When opportunity calls, Tyler Carney doesn’t hesitate to answer — even if it means stepping way outside his comfort zone. From his college days at Morningside University to his new role with the Phoenix Suns, the 2021 graduate has learned to thrive where challenges shine brightest. 

Carney recently began his new role with the NBA franchise in Arizona as an account executive. It’s the second major-league organization he’s worked for after spending nearly two full years with Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer. 

“I feel super lucky and blessed to be here,” Carney said. “Being able to work for a great organization like the Suns is awesome. I always envisioned myself either playing in the NBA or working in some sort of fashion in the league — I’m just blessed to be a part of it. 

“My goal is to give people the best experience possible — whether that’s family time, networking — I want the Suns to be a great option.” 

Sports have been part of Carney’s life since boyhood. He ran track and field for Ames High School and comes from a family of runners. It was also sports that first brought him to Morningside. A track and field recruit, Carney quickly learned how good of a coach Dave Nash was during the recruiting process. 

“I wanted to come to Morningside not only to be coached by Coach Nash but to be mentored by him,” Carney said. “He cared not just about running, but about life and growing as a person, too. Coach Nash made a really great first impression on me.” 

While Carney was an All-American in the 4×800 relay and an All-GPAC runner in the 800 meters, another comfort-zone moment came when Nash asked him to run cross country. As a sprinter, Carney wasn’t familiar with the sport, but he trusted his coach and ran in the fall for the Mustangs. 

Carney also reflected highly on his academic experience. He graduated with majors in business administration and mass communication, plus a minor in sports management. Through those programs, he said exploring what was available to him helped him see a future in sports management. 

“It gave me the ability to be more creative with myself and to see more opportunities for my future,” he said. “The professors believed in me and gave me chances to get out and do hands-on stuff.” 

One of those opportunities came with the Sioux City Musketeers, where Carney interned during their 2021-22 Clark Cup championship season. 

“There were so many things I got to do,” he said. “Being able to go there, have flexibility, and wear multiple hats prepared me for where I’m at now.” 

For Carney, it’s proof that the lessons learned at Morningside still travel well beyond Sioux City.