The Best Things Start Outside Your Comfort Zone

Front Office Staff Spotlight: From DJ to Director – Meet RJ Massro

Empire Strykers fans—have you ever wondered who it is behind the scenes making all these great things happen for the Strykers?

• Creating a fabulous game-day experience.
• Helping put a highly competitive team on the field while keeping the club engaged with the community.
• Encouraging kids and families to live fit and healthy lifestyles.
• Teaching soccer skills to the next generation through youth camps and clinics.

Well, that's your Empire Strykers front office staff, and we're excited to help you get to know them through a series of interviews about their role with the club, their passion for sports, and what it's like working behind the scenes for the Empire Strykers.

Getting to Know RJ Massro

Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never see coming.

For RJ Massro, his journey with the Empire Strykers didn't begin behind a camera or creating marketing campaigns—it began behind the DJ booth.

Now entering his fourth season with the organization, RJ has become an integral part of the club's Media & Marketing department, helping tell the Empire Strykers story through digital content, marketing campaigns, community events, website articles, newsletters, and fan engagement initiatives. But his path to the front office wasn't one he originally planned.

"I've been an athlete for as long as I can remember, but I actually found my way into this career somewhat unexpectedly," RJ said.

During his first season with the Empire Strykers, RJ served as the team's in-game DJ. When an internship opportunity became available within the Media & Marketing department, he decided to take a chance.

"I initially focused on social media and content creation, but before long I was thrown into the marketing side of the business as well," he explained. "It was definitely a trial-by-fire experience, but I embraced the challenge, learned as much as I could, and was fortunate enough to be hired shortly after completing my internship."

Looking back, he credits that willingness to step outside his comfort zone for launching a career that has become far more rewarding than he ever imagined.

Today, no two days look the same.

"As part of a smaller front office team, I wear many different hats," RJ said. "A typical day is fast-paced and filled with planning and execution, from content creation, website updates, social media management, and newsletter development to coordinating media and promotional efforts."

On game days, his responsibilities shift into another gear.

One of his biggest priorities is coordinating the club's photographers, videographers, and content team to ensure every memorable moment is captured for fans.

"Whether I'm coordinating the team or shooting content myself, the goal is always the same: create engaging content that keeps our fans connected to the Empire Strykers throughout the season and beyond."

While creating content is a major part of the role, it's the people that make the job special.

"The atmosphere here is truly incredible," RJ said. "Having the opportunity to work so closely with both the front office and the players is something I don't take for granted."

One experience, in particular, still feels surreal.

"It's been especially exciting to work closely with Marco Fabián," he said. "Growing up watching him compete at the highest level and even using his card in FIFA, you never imagine that one day you'll be working alongside him and getting to know him as a person."

When asked about his favorite memories with the club, RJ admitted it was difficult to choose just one.

Victories over the rival San Diego Sockers rank near the top, but one moment stands above the rest.

"Winning our first playoff game on our home turf was especially rewarding," he said. "Seeing the hard work of the players, staff, and front office come together in front of our fans made it one of the highlights of my time with the Empire Strykers."

Inside the front office, RJ says the culture is built on relationships.

"We're truly like a family."

Working in a smaller organization means everyone works closely together, celebrates successes together, and supports one another through every challenge.

That same family atmosphere extends beyond Toyota Arena and into communities across the Inland Empire.

"The community aspect of what we do is one of the most meaningful parts of my job," RJ explained. "Sports have had a tremendous impact on my life, and I know firsthand how much of a difference positive role models and opportunities can make for young people."

Whether visiting schools, hosting free clinics, supporting local events, or partnering with organizations throughout the region, RJ believes the Empire Strykers are about much more than soccer.

"One thing that makes our organization unique is the accessibility of our players," he said. "Kids and families are able to build genuine relationships with professional athletes, and seeing those connections develop reminds me why these efforts matter so much."

Fans may see an exciting game-day experience, but RJ says there's far more happening than meets the eye.

"I think most people would be surprised by just how much work goes on behind the scenes," he said. "Everything may appear seamless, but that's only because there's a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the curtain to make it happen."

Looking toward the future, RJ is excited about more than just the continued growth of the Empire Strykers.

"Our goal extends beyond simply growing the club," he said. "We want to help elevate the MASL and indoor soccer as a whole, bringing more attention to the sport and showcasing everything it has to offer."

Still, one goal remains at the top of his list.

"Bringing a championship home to the Inland Empire."

Before wrapping up, RJ wanted to leave one final message for the fans.

"We are incredibly grateful for your support. The passion and energy of our fans are what make everything we do worthwhile. We're building something special here, and this is only the beginning. Our goal is simple: bring a championship home to the Inland Empire, and we can't wait to share that journey with all of you."

So now you've gotten to know RJ Massro a little better. The next time you see him at a clinic, community event, or an Empire Strykers game, be sure to say hello!

For everything Empire Strykers—including season tickets, single-game tickets, official fan gear, the latest Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) news, and everything related to indoor soccer in the Inland Empire—visit www.theempirestrykers.com.

And don't forget to tune in to Soccer in 60 every Thursday afternoon on KMET 1490 ABC News & Sports Radio Inland Empire, where hosts J.R. and Tim bring you the latest news and stories from around the soccer world.