Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, James Woolsey saw firsthand how Fresno State brings people together through athletics, and that connection is what continues to drive his work today.

Now in his sixth year with Fresno State Athletics and eighth year working in the Fresno sports community, James takes pride in building genuine relationships with donors, campus partners, and athletics programs to help create meaningful opportunities for Bulldog student-athletes.

A graduate of Clovis North High School, James began his career with Clovis Unified School District and later spent several seasons with the Fresno Grizzlies (MiLB) and Fresno FC, gaining valuable experience in sports operations, fan engagement, and community outreach.

James joined Fresno State Athletics as a student, serving as a manager for Men’s Basketball while completing his undergraduate degree. He was part of the program’s first postseason team in more than a decade, highlighted by a championship run at The Basketball Classic. He later worked with Fresno State Football during the 2022 season as an equipment manager, contributing to a Mountain West Conference Championship and a victory in the LA Bowl. He was later promoted to Assistant to the Director of Football Operations, where he continued supporting daily operations and the overall student-athlete experience.

Today, James serves as Development Coordinator for the Bulldog Foundation. In this role, he helps support fundraising efforts, donor engagement, events, and stewardship programs that keep Bulldog supporters connected to the difference they are making. His work focuses on building strong relationships, recognizing generosity, and helping ensure donor support directly benefits student-athletes and athletic programs. James is also a familiar face on Bulldog Foundation social media, hosting the popular “Red Friday” video series, which has generated nearly 500,000 views. The fun and energy behind the series even earned him a cartoon feature as his “Mr. Red Friday” character on the cover of Fresno State Magazine.

James is a two-time Fresno State graduate, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Administration, along with a certificate in Sports and Entertainment Facilities Management.

Outside of work, James enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He is actively involved in his church and values giving back to the San Joaquin Valley. For James, helping donors see the difference they make for Fresno State student-athletes is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.