PROFILE
Roesslein : There have been several incredible moments over the years — being elected to serve on the STMA Board of Directors , being chosen for Field of the Year , getting to be a part of the Women ’ s Turfgrass Team at the 2021 US Women ’ s Open golf championship , and having the opportunity to work two different MLB All-Star games . The things I ’ m most proud of are more behind the scenes – connecting people with resources to help further their goals ; connections I ’ ve built over the years with colleagues , coaches , administrators and game workers ; getting a phone call to help with a project or an issue ; supporting friends in the industry ; and hearing an athlete say , “ Wow , that ’ s real grass ?” when they come to our stadium for the first time .
Open was a wonderful opportunity to open some minds just by doing the work together , side by side . The full-time crew was all guys , many of whom had never worked with a female before . Volunteers were paired with a full-time crewmember on all aspects of course maintenance during the week . Initially we were treated very gently ; for example , jumping in and out of the back of utility vehicles to get to our assignments was almost like we were breaking the rules . Each volunteer was willing to do whatever needed to happen in order to get the work done and produce a golf course worthy of hosting the Women ’ s Open championship . Once we were all moving toward the same goal , with each person contributing , it made the team successful regardless of gender .
SFM : You and I corresponded earlier this year regarding Devon Carroll ’ s article / research regarding women in the turfgrass industry . How has the industry changed for women over the years ? What changes still need to take place ? And what needs to happen to get more women interested in careers in this industry ?
Roesslein : First , I ’ m thankful to Devon for starting this research . I think it shines a light on the kind of positive impact women can have on this industry . I think more visibility has led to a slow increase in the percentage of women in the industry , and hopefully that will continue ! Representation for everyone will help open the door to more interest in sports field management careers — it ’ s a really cool job . I often say that I have the best office . However , generally , people still really don ’ t understand what it is we do . Communicating to the public more about what it takes to produce a great sports field , and telling our stories to new audiences , will help too . Working on the golf course maintenance crew at the U . S . Women ’ s
SFM : You are a longtime member of STMA ; you have served on several STMA committees ; and you currently serve on the STMA Board of Directors . How has your career benefitted from being involved with STMA ? And what is your advice to other sports field managers regarding the value of being involved and giving back to the industry though service ?
Roesslein : I have been an STMA member since 2002 . Membership in the association provides so many opportunities for growth , both personal and professional ! Involvement in committees and board service has really given me the chance to meet and connect with other members on an entirely new level . Working together to strengthen the association , bring new ideas forward and hopefully improve the future of our industry is incredibly rewarding . Volunteering is something that always gives you more in return than you can ever give out . I ’ ve made lasting friendships , shared countless laughs , been challenged in ways I wouldn ’ t have in my daily responsibilities ,
34 SportsField Management | November 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com