EMU names Alexys Granata Director of Football Operations – eighth female to hold such a position

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University Head Football Coach, Chris Creighton, announced today, Aug. 24, that Alexys Granata will serve as the team’s Director of Football Operations. Granata joins the program following a stint as the team operations intern with the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In her new role, Granata will oversee the day-to-day operational needs of the EMU football program, assisting with travel coordination, logistics, and other team needs.

In accepting the role, Granata becomes just the eighth female across NCAA Division I FBS programs to hold a full-time director of operations title. Other schools on the list include Temple University, the University of Notre Dame, Texas Christian University, Kansas State University, the University of Maryland, Bowling Green State University, and Florida Atlantic University.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the staff at Eastern Michigan University,” said Granata. “I want to thank Coach Creighton and Jeff Collett for the opportunity to join this amazing program. I am thrilled to have the chance to help the football team, coaches, and support staff in any way possible as we work towards a Mid-American Conference Championship!”

Granata arrives in Ypsilanti following an internship with the Buccaneers that saw her gain operations experience at the professional level. While with the Buccaneers, she worked closely with the full-time operations staff to help plan and execute strategy to accomplish the day-to-day objectives and needs of the organization.

Prior to her time in the Sunshine State, Granata spent time working with the football program at the University of Notre Dame, in multiple roles. She began her stint with the Fighting Irish as a student equipment manager between 2018-21. Following her time with equipment, she transitioned to a role as a student operations manager for the 2021 campaign, a position she held until spring of this year.

A Lapeer, Mich. native, Granata earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s College in 2022. Her father, Rick, was a two-time letterwinner as a member of the EMU football program between 1994-95, while her mother, Ericka, was a member of the EMU cheer team during the same era.