SportsField Management October 2021 | Page 36

PROFILE
������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������� ���������������������������� see representation of themselves . If you open a magazine or turn on the TV or go on social media and see women in that role , that ’ s what it takes . I think we overthink it sometimes . I would love to see a women ’ s crew at the World Cup and other major events . That type of coverage in media is what is going to do it . It ’ s representation ; that is what it comes down to . You want to see someone you connect with doing a job that you might find interesting .
It also helps when people physically meet turf managers – whatever gender they are . This industry is so down to earth , and so friendly and helpful – those human interactions and heartfelt connections that we make with each other are so important . Young people want to feel those connections . Once we get them interested in our industry , we can keep them .
SFM : Who were your mentors in the industry , or who has impacted your career the most ?
Sherratt : Martyn Jones , head of turf at Myerscough College , was the ultimate servant leader and my first mentor . He brought me on at 20 years old . He encouraged me to do my part-time bachelor ’ s degree , and he let me take days off to take classes . He supported me when I wanted to do a sabbatical at Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland in the summer of 1995 , and he sent me to America for the summer of 1998 to develop my skill set . I came back from America to announce that I was leaving , and he was happy for me . He encouraged me to do it . He could have said , “ You just took six weeks to go to America , and now you are going to leave me high and dry ?” But he didn ’ t . Martyn always put people first , and he wanted what was best for the people who worked for him and with him .
I wouldn ’ t be in America if it weren ’ t for Mike O ’ Keef-
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