PROFILE
“ When I first started in the industry , there was an underlying theme that if nobody knew your name , you were doing your job properly , because there were no issues , and they didn ’ t have to come find you ,” said new Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) President Sun Roesslein , CSFM . “ But now , with the growth in public focus on field safety , it ’ s important as field managers that we are able to step up and let people know that we put a lot of work into this ; there is a lot of research and science that goes into turfgrass management ; and it doesn ’ t just magically exist so that you can come in to play a game .”
As Sports Stadium Manager at the North Area Athletic Complex ( NAAC ), Jeffco Public Schools , Golden , Colo ., Roesslein deals with that issue a lot because her facility is off site from the individual schools in the district . Roesslein and co-manager Christi Clay , CSFM , are responsible for overseeing and maintaining the football and soccer stadiums at the NAAC , which serve as home field for six of the high schools in the Jefferson County School District .
According to Roesslein , teams and parents typically don ’ t see the work that goes into preparing a safe playing surface . As a result , it ’ s important to advocate for the work that goes into the field and understand what owners , managers , athletic directors and others need to know .
“ It ’ s about being an advocate , speaking out , making sure people know who you are and what you do , and the science and research that goes into everything you do ,” said Roesslein . “ It ’ s not just showing up and mowing the grass . There is so much more that goes into what we do , that really needs a qualified expert who is knowledgeable and is continuing to educate themselves .”
As SFMA President , Roesslein looks forward to helping other sports field managers put their best foot forward . Whether it is on SFMA committees , the SFMA Board of Directors or other industry service , Roesslein has been instrumental in promoting the sports field management industry and its members , and has especially been an example to women in the profession .
She has been involved with task groups and panels promoting women in turf , and has been part of the inaugural all-female grounds crew at the Little League Softball World Series , as well as the all-female crew at the U . S . Women ’ s open .
Roesslein said she hopes women know that sports field management is a wonderful career option . “ It makes me so happy to see young women involved , excited , interested and opening the door a bit for the next people to come through and push the door open
Two-time Olympic gold medal softball player , ISA softball hall of fame honoree and current ESPN commentator , Michele Smith , on the scoop shovel . Said Roesslein , “ I grew up watching her dominate the game I loved to play . This was a very cool moment for me !”
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2023 | SportsField Management
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