SOCIAL MEDIA

By Robert Augsdorfer

Social media can be a challenge for those who don ’ t understand it or take the time to utilize it properly . But it can be a blessing for sports field managers who use it to their advantage when recruiting new employees or interns , showing off their fields and their work , or embracing it as a tool for networking with other industry professionals .

“ Visibility matters . What that means is how social media — or just your physical visibility presence within your community — can really impact your day-to-day on the job ,” said Meg Kruger , content marketing lead with Pioneer Athletics . “ So , being present and being visible in the industry and in your community can help not only you and your career , but your crew and how you interact with your user groups .”

Kruger has been at the forefront of social media for sports field managers ( SFMs ), and runs the social media accounts for both Pioneer Athletics and the Women In Turf Team . Kruger also presented on how to build your brand using social media at the 2024 SFMA Conference in Daytona Beach . She compares social media to a living , breathing portfolio .

According to Kruger , social media can be a catalog for your achievements or those of your crew , and how that allows you to share stories and network with other field managers from throughout the country .

Leah Withrow , head groundskeeper for the Reno Aces ( Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks ), is one of the most recognized sports field managers at the forefront of branding via social media . Withrow spoke on the topic of social media during the 2024 SFMA Conference .

“ I really use social media as a digital resume ,” Withrow said during a panel discussion on the future of sports field management . “ If a future employer wants to know what my skills are , they can check my Twitter and see that I know how to edge a field , paint a field , spray a field . Whatever they need to know , I put it out there . On the flip side of that , whatever you put out

24 SportsField Management | May 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com