Alumna Sticks the Landing in Law Career with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Brittni Fabinak, ’11, has always had the mentality of an athlete - focused, committed and resilient. But when recurring injuries ended her college gymnastics dream early in her sophomore year, she had to pivot. Still determined to make the most of her college experience, she joined Undergraduate Student Government, Kent Student Ambassadors and Greek Life, where she met her husband, fellow Golden Flash Matthew Fabinak, ’12. She also worked late-night shifts in Tri Towers for Residence Services. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she went on to Charlotte School of Law. Once she passed the North Carolina State Bar, her goal was to work as an in-house lawyer, and if that role was in the sports industry, even better. In 2023, after working in a range of industries, her chance came. She joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as associate general counsel, merging her love of sports with her legal career. Though she’s not an agent, Brittni has been a part of exciting collaborations, including contests for a Jaguars poster series created by local artists called DUUUVAL Designs, a Firehouse Subs space in the stadium with an actual firetruck for kids to act as junior fire chief of the game and more. She has stayed connected to her alma mater through volunteering, but this Ohio girl did finally trade in her Browns gear for a Jags jersey once they hired her. Get to know Brittni in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
BF: Contentment.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
BF: Continuous learners are my favorite, and their best trait is having an open mind.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
BF: I'm terrible at saving memories. I wish I was better at photo albums, baby books, scrap books, journaling, etc.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
BF: My husband and my kids. I've never experienced anything as transformational as motherhood. I met my husband at Kent State, and I have little confidence that I'll ever find the right words to accurately express my love for him.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
BF: Living with six of my friends in a house on Sherman Street. All of my favorite college memories involve those people, and that last year before graduation is a bittersweet highlight.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
BF: In 2011, I did a tour of multiple Mediterranean countries with my dad.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
BF: Chocolate covered pretzels.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
BF: My greatest professional achievement is passing the North Carolina State Bar Exam.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
BF: At this moment, I'd choose Simone Biles. Gymnastics is my favorite sport, and I want to experience the air the way she does. What an incredible talent!
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
BF: Student organizations, without a doubt. I'm thankful to have been so connected to the university (e.g., athletics, Greek Life, Undergraduate Student Government, KSU Ambassadors, Homecoming Court, Residence Services, etc.) because my involvement gave me meaningful relationships with my classmates, teammates, coworkers, future husband and best friends - then and now!
If you enjoyed this article, you can view an extended cut of the interview for even more from Brittni.