did your experiences as a student-athlete aid in the path you chose after graduation?

A: Being a student-athlete in college is a full-time job. The hours and dedication that I poured into the sport ultimately led me to put that same energy into my career.

Q: What is your fondest memory as a Yellow Jacket?

A: Winning the 2018 MEC Conference Championship! GO STATE!

Q: What were your greatest athletic and academic achievements during your time at West Virginia State?

A: My greatest athletic achievement was receiving the All-Tournament MVP award the year we won the MEC Conference Championship. However, I wouldn't have been able to receive that award without the help of my incredible team who poured their blood, sweat, and tears into playing their hearts out that year.

My greatest academic achievements would have to be receiving the Public Relations Student of the Year award in 2018 coupled with successfully hosting a Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Debate on WVSU's campus.

Q: What made you decide to attend West Virginia State?

A: When I visited WVSU in 2013, I truly felt like I was part of a family the second I was introduced to the softball team. Every single person I came into contact with on that trip was beyond welcoming and kind, and it just felt right.

Q: What did you enjoy most about your time spent at West Virginia State? 

A: The two things I enjoyed MOST about West Virginia State were the relationships I built on and off the field and the ample amount of opportunities that were given to students to succeed.

I might add that the Communications Department provided FANTASTIC opportunities to students to take internships, meet industry professionals, and attend national events for public relations professionals. Without those opportunities, I don't believe I would be where I am today.



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