Former Piedmont High School student Isabella Rivera landed an internship with local professional soccer team Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club in college that quickly turned into a full-time position. As the club has grown in popularity — they sold out their inaugural home opener game in March at the Coliseum — we asked Rivera to share her experience with the organization.
Where do you work and what is your job?
I work for Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club, as the manager of operations. Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club is a professional purpose-driven soccer club; the Roots play at the Oakland Coliseum, and Oakland Soul, our women’s team, plays at Merritt College. Our purpose is to “harness the magic of Oakland, and the power of sports as a force for social good”. Everything we do is done with purpose to enhance our community.
What is a typical work day (or week) like for you?
What makes this job so fun and special is that no two days are ever the same. As the manager of operations, my team and I oversee the logistics and execution of Oakland Roots and Soul games, as well as a variety of events at our training facility and throughout the club. Every week brings something new — whether it’s preparing for an upcoming match, coordinating special events, or ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. The dynamic nature of this role keeps things exciting, and I love being part of a team that brings these experiences to life for our fans and community.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
The most exciting part of my job is creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for Oakland fans. Growing up, some of my favorite moments were spent at sporting events in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area, where the energy, passion, and sense of community left a lasting impact on me. Now, I find immense joy in being able to bring that same magic to others.
At Oakland Roots, we are dedicated to ensuring our fans have the most exciting, engaging, and truly unforgettable experiences at our games. From the magical atmosphere to the deep connection with our community, every moment matters. Being able to contribute to this mission — bringing people together through the love of the game — is something I take great pride in. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing fans light up with excitement, knowing we’ve helped create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. With the loss of Oakland Sports teams, now
more than ever it is important to continue to grow and make lasting memories.
What is the best part of your job?
One of the best parts of being with Oakland Roots and Soul is being part of a purpose-driven organization. Our deep commitment to community is at the core of everything we do, and we’re lucky to have an incredible team leading that effort with passion and heart.
As someone from Oakland, I genuinely love being out in the community — whether it’s speaking at local schools for career days, celebrating at Oakland Pride, or just connecting with fans at local events. It’s such a fun and meaningful way to engage with people. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much the community embraces our club — and how excited people are to learn about what we stand for.
These moments remind me that we’re not just putting on games; we’re building something bigger. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, and Oakland has something to root for, and be proud of. That’s what makes this work so meaningful — and it’s a huge part of why I’m proud to be here.
What has surprised you the most about working for the Roots?
What’s surprised me the most is just how much we’ve grown. I started with the club in 2021 as an intern, back when we were playing at Laney College. To now see us selling out the Coliseum is absolutely incredible! Being part of that journey — and having a hands-on role in helping it happen — has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
What was your path after graduating from PHS?
After graduating from PHS in 2019, I attended Chico State, where I studied hospitality with an emphasis in event management. When COVID hit during my freshman year, I returned home and completed the 2020–2021 school year online while working for a wonderful family in Piedmont. That time gave me the opportunity to research career paths and look into potential internships.
One evening, I decided to reach out to Oakland Roots, and to my surprise, I heard back later that same night. I began my internship with them in May 2021. It was such a positive experience that I returned the following summer in 2022 to continue working with the team.
As part of my major, our final semester required a full-time internship. By then, Roots already felt like home, and I knew I wanted to come back. I officially joined full-time in January 2023 and have been with the club ever since.
Most recently, in January 2024, I was promoted to Operations Manager, where I now help lead our department and continue contributing to the club’s growth and success.
Do you have any advice for other PHS alums starting out?
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for opportunities, even if they feel like a long shot. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my career came from simply sending an email. Work hard, stay open to learning new things, and surround yourself with people who align with your values. Above all, leading with kindness has helped me build lasting connections and grow in my career.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
Oakland Roots and Soul are a young, growing club deeply rooted in Oakland—we’re proud to represent Oakland and are committed to staying right here in our hometown.
Come out to a matches at the Oakland Coliseum or Merritt College and show your support for the teams! If you’re looking for more ways to connect or get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and be part of the family!