by Bailey White
Staff Writer
After six years as the receptionist for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Angela Means has become even more involved with the team.
Following a recent promotion, Means now serves as the secretary for the team’s trainers. She spends part of her day helping them organize spreadsheets, checklists and stacks of mail, while maintaining her status at the front desk.
One of her new duties is overseeing the travel trunks, making sure that the team has enough first aid supplies to cover any injuries that occur during the course of a game.
“I sort everything into neat little compartments; bandages, tape, that kind of thing,” said Means.
In the afternoon, Means resumes her receptionist activities. Handling all telephone calls that come her way, greeting visitors and filling in wherever she’s needed, Means has perfected the art of multi-tasking.
Means joined the team in 1996, the first year the Jaguars reached the playoffs.
“It was really crazy the first year . . . exciting, that’s the best word for it,” she said.
But for Means, there are few quiet moments at Alltel Stadium.
“I’m on the phone a lot, directing people, listening to them,” said Means, adding her main role is serving as a link between the public and the team. “I’m the first person they come in contact with, whether at the office or on the phone and I can connect them with who they need to be connected with.
“I feel like I’m more of a customer service specialist. The job is all about communicating with the public and I feel like my job is important.”
The interaction with the public is Means’ favorite part of the job.
“I love working with people and helping them by supplying information,” she said. “I talk with so many different personalities. I have to adjust myself to them without letting them change my mood.”
And for fans wanting an autograph from their favorite player, Means has the answer.
“We have people calling with specific questions about the Jaguars’ team members; I can only give them a player’s number and position. And autographs, everyone wants an autograph,” said Means, noting she suggests they wait for players to leave the stadium at the end of the workday. “They’re very good about pleasing their fans.”
Not surprisingly, Means is a Jaguars fan.
“I love them all and want them all to do well,” she says of the players.
Because she works every other game day, she is able to attend about half of the home games. Game days are hectic, but she looks forward to the excitement they bring.
“There is a lot of preparation involved, making sure I’m aware of everything that’s going on around me. But again, what I love most is helping people with all the questions that they bring.”
Her husband Timothy, a correctional officer, often accompanies her to home games. In their spare time, they enjoy spending time with their daughter Tangela, who is almost four.
As for the future, Means has no plans to leave the team.
“I see myself here for a while. I am looking forward to my 10-year anniversary,” she said.